‘I am devastated...’: Armaan Malik expresses grief over Zubeen Garg’s passing

Mumbai/Assam: Singer and songwriter Armaan Malik expressed his shock and heartbreak over the untimely death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg on Friday.

“I am devastated and in disbelief. May his soul rest in peace...,” Malik wrote in X.

Garg, best known for the hit song 'Ya Ali' from the Bollywood film Gangster, passed away after a scuba diving accident in Singapore. According to a statement from the Northeast India Festival, Garg suffered breathing difficulties during the dive. “He was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared deceased in the ICU around 2:30 PM IST,” the statement said.

The news has sent shockwaves across India, with prominent figures mourning his loss.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am in a loss of words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early, this was not an age to go. Zubeen's voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam's culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come.”

Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal added, “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was more than a singer, he was the pride of Assam and the nation, whose songs carried our culture, our emotions, and our spirit to every corner of the world. In his music, generations found joy, solace, and identity. His passing leaves behind a void that can never be filled. Assam has lost its dearest son, and India has lost one of its finest cultural icons. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless fans. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire forever. Om Shanti.”

Former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora also expressed grief: “Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of our cultural icon Zubeen Garg. His voice, music, and indomitable spirit inspired generations across Assam and beyond. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fans, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Legend. #ZubeenGarg.”