'Ya Ali' Singer Zubeen Garg Dies At 52 In Singapore

New Delhi: Renowned Assamese singer and multi-talented artist Zubeen Garg has reportedly passed away in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore, according to a report by Northeast Now.

As reported by ANI, the Northeast India Festival also issued a statement, saying that Zubeen Garg suffered breathing difficulties during scuba diving. "He was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared deceased in the ICU around 2:30 PM IST," the statement said.

Zubeen was in Singapore to participate in the North East Festival and was scheduled to perform today. The shocking news has left fans, supporters, and the Assamese community worldwide in mourning.

Also Read | Renowned Tamil Comedian-Actor Robo Shankar Dies At 46, TN CM Stalin, Kamal Haasan Among Others Pay Tributes

Known for his immense contributions to Indian music and cinema, Zubeen Garg was a prolific figure in the entertainment industry. Over the years, he had carved a niche as a singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist, music director, actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, poet, and philanthropist.

His sudden and untimely demise leaves a significant void in India's cultural and musical landscape.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid a heartfelt tribute to the passing of Garg, writing, "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, this was not an age to go. Zubeen's voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam's culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come."

Ashok Singhal, Cabinet Minister of Assam, also took to his X, writing, "Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was more than a singer, he was the pride of Assam and the nation, whose songs carried our culture, our emotions, and our spirit to every corner of the world."

Who is Zubeen Garg?

Zubeen Garg began singing at the tender age of three and released his debut album, Anamika, in 1992. Some of his most popular Assamese albums include Maya, Zubeenor Gaan, Xabda, Pakhi, Shishu, and Jantra. In addition to his regional success, he lent his voice to several Hindi films such as Dil Se, Vaastav, Fiza, Asoka, Kaante, Gangster, and Krrish 3. However, it was his hit song "Ya Ali" from the 2006 romantic thriller Gangster: A Love Story, starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, and Shiney Ahuja, that brought him widespread recognition beyond Assam.

Further details are awaited as official statements from authorities and the family are yet to be released.