Zubeen Garg
The Voice of Assam • Luit Kontho
November 18, 1972 – September 19, 2025
A legendary musician, composer, and cultural icon who bridged traditional Assamese music with contemporary sounds, touching millions of hearts across India and beyond.
In Loving Memory
On September 19, 2025, the world lost one of its most cherished voices. Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate through generations.
Early Life & Family
Born as Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, he was named in homage to the legendary conductor Zubin Mehta.
Coming from an Assamese Brahmin family, he was primarily raised in Jorhat, Assam. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a magistrate and poet under the pen name Kapil Thakur. His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer who became his first guru.
Family Heritage
- Father: Mohini Mohon Borthakur (Magistrate & Poet)
- Mother: Ily Borthakur (Singer & First Music Teacher)
- Sister: Jonkie Borthakur (Singer & Actress, passed away 2002)
- Wife: Garima Saikia Garg (Fashion Designer, married 2002)
Instead of continuing with his parental surname Borthakur, he chose "Garg," the title of his Brahmin gotra, giving him a distinctive identity that balanced global inspiration with Assamese tradition.
Years old when he started singing
Years learning tabla from Pandit Robin Banerjee
Musical Journey & Career Milestones
Professional Debut
Released his debut Assamese album "Anamika" in November 1992. Gained confidence after winning a gold medal for western solo performance in a youth festival.
Move to Mumbai
Moved to Mumbai to work in the Bollywood music industry. Debuted with his first Indipop solo album "Chandni Raat".
Bengali Music Industry
Entered the Bengali music industry, singing in the movie "Mon" and later becoming music director for "Shudhu Tumi" (2004).
Breakthrough with "Ya Ali"
Got his biggest breakthrough in Bollywood with the song "Ya Ali" from the movie "Gangster." Won the Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) for Best Playback Singer.
Zindagi Album
Released his Hindi album "Zindagi", further establishing his presence in Bollywood.
National Recognition
Won the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Music Direction for "Echoes of Silence" at the 55th National Film Awards.
Film Direction & Social Themes
Directed and starred in films like "Mission China" (2017) and "Kanchanjangha" (2019), which addressed social issues including APSC corruption.
Honorary Doctorate
Awarded honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) degree by the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya on May 27, 2024.
Final Recognition
Conferred the Bhupen Hazarika Award for Lifetime Achievement by Beltola Bohagi Utsav Committee, presented by Kavita Baruah, younger sister of Bhupen Hazarika.
Musical Versatility
Zubeen Garg was truly a polyglot musician, having sung in 40+ languages and dialects, making him one of the most versatile artists in Indian music history.
Primary Languages
Regional & Tribal Languages
Musical instruments he could play
Instruments: Anandalahari, Dhol, Dotara, Drums, Guitar, Harmonica, Harmonium, Mandolin, Keyboard, Tabla, and various percussion instruments.
Major Achievements & Awards
National & International Recognition
- 2006: Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) - Best Playback Singer for "Ya Ali"
- 2009: National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Music Direction
- 2011: Guest Artist of the Year - Assam Convention, Oak Brook, Illinois, USA
- 2017: Seuji-Seuji Award for Poetry Book
- 2024: Honorary D.Litt. from University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya
- 2025: Bhupen Hazarika Award for Lifetime Achievement
Regional Awards
- Multiple Prag Cine Awards (2005-2024)
- Bhraymaman Mobile Theatre Awards
- 8th Assam State Film Awards
- Filmfare Awards Assamese 2024
- Stardust Awards - New Musical Sensation
Social Work & Activism
Charitable Activities
- Ran the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation for various charitable causes
- Organized relief efforts during devastating floods in Assam
- Played football matches to collect funds for flood-affected people
- Offered his house in Guwahati to be converted into a COVID Care Centre (2021)
Political & Social Activism
- Main non-political figure in the Anti-CAA protest in Assam
- Addressed corruption issues through his film "Kanchanjangha"
- Advocated for Assamese culture and identity
"I don't have any caste, religion or god. Music is my religion, and love is my faith."
— Zubeen GargCreative Portfolio
Music Albums
- • Anamika (1992)
- • Xopunor Xur (1992)
- • Junaki Mon (1993)
- • Maya (1994)
- • Ujan Piriti (Bihu album)
- • Chandni Raat (1996)
- • Zindagi (2007)
Film Direction
- • Tumi Mur Mathu Mur (2000)
- • Mission China (2017)
- • Kanchanjangha (2019)
Music Direction
Over 50 films across Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi cinema
Literature
- • Xabda Anubhuti (2009)
- • Zubeenor Podyo (2018)
- • Zubeenor Podyo 2nd Edition (2020)
Television
- • Judge on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
- • Moi Zubeen Garg Hobo Bisaru
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Zubeen Garg's impact extends far beyond music. He was a cultural ambassador who brought Assamese music to the global stage while preserving its traditional essence.
Cultural Contributions
- Bridge Builder: Connected traditional Assamese folk music with contemporary sounds
- Language Preservationist: Promoted regional languages through his multilingual repertoire
- Youth Icon: Inspired countless young musicians across Northeast India
- Social Voice: Used his platform to address social and political issues
Memorials & Tributes
- 20-foot statue unveiled in Digboi (2022)
- Bamboo bridge named after him at Tengapani-Thepabari (2020)
- Three-day state mourning declared by Government of Assam
- Condolences from PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and numerous celebrities
Years of musical career (1992-2025)
Languages & dialects he sang in
Hearts touched by his music
Eternal Voice, Eternal Love
Though Zubeen Garg has left us, his voice continues to echo in the hearts of millions. His songs remain immortal, his legacy unshakeable, and his impact on Assamese and Indian culture immeasurable.
"Ya Ali" may have been his biggest hit, but every song he sang was a piece of his soul, shared generously with the world.