Guwahati: Popular singer from Assam and youth heartthrob Zubeen Garg died while scuba diving in Singapore on Friday, organisers of a festival in the Southeast Asian country said. He was 52, and is survived by his wife.

Garg sustained injuries during scuba diving, and was rushed to a hospital, where he died at the intensive care unit while undergoing treatment.

Zubeen had travelled to Singapore for the North East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform later today. News of his untimely death has left fans and the Assamese community in shock, creating a profound loss for India’s music fraternity.

Known as the cultural icon of Assam, Zubeen Garg was not just a singer but also a composer, music director, actor, and filmmaker. With a career spanning over three decades, he lent his voice to thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and several other Indian languages.

His versatility and ability to bridge regional and mainstream music earned him immense popularity and respect. From the romantic ballad “Ya Ali,” which catapulted him to pan-India fame, to countless Assamese hits that defined the soundtrack of the region for decades, Garg’s contribution to music was unparalleled.

He also played a key role in promoting Assamese culture and the identity of the Northeast on the national stage.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound grief over the passing of Zubeen Garg, calling him Assam’s “favourite rockstar”. He said Zubeen’s music, generosity, and cultural legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Taking to X, (formerly Twitter) Sarma wrote, “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”. 

He continuted, “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. Beyond his music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered.”

He concluded with, “I will greatly cherish all my interactions with him. That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words! I grieve with my fellow citizens on the passing away of Zubeen. Rest well, Zubeen! You will always be Assam's favourite rockstar.”

Former Rajya Sabha MP, Ripu Bora expressed his grief on X, writing, “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”

Ashok Singhal, the Cabinet Minister of Assam for Health and Family Welfare and Irrigation, expressed his grief over Zubeen Garg's death. He took to X and wrote, “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.”

He added, “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”.

(with inputs from PTI)