Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, known for singing Ya Ali, dies due to scuba diving mishap in Singapore

He was 52.

He was in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival.

PM Narendra Modi mourned the death of the singer and wrote on X: "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."

Assam's Minister Ashok Singhal confirmed the death of the singer and posted on X: "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," he said.

He said: "In his music, generations found joy, solace, and identity. His passing leaves behind a void that can never be filled. Assam has lost its dearest son, and India has lost one of its finest cultural icons."

He said: "My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless fans. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire forever."

NE Now reported that the singer was rescued from the sea by the Singaporean police and immediately taken to a nearby hospital.

Despite the swift response, doctors were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival, the news portal reported.

He was scheduled to perform at the festival on Friday night.

Born in 1972 in Meghalaya, Garg had sung in 40 other languages and dialects, including Bishnupriya Manipuri, Adi, Boro, English, Goalpariya, Kannada, Karbi, Khasi, Malayalam, Marathi, Mising, Nepali, Odia, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Tiwa.

He was Assam's highest-paid singer.

He got to sing for different films like Gaddaar (1995), Dil Se (1998), Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998), Fiza (2000), Kaante (2002).