The recent death of popular Bollywood and Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore has sent shockwaves across the music industry and his fanbase. Initial reports indicated a scuba diving accident as the cause. However, conflicting details have emerged, with authorities still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding his demise.
The 52-year-old singer was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival, scheduled for September 20th. According to some reports, Garg was taken on an unplanned yacht ride by members of the local Assamese community. During this outing, he reportedly went swimming. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that, according to information from the Indian High Commission in Singapore, Garg was swimming without a life jacket, despite insistence from lifeguards that he wear one.
A video has surfaced online showing Garg wearing a life jacket and seemingly preparing to enter the water shortly before the tragic incident. It's unclear whether this was before or after the period when he was allegedly swimming without the safety device.
Following the incident, Garg was reportedly rescued from the sea and given CPR. He was then rushed to Singapore General Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite doctors' efforts, he was declared dead. Some reports suggest he may have suffered a heart attack. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted in Singapore. Singaporean authorities are currently investigating the incident and questioning those who were with the singer.
News of Garg's death has prompted widespread grief and tributes. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, acknowledging Garg's significant contribution to music. Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, mourned the loss of "one of the state's favourite sons". Numerous artists and fans have also shared their শোক and memories of the singer on social media. The organizers of the North East India Festival have cancelled the event following the tragedy.
Zubeen Garg was a prominent figure in the Assamese music industry and gained national recognition for his song "Ya Ali" from the 2006 Bollywood film Gangster. His sudden and unexpected death has left a void in the music world, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on through his extensive body of work.
