Zubeen Garg: The Humming King of India

Zubeen Garg (1972–2025) was one of India’s most celebrated artists, hailed as the “Heartthrob of Assam” and affectionately called Zubeen Da by his admirers. Over a career spanning three decades, he transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, becoming a national icon in music, cinema, and cultural promotion.

Early Life and Background

Zubeen Garg was born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Jorhat, Assam, to Mohan Borthakur, a magistrate, and Ily Borthakur, a talented singer and dancer. His mother introduced him to music at a very young age, while his formal training in tabla under Pandit Robin Banerjee for 11 years strengthened his musical foundation. Zubeen initially pursued a Bachelor of Science degree but left academia to dedicate himself fully to music.

Musical Career

Zubeen Garg debuted with the album “Anamika” (1992), quickly gaining recognition in Assamese music. Over his career, he recorded more than 38,000 songs in 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and regional Indian dialects.

He seamlessly blended traditional Assamese folk music with contemporary pop and Bollywood styles. His Hindi song “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006) became a national hit, earning him recognition beyond Assam.

Popular albums: Maya, Asha, Pakhi, Chandni Raat
Bollywood contributions: Fiza, Kaante, Yuhi Kabhi

 Acting and Directing

Zubeen expanded his artistry into cinema, acting in over 30 films and directing four feature films. His debut film, Tumi Mor Matho Mor (2000), marked the start of a remarkable filmmaking journey.

·   Mission China (2017) – earned ₹6 crores, pioneering commercial success in Assamese cinema.

·    Kanchanjangha (2019) – broke previous box office records, earning ₹7 crores.

·    Roi Roi Binale (2025) – planned as the first Assamese film with Dolby Atmos technology.

He portrayed diverse characters, from romantic leads to biographical roles, and worked with actors like Adil Hussain.

Musical Style and Instruments

Zubeen Garg was a multi-instrumentalist, mastering 12 instruments including tabla, dhol, guitar, harmonium, mandolin, keyboard, and drums. His ability to sing in 40 languages made him a cultural bridge across India. His music combined emotional depth, regional authenticity, and modern arrangements, appealing to audiences of all ages.

Iconic Song: Mayabini Ratir Bukut

Released in the 2001 Assamese film Daag, “Mayabini Ratir Bukut” became an anthem of longing and romance. After Zubeen’s tragic passing in 2025, it transformed into a cultural anthem of grief, uniting fans in collective mourning across Assam and beyond. The song’s international recognition was highlighted when the US Air Force Band performed it instrumentally, wearing traditional Assamese attire.

Awards and Recognition

Zubeen Garg received numerous awards for his artistic excellence:

·  National Film Awards: Best Music Direction (Mon Jaai, Echoes of Silence)

·  Filmfare Awards East: Best Male Playback Singer (Tomar Khola Hawa)

·   Global Indian Film Award (GIFA): Best Playback Singer for Ya Ali

·   Honorary D.Litt., University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya (2024)

His contributions also earned international acclaim, solidifying his status as a cultural ambassador for Northeast India.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Zubeen was married to Garima Saikia Garg, who supported his cultural initiatives. Beyond music, he engaged in philanthropic activities to promote regional arts, though details of specific contributions remain limited.

Tragic Passing

On 19.09.2025, Zubeen Garg tragically passed away at age 52 in Singapore due to a drowning accident. His funeral in Guwahati drew millions, earning recognition in the Limca Book of Records as the fourth-largest public gathering in world history. His death prompted state mourning and a CID investigation into the circumstances, reflecting his immense influence.

Legacy

Zubeen Garg’s legacy is monumental:

·   Preserved and promoted Assamese and Northeast Indian culture nationally and internationally.

·   Inspired future generations of musicians, singers, and filmmakers.

·    Demonstrated the potential of regional artists to achieve national and global recognition while maintaining authenticity.

·    Remains a symbol of cultural pride, artistic versatility, and dedication to music and cinema.

Conclusion

Zubeen Garg was more than a singer or actor – he was a cultural phenomenon, bridging regional and national identities through music and film. His artistry, philanthropy, and passion ensured his work will inspire and resonate for generations.