Zubeen Garg was one of the most loved singers and cultural icons from Assam, India. Born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, and raised in Jorhat, Assam, he grew up in a family where music and literature were part of everyday life. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a poet and magistrate, while his mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer who became his first teacher. From a young age, Zubeen showed a natural gift for music and went on to become a household name in Assam and beyond.
He first gained fame in the Assamese music world with his debut album Anamika in 1992. Later, he became known across India with the Bollywood song Ya Ali from the film Gangster (2006), which turned into a nationwide hit. Over his career, he recorded thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and many other languages, making him one of the most versatile and respected musicians in the country.
Early Life and Childhood
Zubeen was born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya. His family later moved to Jorhat, Assam, where he spent most of his childhood. His birth name was Zubeen Borthakur, but he later adopted “Garg” from his family’s gotra. Interestingly, he was named after the world-famous conductor Zubin Mehta, a sign of the musical aspirations his parents had for him.
His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was not only a magistrate but also a respected poet and lyricist. Writing under the pen name “Kapil Thakur,” he contributed to Assamese literature and inspired his son to value words and rhythm. His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer who became Zubeen’s first guru. She taught him the basics of music and encouraged him to pursue his passion. This nurturing environment gave Zubeen the foundation he needed to grow into a versatile artist.
Childhood Influences
Growing up in Assam, Zubeen was surrounded by the sounds of folk music, devotional songs, and modern pop. He began singing at the age of three and later trained in tabla under Pandit Robin Banerjee for 11 years. He also learned Assamese folk music from Guru Ramani Rai. These early lessons gave him a strong base in both classical and folk traditions, which later blended into his unique style.
Zubeen also had siblings who were part of his artistic journey. His younger sister, Jonkey (also known as Jongki) Borthakur, was an actress and singer. Tragically, she died in a road accident in 2002, a loss that deeply affected Zubeen. He later dedicated his album Xixhu to her memory. His other sister, Dr. Palme Borthakur, pursued medicine, showing that the family valued both the arts and education.
Zubeen Garg – Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zubeen Borthakur (professionally known as Zubeen Garg) |
| Nicknames | Goldie; “Luitkontho” (Voice of the Brahmaputra); “Heartthrob of Assam” |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, filmmaker |
| Date of Birth | 18 November 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Tura, Meghalaya, India |
| Hometown | Jorhat, Assam |
| Age at Death | 52 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion/Beliefs | Stated he had “no caste, religion or God” |
| Education | Schooling in Assam; Higher Secondary at Karimganj College; B.Sc. studies at B. Borooah College (dropped out to pursue music) |
| Years Active | 1992–2025 |
| Known For | Hit song Ya Ali (Gangster, 2006); Assamese albums like Anamika (1992) |
| Major Works | Anamika, Xixhu, Ya Ali, Dil Tu Hi Bataa, Kanchanjangha (film, 2019) |
| Awards | National Film Award (2009, Best Music Direction – Non-Feature Film); Honorary D.Litt. from USTM (2024) |
| Father | Mohini Mohon Borthakur (poet/lyricist “Kapil Thakur”) |
| Mother | Ily Borthakur (singer, his first guru) |
| Siblings | Sister: Jonkey/Jongki Borthakur (late actress-singer); Dr. Palme Borthakur |
| Spouse | Garima Saikia Garg (married 2002, singer and designer) |
| Children | Son – Gautam Garg |
| Hobbies | Football, poetry, theatre |
| Height | Approx. 170–177 cm (5’7″–5’9″) |
| Weight | Approx. 70–80 kg |
| Eye Colour | Dark |
| Hair Colour | Black (graying in later years) |
| Death Date | 19 September 2025 |
| Place of Death | Singapore |
| Cause of Death | Complications after a scuba-diving accident |
| @zubeen.garg/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Zubeen_Garg |
Physical Appearance
Zubeen was not just known for his voice but also for the way he carried himself on stage. Standing at an approximate height of 5’7” to 5’9” and weighing between 70–80 kilograms, he had a strong yet approachable presence.
His dark eyes and black hair, which later turned gray with age, gave him a mature and thoughtful look. But what truly set him apart was his energy. Whether he was performing in a packed stadium in Guwahati or at a small cultural event in a rural town, he gave the same intensity. Fans often said that when Zubeen was on stage, it felt like he was singing directly to each person in the crowd.
Family and Personal Life
In 2002, Zubeen married Garima Saikia, a fashion designer and singer from Golaghat, Assam. Garima later became a film producer and worked on projects like Kanchanjangha and Mission China. The couple often appeared together at public events and shared glimpses of their life on social media. Their marriage was seen as a strong partnership, both personally and professionally.
Zubeen and Garima were blessed with a son, Gautam Garg. While the family mostly kept their private life away from the media, fans often saw pictures of them together. Zubeen was known to be a loving father and husband, balancing his busy career with family responsibilities. The loss of his sister Jonkey in 2002 was a turning point in Zubeen’s life. He often spoke about her in interviews and dedicated songs to her memory. His bond with his surviving sister, Dr. Palme Borthakur, remained strong.
