GUWAHATI, SEPTEMBER 19: Assam and the Indian music fraternity were plunged into grief on Friday after the sudden and tragic demise of Zubeen Garg, one of the most celebrated voices of the region. The 52-year-old singer, composer, and cultural icon, who had captured the hearts of millions across generations, died in Singapore following a scuba diving accident.
Garg, who had travelled to the island nation to participate in the prestigious three-day North East Festival, sustained critical injuries while diving. Despite being administered CPR at the spot and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, he passed away in the intensive care unit around 2:30 pm IST. He is survived by his wife. Festival organisers, in a sombre statement, confirmed the heartbreaking news, noting that every effort to save him had failed.
The news of Garg’s passing triggered an outpouring of grief across Assam, where his music was more than entertainment—it was identity, culture, and collective emotion. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, visibly shaken, said he was informed of the tragedy by Union MoS for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita. “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. His departure has left a void that can never be filled,” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister immediately cancelled all BJP election campaigns for the day in the Bodoland Territorial Region and announced his return to Guwahati. He recalled Zubeen not just as an artist but as a man who deeply cared for people, often lending his voice to social causes. “That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words,” he said.
Union Ministers also mourned the loss. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Garg’s death was an “irreparable loss for the state, the nation, and the world of music,” calling him “the heartbeat of a generation.” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described him as a “magical voice and versatile personality” whose evergreen songs would continue to inspire future artists.
From the Opposition, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi termed Garg “the pride of every Assamese.” In an emotional statement, he said: “I am speechless. This is not just a loss for Assam but for the entire world of music. Zubeen da was a personal inspiration to every Assamese household. His departure is unbearable.” The Congress too suspended all BTC poll campaigns as a mark of respect.
Tributes poured in from across the spectrum. State Minister Ashok Singhal said Assam had lost not just a voice but a heartbeat, while veteran leader Ripun Bora said his music and indomitable spirit inspired generations. Noted actor Adil Hussain, hailing from Assam, remembered Garg with fondness, writing: “Keep singing with your beautiful voice and make gods happy… Goodbye Zubeen, until we meet on the other side.”
Football club North East United FC, with which Zubeen often associated himself, also mourned his loss, saying: “Assam has lost its heartthrob. His music will forever echo in our hearts.”
Zubeen Garg’s legacy extends far beyond his popular hits in Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali cinema. Known for his versatility, he sang in over 20 languages, blending folk, modern, and classical traditions to craft a unique musical identity. But beyond the stage, he was deeply connected with the people—his songs gave voice to their joy, sorrow, and resilience. For the youth, he was more than a singer; he was a cultural phenomenon, a voice that bound Assam to the rest of India while preserving its distinct heritage.
His sudden passing in the prime of his creativity has left a vacuum that will take decades, if not longer, to fill. Yet his works—his voice immortalised in thousands of songs will continue to echo in every household and inspire generations of musicians to come. For Assam, Zubeen Garg was not just a musician but a symbol of identity, pride, and cultural vitality. His departure, as many said today, feels like the silencing of the state’s very heartbeat.