The news of Zubeen Garg’s demise has plunged Assam and the entire Northeast into grief. For millions, he was not just a singer but an emotion — a cultural icon who gave Assamese music global recognition. His untimely passing marks the end of a golden era in the region’s music industry.
Early Life and Musical Roots
- Birth: 18 November 1972, Jorhat, Assam
- Parents: Mohini Mohan Garg (father) and Ily Borthakur (mother), who herself was a lyricist.
- Name Inspiration: He was named after world-famous conductor Zubin Mehta.
- Siblings: His younger sister, late Jonkey Borthakur, was also a singer and composer who tragically passed away in a car accident.
Zubeen was musically gifted from childhood. He received training in classical music and tabla, and later mastered multiple instruments, including guitar, dhol, and keyboard.
Rise in Assam
Zubeen became a household name in the 1990s with his Assamese album “Anamika”. The album redefined the Assamese pop music scene and gave young listeners a new wave of modern sound.
His soulful voice, unique style, and ability to connect with emotions made him the most loved singer of Assam. Over the years, he recorded thousands of Assamese songs — folk, Bihu, modern pop, and film soundtracks.
National Fame
Zubeen’s career reached national heights when he sang “Ya Ali” in the Bollywood movie Gangster (2006). The song became a nationwide sensation and won him several awards, including the Global Indian Film Award for Best Playback Singer.
He went on to sing in many Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nepali, Marathi, and Malayalam. His versatility and soulful voice earned him fans across the country.
Contributions Beyond Singing
Zubeen Garg was not only a playback singer but also:
- Music Composer: Composed for Assamese and Hindi films.
- Lyricist: Wrote numerous heartfelt songs.
- Actor: Acted in Assamese films like Mission China, Mon Jai, and Dinabandhu.
- Filmmaker: Directed movies and worked to uplift Assamese cinema.
He was also a social activist, raising his voice on issues affecting Assam, from floods to cultural preservation.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Zubeen received numerous awards and honors, including:
- National Film Award for Best Music Direction (Echoes of Silence)
- Global Indian Film Award for “Ya Ali”
- Prag Cine Awards multiple times for Assamese music and films
- Countless regional honors, often called the “Voice of Assam”
Personal Life
Zubeen was married to Gargi Baruah, a fashion designer. Despite his fame, he remained deeply rooted in Assamese culture and was known for his humility and simple lifestyle.
A Legend Remembered
The news of his passing has left fans heartbroken. Across Assam, people are gathering to pay tribute with candlelight vigils, playing his songs, and sharing memories of concerts where his voice electrified the crowd.
His songs like Mayabini Ratir Sapun, Kotha Dilam, Ya Ali, Ei Mon, and Pakhi remain evergreen.
Legacy
- He recorded over 30,000 songs in different languages.
- He elevated Assamese music to national and international stages.
- He inspired countless young musicians to dream big.
- He proved that music has no boundaries — blending folk, pop, classical, and modern styles.
Conclusion
With Zubeen Garg’s passing, Assam has lost its biggest cultural ambassador. His music, however, will remain immortal.
As fans grieve, one truth stands tall: Zubeen Garg may be gone, but his voice will never fade.
Rest in Peace, Zubeen Garg — the heart and soul of Assam.