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Singer Zubeen Garg Dies In Scuba Diving Accident In Singapore

Celebrated Indian singer Zubeen Garg died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore

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Singer Zubeen Garg Dies In Scuba Diving Accident In Singapore
Zubeen Garg died at 52 in Singapore
  • Zubeen Garg died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore at age 52
  • He was attending the North East India Festival and was to perform there
  • Garg suffered breathing difficulties underwater and was given CPR, but could not be revived
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Celebrated Bollywood singer Zubeen Garg has died in a freak accident in Singapore while scuba diving. The 52-year-old Assamese singer was in Singapore for the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20 and 21.

Garg had breathing difficulties while scuba diving. He was rescued from sea and given CPR, but died at the Singapore General Hospital, where he was taken. Garg died around 2.30 pm India time.

Sources told NDTV, "He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, but had already lost his life before reaching there. Crew members attempted CPR at the scene, but their efforts failed. At 5.14 pm Singapore time, doctors at the hospital declared him dead. His body will now be sent for an autopsy."

NDTV learnt that the body of Zubeen Garg will be brought back to Assam either today or tomorrow.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, wrote on X that he was coordinating with the High Commission in Singapore to arrange for Zubeen Garg's body to be flown back to the country.

"I am in constant touch with the High Commissioner of India HE Dr Shilpak Ambule. We are coordinating to ensure beloved Zubeen's mortal remains return to Assam at the earliest. As soon as the process is firmed up, I will share an update," wrote Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A representative of the North East India Festival in Singapore told NDTV that while scuba diving, Garg had breathing difficulties.

"It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Zubeen Garg's passing. While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and 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," Anuj Kumar Boruah, the representative of North East India Festival told NDTV.

Zubeen Went Suba Diving Without Festival Organisers' Knowledge

In a post on Instagram, the North East Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta wrote, "With profound grief, we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved icon, Zubeen Garg, passed away today at Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 pm. Zubeen had arrived in Singapore just the day before yesterday. He was scheduled to be with us at the festival tomorrow, meeting and interacting with people. Earlier today, our entire team was engaged in a business meeting with senior Singaporean industrialists and policymakers at the Shangri-La Hotel to facilitate investments in Northeast India."

Mahanta wrote that Zubeen had gone scuba diving with "a few members of the local Assamese community" on a yacht visit, withou their knowledge.

"During the meeting, we received a call from Zubeen's manager informing us that he had met with an accident and had been rushed to Singapore General Hospital. We later learned that a few members of the local Assamese community had taken him on a yacht visit, of which we had no prior knowledge," wrote Mahanta.

"On receiving the news, our team rushed immediately to the hospital and has since been working closely with the High Commission to complete the necessary procedures. This is a monumental loss, and words cannot express the depth of our grief," he shared.

Mahanta also wrote that they were cancelling the event.

"In light of this tragedy, we are cancelling the event. We are devastated and pray for the departed soul of Zubeen Garg. Om Shanti."

A Celebrated Singer

Zubeen Garg was known for his work in films and music across industries. He sang in Assamese, Bengali and Hindi-language films. 

In 2022, Zubeen Garg sustained a minor head injury after he fell down and was unconscious at a resort in Dibrugarh. He was flown to Guwahati in an air ambulance for treatment at a private super speciality hospital.

The singer shot to fame with the song Ya Ali from the Emran Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut-starrer Gangster, followed by several hits including Dil Tu Hi Bataa from Krrish 3.

He also acted in and directed several films, among which Kanchanjunga, Mission China, Dinabandhu, Mon Jai were super hits.

Zubeen Garg's Last Post On Instagram

On September 16, Zubeen Garg posted a video on his Instagram account, announcing that he would be in Singapore for the 4th North East India Festival. 

"Friends in Singpore, I will like to invite you to 4th North East India Festival in Sunctec, Singapore during 20th and 21st September. Come and explore the exotic part of India, we are carrying quality agri, craft products, tea experience, dance forms, fashion shows and evening musical show presenting Rock bands, rappers from India's North East. I will be there throughout the Festival as Cultural Brand Ambassador and will perform on 20th evening with my popular Hindi, Bengali and Assamese Songs. I would like to invite you all, it will be Saturday and Sunday and entry is free. All come and support us. Cheers!" wrote Garg.

PM Modi Leads Tributes For Zubeen Garg

Condoling the death of Zubeen Garg, PM Narendra Modi wrote on X in Assamese and English, "Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also mourned the death of Zubeen in a post, calling it a "terrible tragedy".

"The passing of Zubeen Garg is a terrible tragedy. His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever," wrote Gandhi.

Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, shared in a post on X that he was "deeply shocked by the tragic demise of Zubeen Garg", along with a photo of him with Zubeen.

"Khelo India singer is no more! We have lost a magical voice and a versatile personality. I'm deeply shocked by the tragic demise of Zubeen Garg. His evergreen songs will inspire the talented artists for the generations to come. I pray for his departed soul," wrote Rijiju.

Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, wrote, "My thoughts and prayers are with the family, fans and people of Assam as they mourn the loss of Zubeen Garg, a musical icon. His melodies will forever echo in our hearts."

'Not An Age To Go'

Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed his condolences for Zubeen Garg, saying that he "has gone too early, this was not an age to go".

"Words themselves are speechless today. 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," wrote Sarma.

"Beyond his music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered. 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," wrote the Chief Minister.

Himanta Biswa Sarma also posted a video, captioned, "Today is a tragic day."

'Assam Has Lost Its Dearest Son'

Ashok Singhal, Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister, paid his tribute to "Zubeen da" on X.

"Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat," wrote Singhal.

"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," wrote Singhal.

Former Member of Parliament Ripun Bora wrote on X, "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."

Zubeen Garg is survived by his wife, fashion designer Garima Saikia Garg.

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