Celebrated singer and cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, known as the voice of Assam and for his chart-topping Bollywood hit ‘Ya Ali,’ passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Singapore at the age of 52.
According to reports from his event manager and his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen’s passing was the result of a tragic accident while swimming on a yacht trip. Conflicting reports initially suggested he was scuba diving, but his wife clarified that he suffered a seizure while swimming without a life jacket. He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital but could not be revived.
More about Zubeen Garg
Born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, his musical journey began at a young age. He was a multi-instrumentalist, mastering instruments such as the dhol, guitar, and keyboard. His debut album, ‘Anamika’, released in 1992, instantly made him a star in the Assamese music scene. Over the course of his career, he went on to record over 35,000 songs in more than 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali.
While he was a regional superstar, his unique voice captivated a national audience with the soulful track ‘Ya Ali’ from the 2006 film ‘Gangster’. The song became an instant sensation and earned him a Filmfare Award. Despite his national fame, Zubeen remained deeply connected to his Assamese roots, using his music as a medium to promote and preserve the culture of his home state. He was also a passionate activist, lending his voice to various social and political causes, including environmental conservation and human rights. His outspoken nature and unwavering commitment to his beliefs earned him both respect and controversy.
Beyond music, Zubeen ventured into filmmaking, directing and producing films that were critically acclaimed, including the film ‘Dinabandhu’, for which he received a National Award. His life and work were an inspiration to many, and his legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one artist can have on a culture and a nation. As the people of Assam prepare to receive his mortal remains and pay their final respects, the world remembers a true musical legend whose magical voice will forever echo in the hearts of his fans.
More about his death investigation
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday (September 20, 2025) announced a probe into the death of beloved singer-composer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on Friday. The Chief Minister stated that multiple FIRs had been filed against Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the North East India Festival in Singapore, and Garg’s manager Siddharth Sarma. He has directed the Director General of Police to transfer all FIRs to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and consolidate them into a single case for a thorough investigation.
Garg, who was scheduled to perform at the festival, was found floating in the sea after a private yacht party. According to the Chief Minister, citing information from the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Garg had been swimming without a life jacket despite being urged to wear one by the yacht’s crew. He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead.
The singer’s mortal remains, after a completed post-mortem, are being handed over to his accompanying team. The Chief Minister is set to receive the body at Delhi airport and arrange for its return to Guwahati for public tribute at the multi-sport Sarusajai Stadium before being taken to his residence. The Chief Minister stressed that his government will work with Singaporean authorities to ensure all those who were with Garg are questioned to provide clarity on the final moments of his life.
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