Tragic End for ‘Ya Ali’ Icon: Zubeen Garg, 52, Succumbs to Scuba Diving Mishap in Singapore

Renowned Assamese singer, celebrated for his soul-stirring Bollywood hit and multilingual melodies, leaves behind a legacy of cultural pride amid a shocking underwater accident during a festival visit.

NewsArc Bureau

Guwahati/Singapore | September 19, 2025

In a heartbreaking turn of events that has stunned the music world, Zubeen Garg, the versatile Assamese powerhouse known for his chart-topping rendition of “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film *Gangster*, passed away on Friday following a scuba diving accident in Singapore. The 52-year-old artist, who was in the city as the cultural brand ambassador for the 4th North East India Festival, experienced severe breathing difficulties during the underwater adventure, leading to his untimely demise despite frantic rescue efforts.

According to a statement from festival representative Anuj Kumar Boruah, Garg was immediately pulled from the water by guards and administered CPR on the spot. He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where medical teams battled to stabilize him in the intensive care unit. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at around 2:30 PM IST, leaving organizers, fans, and fellow artists reeling from the loss.

Garg had arrived in Singapore earlier this week, eagerly promoting the event on social media just days before the incident. In a now-poignant Instagram video posted on September 16, he invited attendees to join him for performances featuring his beloved Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese tracks on September 20, emphasizing the free entry and festive spirit. “I will be there throughout the Festival… All come and support us. Cheers!” he had written, unaware it would be one of his final public messages.

Born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, Garg adopted his stage surname in the 1990s and quickly rose to prominence as a singer-songwriter in Assam’s vibrant music scene. His national breakthrough came with “Ya Ali,” the soulful Sufi track in the Emraan Hashmi-starrer *Gangster*, which not only catapulted him into Bollywood limelight but also earned him widespread acclaim for blending Eastern melodies with contemporary beats. Over his three-decade career, Garg lent his voice to over 40 languages and dialects, including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Bodo, Karbi, Khasi, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, and even Sanskrit and Sindhi—making him a true pan-Indian musical ambassador.

Beyond the recording studio, Garg was a multifaceted talent: he acted in Hindi and Assamese films, directed music videos, and composed scores that captured the essence of Northeast India’s folklore and emotions. Dubbed Assam’s highest-paid singer and the “voice of a generation,” he commanded stages with infectious energy, often infusing performances with social messages on environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and anti-corruption themes. Through his Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, he championed flood relief, education, and youth empowerment in Assam, notably donating during the 2021 COVID-19 crisis and organizing charity football matches for flood victims.

The news of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across social media and beyond. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, visibly shattered, posted on X: “Devastated and shocked by the news of Zubeen Garg’s sudden death in an accident in Singapore. I am so very sad… His contribution to Assamese music and culture is extraordinary… He will live amongst us through his songs… Dear Zubeen, I remember you with lots of love and fondness.” Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal echoed the sentiment, writing, “Our beloved Zubeen Garg’s untimely demise has left a profound sorrow. Assam has not only lost a voice but a heartbeat… His music brought joy, solace, and identity to generations. A void that can never be filled.”

Other tributes poured in from politicians like Ripun Bora, who called him a “cultural icon whose indomitable spirit inspired generations,” and fans worldwide who shared clips of his hits, from the peppy “Parijadiyo” to heartfelt Assamese ballads. Singapore authorities are investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting no foul play, though the exact cause of the breathing issue remains under medical review. Scuba diving, typically a thrilling and safe pursuit with proper gear like regulators, tanks, and buoyancy control devices, carries inherent risks—particularly for those with underlying cardiac conditions, which Garg reportedly did not have.

As the North East India Festival proceeds without its star performer, Garg’s absence casts a somber shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of regional heritage. His family has requested privacy, and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. In a career that bridged hearts across borders, Zubeen Garg’s melodies will endure, reminding us of the fragile beauty in every note.

NewsArc Bureau offers heartfelt condolences to Garg’s family, friends, and the Assamese community. His legacy—a symphony of sounds that echoed the soul of India—will resonate eternally.