Assamese Icon Zubeen Garg Dies in Tragic Accident at 52

Zubeen Garg Dies at 52; Fans and Celebrities Flood Social Media With Tributes

Singapore/Guwahati, September 19, 2025 — The Indian music industry is in shock following the sudden death of Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg, who passed away in an unfortunate accident in Singapore. Zubeen Garg, 52, was in the city to headline the North East India Festival, an event he had excitedly promoted just hours before his untimely demise.

Zubeen Garg faced several notable health issues in the recent past before his sudden death. In May 2025, he was rushed to a hospital in Guwahati after experiencing chest pain and nausea during the premiere of an Assamese film. Medical teams attended to him for his cardiac symptoms, which received widespread attention in the local press.

Earlier, in 2022, Zubeen Garg suffered a head injury after falling in the bathroom of a resort in Dibrugarh, Assam. He was initially stabilized at a local hospital but was later airlifted to Guwahati for further advanced treatment. At the time, doctors reported he had an epileptic fit and received stitches on his head, with his condition eventually returning to stable.

According to festival representatives, Garg faced severe breathing difficulties while scuba diving and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital after receiving immediate CPR at the scene. Despite all efforts, he was declared dead at around 2:30 pm IST.

The 2025 edition of the North East India Festival, held from 19–21 September at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, was a landmark celebration of Northeast India’s culture, tourism, trade, and diplomacy. The event’s highlights included folk and modern dance performances, live music, a trade and tourism fair, B2B meetings, and fashion shows showcasing top talent from the region. Zubeen Garg was scheduled to headline the festival’s musical lineup, reinforcing his role as a cultural bridge between Assam and the world.

His last Instagram video, now widely shared and mourned, was a personal invitation to his fans to the North East India Festival:

“Hi, my friends from Singapore, I will like to invite you to the 4th North East India Festival… I’ll be performing, talking to you, and be there with you. Thank you and love you, Singapore.”

Zubeen Garg was much more than a singer; he was a cultural institution. With a discography spanning over 38,000 songs in more than 40 languages, including iconic Bollywood tracks like “Ya Ali,” his influence extended across India. Garg was also a multi-instrumentalist, composer, lyricist, and renowned philanthropist; a true ambassador for Assamese identity and India’s artistic diversity.

He was the recipient of the National Award for Best Music Direction (for the non-feature film “Echoes of Silence”), and he won numerous other accolades both in Assamese and Hindi cinema. Known for his proficiency in a dozen musical instruments, Garg also worked as a lyricist, composer, producer, and film director. His ability to blend folk and contemporary musical forms established him as Assam’s highest-paid and most influential musician for decades.

He received iconic music awards for his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali,” including the Global Indian Film Award and Stardust Award in 2006.

In addition to musical awards, he received numerous honors for his contributions to Assamese cinema, including the Prag Cine Awards for Best Singer, Best Actor, and Best Music Direction for the film “Ratnakar”.

The sudden demise of one of Assam’s most cherished voices sparked an outpouring of grief on social media.

• Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi:
  “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.
• Assam Chief Minister Sri Himanta Biswa Sarma: Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at 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. That magical voice has forever gone silent.
• Cabinet Minister Sri Sarbananda Sonowal: It was with profound grief that I spoke with Dr. Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, who confirmed the tragic news of the passing of our beloved Zubeen Garg. This is an irreparable loss for Assam, our nation, and the entire world of music. Zubeen Garg was the heartbeat of a generation and his voice was a powerful symbol of pride for millions. In this moment of overwhelming sorrow, I stand in solidarity with the people of Assam. My heartfelt condolences with his family, friends and admirers, and prayers for the eternal peace of his soul. Om Shanti.
• Assam Cabinet Minister Sri Ashok Singhal: 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.

Celebrities also mourned deeply:

• Shaan: “Zubin is truely a King!! Lived on his own terms. Left on his own terms. Once again I realised how I haven’t kept in touch with such a darling friend, such a warm, uncomplicated, pure hearted gentle soul…and regretting why I didn’t call him every time I thought about him…have so many crazy memories together but all from a very very long time ago…guess will meet him in another dimension someday..Cheers Brother.”
• Papon: “This is so shocking! The voice of a generation! Gone too soon. At a loss of words! Lost a friend. Lost a brother. A big void. Praying for a peaceful journey of his soul.”
• Pritam: “Zubeen Garg losing his life in an accident is just the most terrible and saddest news. Still trying to come to terms with it. My deepest condolences to Garima and his family. Om Shanti.”
• Armaan Malik: “I am devastated and in disbelief. May his soul rest in peace.. #ZubeenGarg”
• Vishal Dadlani: “My brain is in shock, my heart is shattered! #ZubeenGarg has left a void I don’t think anyone else can ever fill… If anyone really LIVED Rock and Roll, it was Zubeen.”
• Adil Hussain: “Devastated and shocked by the news… His contribution to Assamese music and culture is extraordinary… He will live amongst us through his songs.”
• Jubin Nautiyal (Singer): “Your music will echo in our hearts forever, a true talent gone too soon. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family. Shiv shiv shiv.”
• Badshah (Rap Artist): “Never met him. Heard his songs. Heard his stories. Never knew it would hurt so much. Rest in peace.”

Fans flooded social media with tributes such as: Zubeen’s music “spoke directly to our minds and souls” and that his “legacy will inspire generations.”

• “You will always be alive in our hearts. Can’t believe I was just listening to your song when I heard the news. May your soul rest in peace.”
• “Rest easy, Zubeen da, we will miss you.”

Zubeen Garg’s passing leaves a void in Indian culture; his music, spirit, and activism will remain an inspiration for generations. He is survived by his wife, Garima, and his music, which will echo well beyond his years.

Arrangements are being made to bring his body back to Assam for a state funeral.

The team @ rupaliparda.com is deeply saddened by the loss of the legend – Zubeen Garg. His music touched countless hearts and he will be remembered for generations. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans.