The Assamese music industry and millions of fans across India are mourning the untimely death of legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on Friday, September 19, 2025. Known as one of the most celebrated voices of Assam and an icon of India’s northeast, Garg’s demise has left a deep void in the cultural and emotional fabric of the region.
According to official statements from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the 52-year-old singer died during a swimming incident after he removed his life jacket despite repeated warnings from lifeguards.
Zubeen Garg’s Final Moments in Singapore
Reports suggest that Garg had gone on a yacht trip in Singapore with 17 others. The recreational outing included swimming and scuba diving. Initially, Zubeen wore a life jacket as instructed by the crew and lifeguards. However, within moments, he removed it, complaining that it was oversized and hindered his ability to swim comfortably.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who confirmed the details in a press briefing, revealed that lifeguards and crew repeatedly urged Garg to keep the life jacket on. Despite the warnings, he entered the water without the safety gear. Tragically, he was later found floating unconscious.
The lifeguards immediately pulled him out, administered CPR, and rushed him to Singapore General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
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CPR Attempts Failed Despite Quick Response
The Assam Chief Minister shared that despite lifeguards acting quickly, the CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) attempts could not revive Garg. Emergency teams at the hospital tried further medical interventions, but the singer was beyond recovery by the time he reached.
Sarma added that Singaporean authorities have already begun questioning the people who accompanied Garg on the yacht, including members of his team and Assamese community residents living in Singapore.
Who Was With Zubeen Garg During the Trip?
The yacht trip reportedly involved 18 individuals, including:
- Abhimanyu Talukdar, an Assamese resident of Singapore, who had booked the yacht.
- Four members of Garg’s personal team.
- Two crew members.
- Several friends and acquaintances.
The Indian High Commissioner in Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, has provided the full list of individuals to the Assam government. Since all those accompanying Garg are Indian citizens, the state government plans to approach the Union Home Ministry for procedural steps to question them.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the people of Assam deserve to know the truth about what happened in the singer’s final moments.
Autopsy and Return of Mortal Remains
Authorities in Singapore confirmed that Zubeen Garg’s autopsy would be conducted on Saturday (September 20, 2025). Following this, efforts are being made to bring his mortal remains back to Assam by evening.
Sarma assured the people of Assam that once the body arrives, it will be kept at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati for the public to pay their last respects. The chief minister stressed that the final rites will be decided by the singer’s family, but since Garg was a “people’s icon,” all decisions will be taken with public consultation.
Family and State Government in Grief
After the tragic confirmation of Garg’s death, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma visited the singer’s residence in Kahilipara, Guwahati. The CM personally offered condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of complete support from the state government.
Zubeen Garg’s wife and family members are devastated by the sudden loss, but they also acknowledged that Garg “belonged to the people of Assam.” They have agreed that the public will be given a chance to pay homage before the funeral.
Public Tribute Arrangements
To honor the singer’s immense contribution to Assamese culture and Indian music, Sarma confirmed that a large public tribute ceremony will be organized. His mortal remains will be placed at Sarusajai Stadium, where thousands of fans, cultural leaders, and political representatives will gather to pay their respects.
The state government will also arrange official honors during the last rites. Garg’s legacy as a cultural ambassador of Assam is being recognized at the highest levels, with tributes pouring in from across India.
Zubeen Garg: The Cultural Icon of Assam
Born in Jorhat, Assam, in 1972, Zubeen Garg rose to fame as one of the most versatile and prolific singers of the region. He gained national recognition with the Bollywood song “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film Gangster, which became a massive hit.
However, his influence went far beyond Bollywood. Zubeen was a multi-lingual singer, composer, actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist who worked in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and other regional languages. With over 30,000 recorded songs, he was regarded as one of the most productive artists in Indian music history.
In Assam, Garg was not just a singer—he was a symbol of cultural pride and identity. His music reflected the emotions of the Assamese people, and he often used his platform to support social causes and political movements.
Fans in Assam and Beyond Mourn the Loss
News of Zubeen Garg’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Assam and northeastern India. Fans gathered outside his residence and across public spaces in Guwahati, lighting candles and singing his songs in tribute.
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) leaders held a condolence meeting in Guwahati, describing him as the “voice of generations.” Political leaders, artists, and ordinary citizens took to social media to share their condolences and express shock over the sudden tragedy.
For many, Garg was more than an artist—he was a friend, activist, and cultural guide who brought Assamese music to global audiences.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Emotional Statement
Chief Minister Sarma expressed deep sorrow, saying:
“The people of Assam have lost a son today. Zubeen was more than a singer—he was an emotion, a heartbeat, and a cultural pillar of our state.”
Sarma also stressed that transparency regarding the events leading to Garg’s death is crucial. He reiterated that authorities in Singapore and India will ensure that the truth comes out and the singer’s fans get closure.
The Tragic Irony of Safety Warnings Ignored
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the tragedy is the fact that Zubeen Garg’s death could have been prevented. According to reports, he had initially worn the life jacket but chose to remove it after complaining about discomfort.
Lifeguards, crew members, and friends repeatedly requested him to put it back on, but Garg insisted on swimming without it. Within minutes, he was found floating unconscious in the water.
The incident highlights the critical importance of water safety and how even experienced individuals are vulnerable without proper precautions.
Legacy That Lives On
Despite the tragic end, Zubeen Garg’s legacy as a musical genius and cultural ambassador will continue to live on. His songs will remain anthems for generations, his activism will inspire young Assamese, and his contributions to Indian cinema and music will be remembered forever.
From romantic melodies to patriotic anthems, from Bollywood blockbusters to Assamese folk songs, Garg’s versatility cemented his place as one of India’s greatest voices.
Conclusion: Assam Mourns, India Remembers
The death of Zubeen Garg in Singapore marks not just the loss of a singer but the passing of an era in Assamese music. His final moments, filled with tragedy and warnings unheeded, have shocked millions. Yet, his voice, his songs, and his message will echo far beyond his lifetime.
As Assam prepares to bring home its beloved son, fans across India and abroad join together in mourning, remembering the man who gave them music, hope, and cultural pride.
Zubeen Garg may no longer be with us, but his melodies will remain immortal—reminding everyone of the fragile line between life and art, and the enduring power of music to heal even in grief.