Zubeen Garg: A Musical Legend Gone Too Soon
Zubeen Garg (18 November 1972 – 19 September 2025) was not just a singer but a complete performing artist from Assam, India. He was known as a playback singer, composer, music director, actor, filmmaker, lyricist, and philanthropist. For millions of fans, Zubeen was the soulful voice of Assam who carried regional music to the national stage. His untimely death in September 2025 left a void in India’s cultural and musical landscape.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, Zubeen Garg’s original name was Jiban Borthakur. He later took the surname Garg in honor of his late younger sister, who passed away at a young age.
Music was in his blood. His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer, and his father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was both a government officer and a poet-lyricist. Zubeen received his first musical lessons from his mother, who introduced him to Assamese folk and devotional music.
He also trained in Indian classical music and percussion under Pandit Robin Banerjee for nearly 11 years, mastering instruments like tabla, dhol, guitar, harmonium, keyboard, and drums. Despite pursuing science during his studies, Zubeen left academics midway to dedicate himself to music full-time.
Rise to Fame in Music
Zubeen’s career began in the early 1990s with the release of his debut Assamese album “Anamika” (1992). His powerful voice and versatility quickly made him a household name in Assam and the northeast.
His big break in Bollywood came in 2006 with the superhit track “Ya Ali” from the movie Gangster. The song became a nationwide sensation and gave Zubeen international recognition.
Beyond Hindi and Assamese, he sang in multiple languages including Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Nepali, and English. In fact, he is credited with recording over 38,000 songs in his lifetime, an achievement that puts him among the most prolific singers in India.
Contributions to Cinema and Acting
Zubeen was not confined to music alone. He acted in several Assamese films like Mon Jaai, Mission China, Gaane Ki Aane, and Dr. Bezbaruah 2. He also directed and produced films, leaving a significant mark in Assamese cinema.
His film Mission China (2017), which he directed and starred in, was a commercial success and became a milestone for Assamese film production standards.
Philanthropy and Social Engagement
Zubeen Garg was equally respected for his social contributions. He founded the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which worked for disaster relief, education, and healthcare initiatives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, he offered his own home in Guwahati to be converted into a COVID care center.
He also openly voiced his political opinions, especially during the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests in Assam, where he stood with the people against the law.
Controversies and Criticism
As a fearless personality, Zubeen often landed in controversies. In 2019, he made a strong statement against orthodox practices within the Brahmin community, which drew widespread backlash, forcing him to apologize.
In 2024, his remarks suggesting that Lord Krishna was a human, not a deity sparked outrage among religious groups. Some organizations even imposed restrictions on him for live performances in certain regions of Assam.
Tragic Death and Investigations
On 19 September 2025, Zubeen Garg tragically passed away at the age of 52. He was in Singapore attending an international cultural event. Reports revealed that he collapsed during a swimming and boating session.
He was rushed to the Singapore General Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Singapore authorities later shared the report with Indian officials.
Following public outcry in Assam, the state government ordered a second post-mortem in Guwahati to rule out foul play. The controversy deepened when the Assam police booked his manager and event organizers under murder charges, and several arrests were made as part of the ongoing investigation.
On 23 September 2025, Zubeen was cremated in Guwahati with full state honors, attended by thousands of fans and dignitaries. The Assam government also declared three days of state mourning to honor him.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Zubeen Garg’s contribution to Indian and Assamese music remains unmatched. His ability to blend traditional folk tunes with contemporary music gave Assamese music a global identity.
His evergreen hits like Ya Ali, Buku Duhur Duhur, Piya Re, and O Bondhu Re continue to resonate with audiences. His versatility across genres — from folk to pop, from devotional to Bollywood — made him a truly all-round artist.
For Assam, he was not just a singer but a cultural ambassador. His sudden demise shocked millions, but his songs and creative works will keep inspiring future generations.
Zubeen Garg lived a life full of passion, artistry, and social commitment. His voice touched the hearts of millions, his activism spoke for the common people, and his sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void in India’s cultural history.
He will always be remembered as a legendary voice of Assam and a true musical genius whose legacy will live forever through his songs and films.
