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Singer Zubeen Garg passes away at 52: PM Modi expresses grief; Rahul Gandhi, Kharge pay tribute

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The Times Of Indiapublisher-detail-arrow
19th September, 2025 16:10 IST
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the death of celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg , who passed away in a scuba diving accident in Singapore at the age of 52. “Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. 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,” PM Modi posted on X.


Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he is in constant touch with the High Commissioner of India and added that he will coordinate to ensure beloved Zubeen’s mortal remains return to Assam.

"I am in constant touch with the High Commissioner of India H.E Dr Shilpak Ambule. We are coordinating to ensure beloved Zubeen’s mortal remains return to Assam at the earliest. As soon as the process is firmed up, I will share an update," he said in a post on X.

Earlier, he described Garg as “one of Assam’s favourite sons.” He said, “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. His magical voice has forever gone silent.”


Garg's team released a statement on his death and said, "With profound grief, we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved icon, Zubeen Garg, passed away today at Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 PM. Zubeen had arrived in Singapore just the day before yesterday. He was scheduled to be with us at the festival tomorrow, meeting and interacting with people. Earlier today, our entire team was engaged in a business meeting with senior Singaporean industrialists and policymakers at the Shangri-La Hotel to facilitate investments in Northeast India."

"During the meeting, we received a call from Zubeen’s manager informing us that he had met with an accident and had been rushed to Singapore General Hospital. We later learned that a few members of the local Assamese community had taken him on a yacht visit, of which we had no prior knowledge," he added.

Leaders pay tribute

Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi said Garg’s passing was “a terrible tragedy,” adding, “His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever.”


Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed grief and said, " I am shocked by the untimely demise of the renowned singer, songwriter, musician, and a beloved figure in the hearts of millions of music lovers, Zubeen Garg, in an accident in Singapore. Celebrated as the 'Voice of Assam,' he enchanted people with his voice in numerous Indian languages and attained the status of extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and countless fans."


Union minister Kiren Rijiju also mourned the singer, writing, “Khelo India singer is no more! We have lost a magical voice and a versatile personality. I’m deeply shocked by the tragic demise of Zubeen Garg. His evergreen songs will inspire the talented artists for the generations to come.”


Former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora remembered him as “a cultural icon whose indomitable spirit inspired generations,” while actor Adil Hussain said he was “devastated and shocked,” calling Garg’s contribution to Assamese music and culture “extraordinary.”


Garg was rescued by Singapore police after the accident and rushed to a hospital, but doctors could not save him. He was in Singapore to perform at the North East Festival on September 20. Known for his versatility in Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali music, his sudden demise has left a void that admirers said can never be filled.

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