India’s music fraternity is mourning the untimely death of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away on September 19, 2025, following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. The 52-year-old artist, best known for his soulful Bollywood hit ‘Ya Ali’ from the film Gangster, was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival scheduled for September 20–21.
Final Moments and Shocking Details
According to reports, Garg was taken on a yacht trip by members of the local Assamese community. During the outing, he jumped into the sea wearing a life jacket but later removed it, citing discomfort. Moments after re-entering the water without the jacket, he was found floating and unresponsive. Despite being rushed to Singapore General Hospital and receiving CPR, he was declared dead around 2:30 PM IST2.
A video of his final moments—showing him adjusting his gear and preparing to swim—has gone viral, adding to the emotional weight of the tragedy. Questions have emerged about whether Garg was fully aware of the scuba diving plan, with some reports suggesting he may have been taken without prior knowledge.
Nationwide Grief and Tributes
Zubeen Garg’s death has sent shockwaves across Assam and the broader Indian music community. Thousands of fans flooded the streets of Guwahati to pay their final respects as his mortal remains arrived from Delhi. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Garg “one of Assam’s favourite sons” and mourning the loss of a cultural icon3.
Legacy of a Musical Maverick
With a career spanning over three decades, Zubeen Garg recorded more than 38,000 songs in 40 languages and dialects, making him one of India’s most prolific and versatile artists. Beyond Bollywood, he was a towering figure in Assamese music and cinema, contributing as a singer, actor, composer, and director. His hits like Dil Tu Hi Bataa, Maahi Ve, and Jaane Kya Chahe Mann Bawra remain etched in the hearts of millions.
A Void That Cannot Be Filled
As fans continue to sing his songs in tribute and social media floods with condolences, one thing is clear: Zubeen Garg’s voice will echo far beyond his years. His passing leaves behind a void in India’s cultural landscape that will be hard to fill.