Indian singer Zubeen Garg dies in scuba diving incident in Singapore
The popular 52-year-old singer from Assam died on Friday (Sep 19), a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival, which has since been cancelled. Tributes have come from various artists as well as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
(Photo: Instagram/zubeen.garg)
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Bollywood singer Zubeen Garg has died after an accident in Singapore on Friday (Sep 19), a day before he was scheduled to perform at the 4th edition of the North East India Festival. He was 52.
Multiple news outlets reported the singer and songwriter had gone scuba diving and experienced breathing difficulties. He was given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead in the intensive care unit.
Festival organisers have cancelled the event, which was slated to take place at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. “This is a monumental loss, and words cannot express the depth of our grief," they wrote in a statement on Facebook.
The post also revealed that the organisers had “no prior knowledge” that the star was taken on a yacht ride “by a few members of the local Assamese community”.
News of Garg's sudden death shocked his fans and supporters, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who posted on X: “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 Himanta Biswa Sarma mourned the loss of one of the state's favourite sons. “He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam’s culture. That magical voice has forever gone silent," he wrote on X.
Several Indian artists have reacted to Garg’s sudden demise on social media as well.
Actor Adil Hussain wrote 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”.
“Zubeen Garg losing his life in an accident is just the most terrible and saddest news,” posted composer and singer Pritam Chakraborty on Instagram. “Still trying to come to terms with it. My deepest condolences to Garima and his family. Om Shanti."
Indian playback singer Armaan Malik wrote on X, “I am devastated and in disbelief. May his soul rest in peace”.
Fans have poured tributes and condolences in the comment section of Garg’s last Instagram post, which he had made earlier to invite fans to the festival in Singapore.
The singer shot to fame with the song Ya Ali from the 2006 movie Gangster and is known for hits such as Dil Tu Hi Bataa. He has also acted in and directed several films, including Kanchanjunga, Mission China, Dinabandhu and Mon Jai.
The artist’s contributions went beyond India's entertainment scene. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he converted his residence into a care centre. He also spoke for environmental conservation and mentored young talent across the north-east state.
Garg’s body, according to India’s news media NDTV, is expected to be brought back to India by Saturday. He is survived by his wife and father.
