Biography of Zubeen Garg

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Biography of Zubeen Garg

Early Life

Zubeen Garg, born Zubeen Borthakur on 18 November 1972 in Jorhat, Assam, was one of the most iconic voices of Northeast India. He was born into an Assamese Brahmin family. His father, Mohini Mohan Borthakur, was a well-known lyricist and dramatist, while his mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer. The family’s strong cultural and artistic background shaped Zubeen’s early interest in music.
His surname “Garg” came from his gotra, and he chose to be known by it as his stage identity.

From a young age, Zubeen was trained in classical music and tabla by his uncle and other teachers. Alongside music, he was interested in painting, acting, and sports, making him a multifaceted personality.


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Musical Journey

Zubeen Garg began his career in the Assamese music industry in the early 1990s. His first major Assamese album Anamika (1992) was a breakthrough and made him a household name in Assam. He became one of the most prolific singers in the region, recording thousands of songs in Assamese and other Northeast languages.

He was multilingual and sang in over 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nepali, Marathi, and Oriya. This linguistic diversity helped him reach audiences far beyond Assam.

His Bollywood career took off in 2006 with the superhit song “Ya Ali” from the movie Gangster. The song became a nationwide sensation and established him in the Hindi music industry. Following this, he lent his voice to numerous Bollywood films, but he continued to focus on Assamese and Bengali music as his core.


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Style and Achievements

Known for his versatility, Zubeen could sing pop, rock, folk, classical, blues, and devotional songs with equal ease.

He released hundreds of albums and composed music for films, stage plays, and serials.

Apart from singing, he was also an actor, film director, lyricist, and scriptwriter.

He acted in several Assamese and Bengali films, gaining recognition for his on-screen presence.

He was a recipient of multiple awards, including film awards in Assam, state honors, and accolades for his contribution to Indian music.



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Personal Life

Zubeen married Garima Saikia, a fashion designer, in 2002. The couple shared a close bond, and Garima often supported Zubeen in his creative and social initiatives.

He was known for his candid personality and often described himself as “irreligious,” stating that he believed more in humanity than in caste or religion.

Zubeen was also deeply involved in social causes. He supported flood relief in Assam, donated to hospitals, and even offered his home for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was admired as much for his compassion as for his music.


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Final Days and Death

In September 2025, Zubeen Garg traveled to Singapore to perform at the 4th North East India Festival. On 19 September 2025, while swimming at Lazarus Island, he suffered a seizure and passed away at the age of 52.

His sudden death shocked millions of fans across Assam, the Northeast, and India. Tributes poured in from political leaders, fellow musicians, and admirers. Cities like Guwahati and Jorhat went into mourning, and his fans celebrated his music as an eternal legacy.


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Legacy

Zubeen Garg’s music continues to resonate with people across generations. He broke barriers for Assamese and Northeast Indian music, taking it to a national and even international stage. His dedication, creativity, and love for humanity made him more than just a singer—he was a cultural icon.

Even after his passing, his songs remain a symbol of Assamese pride and India’s musical diversity.


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