The beloved artist was in Singapore as a Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20 and 21. However, what began as a recreational yacht trip with members of the local Assamese community turned into tragedy when Garg experienced breathing difficulties while swimming.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to festival organizers, Garg was on a yacht outing when complications arose during a sea activity. Initial reports suggested he was scuba diving, but Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma later clarified that the singer was swimming without a life jacket despite repeated warnings from lifeguards.
"Garg had initially worn the life jacket, but after a few seconds, he took it off, claiming that it was oversized and he was finding it difficult to swim," Sarma explained, citing information from the Indian High Commissioner in Singapore.
The singer was found floating in the sea and immediately administered CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite intensive medical efforts, doctors declared him dead at approximately 2:30 PM IST.
Musical Legacy and Career Achievements
Born as Jibon Borthkur in Meghalaya's Tura in 1972, Zubeen Garg emerged as Assam's most influential cultural icon over his three-decade career. His professional journey began in 1992 with his debut album "Anamika" at age 19, which became a massive hit across Northeast India.
Garg's breakthrough into mainstream Bollywood came with the soulful track "Ya Ali" from Gangster, which earned him national recognition and multiple award nominations. The versatile artist recorded an astounding 38,000 songs in 40 different languages throughout his career, making him one of India's most prolific singers.
Beyond singing, Zubeen was a multi-talented personality who worked as a songwriter, actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist, earning him the affectionate title "Zubeen da" among his devoted fanbase.
National Mourning and Tributes
The sudden loss has sent shockwaves across India's entertainment industry and beyond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on social media, stating: "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".
Assam has declared three days of state mourning from September 20-22, during which all official entertainment and ceremonial events will remain suspended. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally traveled to Delhi to receive the singer's mortal remains and accompany them back to Guwahati.
The music industry has also paid heartfelt tributes, with composer Pritam, who worked with Zubeen on "Ya Ali," calling the news "the most terrible and saddest". Singer Vishal Dadlani described feeling shattered, stating that Zubeen "has left a void I don't think anyone else can ever fill".
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Authorities in Singapore are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Garg's death. An autopsy was scheduled for September 21, with hopes of repatriating his body to Assam the same evening.
Additionally, multiple FIRs have been registered against the chief organizer of the Northeast Festival and Garg's manager as part of the ongoing investigation.
Zubeen Garg's untimely demise marks the end of an era for Assamese music and Indian entertainment. His powerful voice, which once energized millions and bridged cultural divides across the nation, has been silenced, but his musical legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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