Zubeen Garg Biography
Zubeen Garg was a famous singer, composer, actor, and director from India. He was born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya. His real name was Zubeen Borthakur. He changed his last name to Garg, which came from his family line, in the 1990s. Garg became well-known for singing in many languages, like Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and more. He could play up to 12 musical instruments, such as the dhol, guitar, and tabla. Over his life, he recorded more than 32,000 songs. This made him a big star in Northeast India and beyond.
Sadly, Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 52. He died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was there for the North East India Festival. This sudden loss shocked fans and the music world. Garg’s work mixed folk music with modern styles, helping people from other parts of India learn about Assamese culture. His songs often talked about love, nature, and social issues. He was not just a musician but also a helper for many causes. This biography looks at his life step by step, showing how he became a legend.
Garg’s voice touched hearts in Bollywood too. His hit song “Ya Ali” from the 2006 movie Gangster made him famous across the country. He worked in over 40 languages and dialects. This showed his skill and love for music. As an artist from Assam, he put Northeast India on the map. His story teaches us about hard work, talent, and giving back to society. Readers can learn how one person can change music and help people.
Early Life and Family Background
Zubeen Garg came from a family that loved art and music. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a judge but also wrote poems and songs under the name Kapil Thakur. His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer, dancer, and actress. They were Assamese Brahmins. Garg was born in Tura, a town in Meghalaya, but his family roots were in Assam. He had two sisters: Jonkey Borthakur and Palme Borthakur. Jonkey was an actress and singer, but she died in a car accident in 2002 at age 26. This loss hurt Garg a lot. He made an album called Xixhu to remember her.
The family moved to Jorhat in Assam when Garg was young. Jorhat is in Sonitpur district. There, he grew up hearing music every day. His mother taught him to sing from age three. She saw his talent early. Garg’s name came from the famous conductor Zubin Mehta. His parents liked Mehta’s work, so they named their son after him. This showed how music was important in their home.
Family life shaped Garg’s love for folk music. Assam has rich traditions in songs and dances. His father’s poems and mother’s performances inspired him. Even after Jonkey’s death, Garg stayed close to his family. His sister Palme became a doctor. These ties helped him during tough times. Garg often said his family gave him strength to chase dreams. This background made him blend old Assamese tunes with new sounds, creating unique music.
Education and Formative Years
Zubeen Garg went to school in different places because his family moved. He studied at Tamulpur Higher Secondary School first. Then, he did higher secondary at Karimganj College. For college, he joined B. Borooah College in Guwahati for a Bachelor of Science degree. But he did not finish it. He left to focus on music.
During school, Garg learned music skills. He trained in tabla for 11 years under Pandit Robin Banerjee. He also studied Assamese folk music with Guru Ramani Rai. At age 13, he wrote his first song, “Gaane Ki Aane.” In 1992, he won a gold medal at a youth festival for singing a western song. This win made him sure about a music career.
These years built his base. Guwahati, Assam’s big city, had music events that helped him grow. Leaving college was hard, but it let him follow his passion. Garg’s story shows that formal school is not always needed for success if you have talent and work hard. His early training in instruments and singing set him up for fame.
Entry into Professional Music and Early Career
Zubeen Garg started his pro music life in 1992 with the Assamese album Anamika. It had his early song “Gaane Ki Aane.” The album did well in Assam. Then came albums like Xapunor Xur and Maya. His bihu album Ujan Piriti became a big hit. Bihu is a folk dance and music style from Assam.
In 1995, Garg moved to Mumbai to try bigger things. Mumbai is India’s film hub. He released an Indipop album Chandni Raat. His first Bollywood song was in the 1995 movie Gaddaar. These steps took him from local to national fame.
Early work focused on Assamese songs. He sang about love and life in simple ways. Moving to Mumbai was key. It opened doors to new styles. Garg learned to mix folk with pop and rock. This made his music fresh. By late 1990s, he was known in Northeast India as a top singer. His early albums sold well and built a fan base. This time taught him the music business.
Bollywood Breakthrough and Singing Career
Zubeen Garg’s big break in Bollywood came in 1998 with the song in Dil Se. Then he sang for Fiza in 2000 and Kaante in 2002. His most famous song was “Ya Ali” from Gangster in 2006. It won him the Global Indian Film Award for Best Playback Singer. He worked with composer Pritam on it. Fans loved the emotional tune.