Education and Early Interests
Zubeen completed his schooling in Assam, attending institutions in places like Tamulpur and Karimganj. He later enrolled at Karimganj College for his Higher Secondary studies. After that, he joined B. Borooah College in Guwahati to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree. However, his passion for music was so strong that he eventually dropped out to focus on his career.
During his college years, Zubeen was not just a student but also a performer. He often participated in cultural events, where his singing and instrumental skills stood out. In 1992, he won a gold medal for a Western solo performance at a youth festival, a moment he later described as a turning point in his life.
Musical Beginnings in Assam
Zubeen’s professional journey began in the early 1990s. His first Assamese album, Anamika, released in 1992, was a turning point not only for him but also for Assamese music. The album introduced a fresh sound that blended traditional Assamese folk with modern pop influences. Songs from Anamika became instant hits, and young listeners across Assam embraced Zubeen as their new musical hero.
Before Zubeen, Assamese music was largely dominated by folk and film songs. With Anamika, he brought a new style that appealed to the younger generation. His music was modern, yet it carried the soul of Assam. This balance made him stand out. Soon, he was recording more albums, performing at concerts, and becoming a household name in the Northeast.
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Rise to National Fame
In 2006, Garg’s career reached a new height with the release of Ya Ali from the Bollywood film Gangster. The song became a nationwide sensation. Its haunting melody and Zubeen’s soulful voice struck a chord with listeners across India. Within weeks, Ya Ali was topping music charts, playing in clubs, and being sung by fans everywhere.
The success of Ya Ali opened doors for Zubeen in Bollywood and other regional industries. He began recording songs in Hindi, Bengali, and other languages. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different musical styles, from romantic ballads to energetic dance numbers. This expansion made him a pan-Indian figure, while still keeping his Assamese roots intact. Interestingly, Ya Ali was not just popular in India. It became a hit in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and even in the Middle East.
Acting and Filmmaking Career
While music was his first love, Zubeen also explored acting. He appeared in several Assamese films, often playing roles that connected with the local audience. His natural screen presence and popularity as a singer helped him succeed as an actor.
In 2019, Zubeen made his directorial debut with the Assamese film Kanchanjangha. The film was based on the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) recruitment scam, a sensitive issue that had affected many young people in the state. The movie was both a commercial success and a social statement, proving that Zubeen was not afraid to use art as a tool for change.
Major Albums and Hit Songs
Garg’s career began with Assamese albums, and he never abandoned his roots even after achieving national fame. His debut album Anamika (1992) was a cultural milestone in Assam, introducing a fresh sound that appealed to young listeners. Over the years, he released dozens of Assamese albums, including Xixhu, Chandini Raat, and Rangdhali. Each album carried a mix of romantic ballads, folk-inspired tracks, and experimental sounds. His songs often became anthems during Bihu festivals and college events, cementing his place as the voice of a generation.
While Assamese music gave him his foundation, Bollywood gave him nationwide recognition. His biggest hit, Ya Ali from Gangster (2006), remains one of the most iconic songs of the 2000s. The track’s haunting melody and Zubeen’s soulful delivery made it a chartbuster. He followed this success with other Hindi songs like Dil Tu Hi Bataa from Krrish 3 and Mar Jaawan from Fashion. These songs showcased his ability to adapt to different genres, from romantic ballads to high-energy tracks.
Social and Political Engagement
Zubeen was not just an artist; he was also a voice for social justice. During the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests in Assam, he emerged as one of the most prominent cultural figures supporting the movement. He performed at rallies, wrote protest songs, and used his platform to amplify the concerns of the Assamese people. His involvement gave the movement a cultural dimension, making it more than just a political issue.
Zubeen’s outspoken nature sometimes landed him in controversy. In 2019, he made remarks about Brahmins that sparked outrage. Multiple cases were filed against him, and he later issued a public apology, clarifying that he opposed caste hierarchies and did not intend to hurt sentiments. In 2024, his comments about Lord Krishna during a cultural event in Majuli led to protests and a temporary ban from a local Satra body. Despite these controversies, his popularity remained intact, as fans admired his honesty and willingness to admit mistakes.
Final Days and Last Performances
In September 2025, Zubeen traveled to Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival. The event was meant to showcase the culture of the region, and Zubeen was the star attraction. Fans were eagerly waiting to see him perform, unaware that it would be his final appearance.
Reports from Singapore suggest that Zubeen was in high spirits before the event. He rehearsed with his band, interacted with fans, and even shared moments on social media. Those who met him described him as cheerful and full of energy, making his sudden death even more shocking.
Death and Cause
On September 19, 2025, Zubeen went scuba diving in Singapore. During the dive, he experienced breathing difficulties and had to be pulled out of the water. Emergency responders performed CPR at the scene before rushing him to Singapore General Hospital. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead in the ICU.
Initial reports cited drowning as the cause of death. An autopsy was scheduled to confirm the exact circumstances, but officials confirmed that complications during the dive led to his passing. The news spread quickly across India, with fans and leaders expressing shock and grief.
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