‘Ya Ali’ Singer Was 52

Zubeen Garg, known for his hit Bollywood song “Ya Ali,” has died following a medical emergency during a scuba-diving outing. He was 52.

The Indian musician suffered a medical emergency while swimming in Singapore on Friday, Sept. 19, The Independent reported, citing local media outlets. He was pulled out of the water by local police and transported to a hospital, where he died the same day.

His death was confirmed by the North East India Festival, where he was set to perform this weekend. The statement stated that the singer died at Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 p.m. local time. 

According to The Times of India, Garg’s cause of death was drowning.

“The Singapore High Commission sent the death certificate of Zubreen Garg, and they mentioned the cause of death is drowning. But this is not a post-mortem report,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a press conference, per the outlet on on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Garg was given CPR after experiencing breathing difficulties during the scuba-diving outing, per The Times of India.

The North East India Festival organizers gave more insight into the musician’s final moments, writing in their statement, “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, the festival team was made aware of the tragic news via a call from Garg’s manager. “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,” the statement continued. 

“On receiving the news, our team rushed immediately to the hospital and has been working closely with the High Commission to complete the necessary procedures. This is a monumental loss, and words cannot express the depth of our grief,” the organizers wrote. 

The festival, which was scheduled for Sept. 19-21, was canceled in light of the incident. “We are devastated and pray for the departed soul of Zubeen Garg,” the organizers added.

Indian politician Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to the late singer, writing on X, “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,” Gandhi continued.

Garg’s career spanned over three decades. The musician had his breakthrough in Bollywood with the recording of the song “Ya Ali,” featured in the 2006 movie Gangster: A Love Story. He was also a music producer, film director and music performer.

The Assam chief minister also issued a state of mourning through Sept. 23, when Garg is set to be laid to rest.

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“Upon discussion with the family, it has been decided to perform the last rites of Zubreen Garb and build his memorial on 10 bigha land parcel in Hatimura Kamarkuchi NC Village, Kamrup,” Sarma wrote.

“The ashes of Zubreen Garb will be taken to Jorhat and a memorial will be built there honoring his connection with the historic town,” he continued.