The only one music icon in Assam (India)
He is the heart of the Assam
Zubeen Garg, born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, was a renowned Indian musician who was known for his work primarily in the Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi music and film industries. He was named after the conductor Zubin Mehta. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a magistrate, lyricist, and poet, and his mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer, dancer, and actress.
Zubeen began singing at the age of three, with his mother being his first guru. He also trained in tabla for 11 years under Pandit Robin Banerjee. He dropped out of his Bachelor of Science degree at B. Borooah College to focus on his music career.
His professional music career began in 1992 with the release of his debut Assamese album, 'Anamika', which was a hit in Northeast India. He went on to release several other albums and gained a reputation for blending folk, pop, rock, and classical influences. He also became a multi-instrumentalist, playing instruments such as the dhol, guitar, mandolin, and keyboard.
Zubeen moved to Mumbai to work in the Hindi film music industry. He gained national fame with the song "Ya Ali" from the 2006 film Gangster. He also sang for other Bollywood films and released Hindi albums. Despite his success in Bollywood, he remained deeply rooted in Assam, and he was known for using his music to celebrate and preserve the culture of his home state.
Beyond music, Zubeen was also an actor, director, and screenwriter. He directed and acted in films like Tumi Mor Matho Mor and Mission China. In 2005, he received a National Award for the film Dinabandhu.
He married fashion designer Garima Saikia Garg on February 4, 2002. Zubeen passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore at the age of 52. His death was a result of drowning while scuba diving. He was cremated with state honors in his home state of Assam.
And here some work of ZG
Zubeen Garg's musical legacy is vast and diverse, spanning over three decades and encompassing over 40 languages and dialects, with a discography of more than 35,000 songs. His music blended a wide range of genres, including folk, pop, rock, and classical, showcasing his versatility as both a singer and a multi-instrumentalist.
Here is a look at his musical contributions across different languages:
Assamese Music
Zubeen Garg's heart and soul remained in Assam. He was a colossal figure in Assamese music, and his songs were deeply rooted in the state's culture and identity. His debut album, 'Anamika' (1992), was an instant hit, and he went on to release numerous successful albums, including:
'Pakhi' (1999)
'Hiya Diya Niya' (2000)
'Borokhun' (2002)
'Pakeeza' (2013)
He also composed music for over 38 Assamese films, and his songs are considered classics in the region. Some of his most popular Assamese songs include "Hiya Diya Niya," "Mayabini," and "Aaukhir Jun Mur." He was credited with elevating Assamese music and bringing it to a wider audience.
Hindi Music
While he was a superstar in the Northeast, Zubeen Garg gained national recognition with his work in Bollywood.
His breakthrough came with the song "Ya Ali" from the film Gangster (2006), which became a massive chartbuster and a youth anthem. This song earned him the Global Indian Film Award for Best Playback Singer in 2006.
He also lent his voice to other popular Hindi songs, such as "Dil Tu Hi Bataa" from Krrish 3 (2013), and "Jaane Kya Chahe Mann" from Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006).
Despite his success in Bollywood, Zubeen often chose to prioritize his work in Assam, which he later said made him miss out on many opportunities in Mumbai.
Bengali Music
Zubeen Garg had a significant fan following in West Bengal due to his numerous hit songs in the Bengali language. His soulful voice and unique style resonated with Bengali audiences. Some of his popular Bengali songs include "O Bandhu Re," "Aaina Mon Bhanga," and "Bojhena Shey Bojhena." He was highly respected by the Bengali film fraternity and fans, who paid tribute to him after his passing.
Awards and Recognition
Zubeen Garg's talent was recognized with numerous awards throughout his career.
He received a National Award for Best Music Direction for the non-feature film Echoes of Silence at the 55th National Film Awards in 2009.
In 2024, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree by the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, in recognition of his contributions to music and culture.
He also received multiple Prag Cine Awards and other regional film and music awards for his work in cinema and music.
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