‘Ya Ali’ Singer Zubeen Garg Dies In Tragic Scuba Diving Accident In Singapore

Renowned singer and Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, known for the Bollywood chartbuster “Ya Ali,” has tragically passed away at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore on Friday . The singer was in Singapore to participate in the North East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform .

According to reports, Garg experienced breathing difficulties while scuba diving and was rescued from the sea by Singapore police . He was rushed to a nearby hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but despite intensive medical efforts, he could not be revived . A statement from the festival organizers confirmed his passing, stating he was declared deceased around 2:30 PM IST . His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the music industry and among his legions of fans.

Tributes have poured in from all corners, mourning the loss of a voice that defined a generation for many in the Northeast. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound grief, stating, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am in a loss of words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early… His voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls” . Politician Ripun Bora also mourned his death, calling him a “cultural icon” whose “indomitable spirit inspired generations” .

While his fame skyrocketed nationally with the 2006 hit “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster, Zubeen Garg was a versatile and prolific artist who had a profound impact on Assamese music . A multi-instrumentalist, he sang in over 40 languages and dialects and was widely regarded as Assam’s highest-paid and most celebrated musician . His work extended beyond singing to composing and acting, making him a true stalwart of the region’s culture.