Zubeen Garg’s untimely death leaves a significant void in the Assamese music landscape and beyond.
Assamese singer Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52 due to a scuba diving accident in Singapore on Friday. His death occurred while he was in the country to participate in the North East Festival, a three-day event that was set to commence on the same day. The news of his passing was shared by the festival organizers, who expressed their deep sorrow over the loss.
According to reports, Garg experienced breathing difficulties while scuba diving and was quickly provided CPR before being taken to Singapore General Hospital. He was pronounced dead at approximately 2:30 PM IST. Shyamkanu Mahanta, part of Garg’s management team for the festival, noted that he was with members of the local Assamese community who had taken him on a yacht at the time of the incident. Following the accident, his team acted promptly, heading to the hospital and coordinating with the High Commission to manage the necessary arrangements. In light of this tragic event, the festival has been canceled.
Zubeen Garg, born in 1972 in Meghalaya, was a prominent figure in the Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi music industries. He had an impressive repertoire, having sung in over 40 languages and dialects. His popularity soared in 2006 with the Hindi film Gangster, where he performed the song Ya Ali, which contributed to his nationwide recognition. His other notable Hindi songs include Subah Subah and Kya Raaz Hai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his condolences, stating that Garg would be remembered for his significant contributions to music. He noted that Garg’s renditions resonated with people from all walks of life, and he extended his sympathies to Garg’s family and fans.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, stating that Garg’s voice defined a generation. He described the singer’s passing as a terrible tragedy and acknowledged Garg’s remarkable talent and resilience. Gandhi highlighted how Garg overcame personal struggles to transform Assamese music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma referred to Garg as the state’s “favourite rockstar,” lamenting the loss of one of Assam’s cherished sons. Sarma emphasized that Garg’s music had the extraordinary ability to energize and connect with listeners, noting that his legacy would inspire future generations of artists. He remarked that Garg’s deep connection with people and his dedication to helping others would also be remembered fondly.
Fellow Assamese singer Papon expressed his grief on social media, referring to Garg as the “voice of a generation.” Papon conveyed his sense of loss, describing Garg as a friend and a brother, and acknowledged the significant void left by his passing. The collective mourning reflects the profound impact Zubeen Garg had on the music scene, marking an end of an era for many who cherished his work.
