From Narendra Modi to Rahul Gandhi, top leaders mourn Zubeen Garg's sudden death

The sudden death of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg in a scuba diving accident in Singapore has triggered an outpouring of grief across India, with top political leaders from across the spectrum uniting in tributes to the 52-year-old singer's enduring legacy.

Known for his soul-stirring renditions like "Ya Ali" from the 2006 film Gangster, Garg's passing has not only devastated fans in the Northeast but also resonated nationally, prompting heartfelt responses from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Garg, who was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival, suffered a fatal mishap during a diving session earlier today.

He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital but succumbed to severe breathing difficulties despite emergency CPR. His death, confirmed around 2:30 PM IST, has left a profound void in Assamese and Indian music, where he was revered as the "Heartthrob of Assam" and a cultural ambassador who blended folk traditions with Bollywood flair.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posting on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the news broke, wrote, "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." 

Echoing this sentiment from the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described the loss as a "terrible tragedy."

In a poignant X post, he stated, "The passing of Zubeen Garg is a terrible tragedy. 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." 

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, "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... 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... Rest well, Zubeen! You will always be Assam's favourite rockstar," Sarma wrote in one.

In another, he added: "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."

Ripun Bora, former Rajya Sabha MP from Assam and a Congress leader, also joined the chorus: "Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of our cultural icon Zubeen Garg. His voice, music, and indomitable spirit inspired generations across Assam and beyond. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fans, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Legend."

The tributes extend beyond politics into the arts. Actor Adil Hussain, a fellow Assamese icon, expressed devastation on X: "Devastated and shocked by the news of Zubeen Garg's sudden death in an accident in Singapore... His contribution to Assamese music and culture is extraordinary... He will live amongst us through his songs." Music peers like composer Pritam and singer Armaan Malik have similarly shared their shock, with Pritam calling him a true "Rock and Roll" legend.

Garg's career, spanning over three decades, saw him record more than 40,000 songs and act in films, while his philanthropy—supporting education and disaster relief—earned him widespread respect. Despite occasional controversies, such as bold remarks on social issues, his music remained a unifying force.

The Assam government has declared state honours for Garg's funeral, with his remains expected to arrive in Guwahati on September 20.

Thousands are anticipated to gather for tributes, as #RIPZubeenGarg trends nationwide with over 500,000 mentions.