Bollywood & Assamese Star Zubeen Garg Dies in Tragic Swimming Accident in Singapore
Celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, best known for his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” and for being a cultural icon in his home state of Assam, has died at the age of 52 following a swimming mishap in Singapore.
What Happened
Garg was in Singapore to perform at the Northeast India Festival.
Although early reports said he died while scuba diving, authorities later clarified that he was swimming rather than scuba-diving.
He had rented a yacht along with several others; at some point he jumped into the water wearing a lifejacket but returned to the boat briefly to remove it. Witnesses say the lifejacket was oversized.
Shortly after, he began to feel unwell, having difficulty in the water, and was pulled out. CPR was administered. He was transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time. The cause of death was recorded as drowning.
Legacy & Reactions
Born Zubeen Borthakur in Jorhat, Assam in 1972, Garg rose to fame across multiple languages—not just Assamese and Bollywood Hindi, but also Bengali and more.
His song Ya Ali from the movie Gangster (2006) was one of his breakout performances and remains highly beloved.
Upon hearing of his death, many fans, peers in the music industry, and political leaders expressed grief. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state had lost one of its favorite sons.
Officially, an autopsy report is pending. Arrangements are underway for his body to be returned home to Assam.
Final Arrangements
A cremation with full state honours is scheduled for September 23 near Guwahati, Assam.
A period of mourning has been declared in his home state.