Garg sang in many languages: Kannada, Tamil, Nepali, and more. He did playback singing for films in Bengali and other regional cinemas. His voice fit different styles, from romantic to upbeat.
After “Ya Ali,” he and Pritam did not work much together. Garg said in talks it was due to different ideas. But his career grew. He became a bridge between Assamese and Bollywood music. Songs like “Dil Tu Hi Bataa” showed his range. Over years, he recorded thousands of tracks. This made him a versatile artist. His Bollywood work brought attention to Northeast talents.
Composing, Acting, and Directing Ventures
Zubeen Garg did more than sing. He composed music for films. His first was Tumi Mur Matho Mur in 2000. Then Shudhu Tumi in 2004. In 2009, he won a National Film Award for composing Echoes of Silence.
He acted and directed too. In 2017, he made Mission China, a hit Assamese film. Then Kanchanjangha in 2019. He planned Roi Roi Binale for 2025, but it stayed unfinished. These works were in Assamese and Bengali cinema.
Garg’s films often showed Assam’s culture and issues. He used his music skills to make soundtracks. Acting let him connect with fans in new ways. Directing showed his full talent. He helped grow Assamese movies. His ventures made Northeast cinema stronger.
Awards and Recognitions
Zubeen Garg won many awards. In 2005, he got the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Music Director. The 2006 GIFA for “Ya Ali.” In 2009, National Film Award for Echoes of Silence. In 2021, Best Male Playback Singer for “Tomar Khola Hawa” from Bride By Chance.
In 2024, he received an honorary D.Litt. from the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya. These honors showed his impact.
Awards came from different places: Bollywood, regional, and national. They proved his skill in singing, composing, and more. Garg stayed humble, saying awards motivated him to do better.
Personal Life, Philanthropy, and Controversies
Zubeen Garg married Garima Saikia Garg on February 4, 2002. She is a fashion designer from Golaghat, Assam. They kept their life private. Garg had health issues, like heart problems, but he stayed active.
For philanthropy, Garg helped many. Through his Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, he supported flood relief, education, and youth in Assam. He gave money during the 2021 COVID-19 time. He played charity football for flood victims. He spoke against the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019, joining peaceful protests. He fought for indigenous rights and the environment.
Controversies happened too. In 2019, he said something about Brahmins that upset people. In 2024, a comment on Krishna caused talk. Garg explained them as misunderstandings.
His personal side showed a caring man. Philanthropy made him a role model. Controversies were small compared to his good work.
Tragic Death and Immediate Aftermath
On September 19, 2025, Zubeen Garg died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was 52. He was there for the North East India Festival as a cultural ambassador. During diving, he had breathing problems. Rescuers gave CPR, but he died at Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 PM India time.
His body was set for autopsy. Plans were to fly it back to Assam on September 20 or 21, 2025. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma helped with this. He called it a big loss for Assam.
Tributes came fast. Rahul Gandhi said Garg’s voice defined a generation. Singers like Pritam and Vishal Dadlani mourned him. Fans shared his last Instagram video, where he invited people to the festival. The aftermath showed how loved he was.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Zubeen Garg left a big mark on Indian music. He made Assamese songs known to more people. His mix of folk and rock opened doors for Northeast artists. Statues and bridges in places like Digboi honor him.
He mentored young singers and fought for social causes. His work in films boosted Assamese cinema. Garg’s legacy is in his songs that live on. He showed how music can unite people. Future artists will follow his path.
His impact goes beyond music. He helped during crises and spoke for rights. Garg is remembered as Assam’s heart.
Conclusion
Zubeen Garg’s life was full of music, help, and passion. From a boy in Meghalaya to a star, he worked hard. His death on September 19, 2025, ended an era, but his work stays. He taught us to follow dreams and give back. Garg’s story inspires many.
FAQs
What is Zubeen Garg famous for?
He is famous for singing “Ya Ali” and other hits, composing, acting, and directing in Assamese and Bollywood.
Who is Zubeen Garg’s wife?
His wife is Garima Saikia Garg, a fashion designer. They married in 2002.
How did Zubeen Garg die?
He died on September 19, 2025, in a scuba diving accident in Singapore due to breathing issues.
What was Zubeen Garg’s age at death?
He was 52 years old.
What controversies surround Zubeen Garg?
He had remarks in 2019 and 2024 that caused debate, but he clarified them.
What is Zubeen Garg’s net worth?
Estimates say around $8 million, from music and films.