Zubeen Garg, 52, of “Ya Ali,” passes away in a scuba diving mishap.

Zubeen Garg, a well-known singer and lyricist from India, died Friday at the age of 52 after a terrible scuba diving accident in Singapore.

Known as the “immortal voice” of Assam, Garg’s sudden passing has shocked leaders, singers, and admirers nationwide.

Singapore’s scuba diving catastrophe
The incident happened while Garg was scuba diving in Singapore, where he had gone to perform on September 20 and 21 at the North East India Festival at Suntec, according to media sources. After the accident, he was sent to the hospital right away, but doctors were unable to rescue him.

A terrible catastrophe resulted from what was supposed to be a moment of relaxation. On social media, the artist personally welcomed his followers to his show, promising a free admission evening full of Bengali, Assamese, and Hindi music.

The country laments the loss.
In his sympathy message, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma referred to Zubeen Garg as a “immortal voice” whose impact on Assamese music and culture would never be surpassed.

“Goodbye Zubeen,” actor Adil Hussain wrote, expressing his “devastation and shock” at the tragedy. Until we cross paths again. Continue to sing with your lovely voice and bring joy to God.

Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his astonishment at the “sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg” in a message posted on his official X account.

“His significant contribution to music will live on in memory. People from all walks of life were huge fans of his versions. His admirers and family have our deepest sympathies. “Om Shanti,” Modi wrote on Twitter.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, also sent his condolences.

Renowned music composer Pritam, who worked with Garg on the classic Bollywood hit song “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film Gangster, said he was still digesting the devastating news. “Your music will echo in our hearts forever,” singer Jubin Nautiyal wrote in an attempt to express his sorrow. A genuine talent lost far too soon.

Zubeen Garg left behind a musical legacy that endures. His love of music was fostered from an early age, and his career started at the age of three. His 1992 Assamese debut album Anamika was an immediate hit, and more well-known albums like Maya, Zubeenor Gaan, Xabda, Pakhi, Shishu, and Jantra followed.

Later, he established himself in Bollywood by providing the voice of characters in movies like “Dil Se,” “Asoka,” “Kaante,” “Fiza,” “Vaastav,” “Krissh 3,” and others. However, it was Ya Ali who made him a household name throughout India and solidified his status as a national music hero.

Northeast India’s cultural identity and spirit were portrayed in Garg’s songs. His voice was more than just music to many; it was a part of their legacy.

Individual life
Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen’s wife, wrote him a letter after listening to his albums Anamika and Maya, which marked the beginning of their romance. Garima was experiencing homesickness while studying in Bombay at the time. Despite her father’s initial opposition, their relationship swiftly deepened and they were married.

An era’s end
A great era in Indian and Assamese music came to an end with Zubeen Garg’s untimely demise. In addition to paying homage to his voice, fans and admirers from all around the world are also remembering the feelings and memories it evoked.