Early Life & Family Background

Zubeen Garg was born as Zubeen Borthakur on 18 November 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya (India), into an Assamese Brahmin family with cultural leanings.
His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a magistrate and a lyricist/poet. His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer.
The family’s ancestral roots are in Tamulichiga (Jhanji), Jorhat, Assam.
Zubeen’s childhood involved moving around due to his father’s transfers, growing up in a milieu combining administration and arts.
His birth name “Zubeen” was chosen in homage to the maestro Zubin Mehta.
He adopted the surname “Garg” instead of “Borthakur”.
He had a sister Jonkie Borthakur, a singer/actress, who tragically died in 2002, and another sister Palme Borthakur, an academic.
Education-wise, he attended Tamulpur Higher Secondary School and later B. Borooah College, but eventually left college to focus on music.

Musical Training & Beginnings

Zubeen’s musical foundation was laid at home under his mother, then he studied tabla under Pandit Robin Banerjee for 11 years.
He also learned Assamese folk music from Guru Romoni Rai.
In 1992, he won a gold medal at a youth festival for Western solo performance, which inspired him to pursue a professional career in music.

Entry into Professional Music & Assamese Breakthrough

Zubeen’s first album 'Anamika' (1992) marked his professional debut.
He released songs like “Tumi Junu Pariba Hun” and “Tumi Junaki Hubakh” in the album 'Ritu' (1993).
His blend of folk, pop, rock and classical influences began to establish him in Assamese music.

Multilingual Career & Bollywood Entry

Zubeen has sung in more than 30–40 languages and dialects including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and others.
He is a multi-instrumentalist playing tabla, harmonium, guitar, mandolin, dotara, drums, among others.
He moved to Mumbai in the mid-1990s to work in Bollywood; his major break came with 'Ya Ali' from the film Gangster (2006).

Acting, Direction, Production

Zubeen ventured into acting and filmmaking. For instance, the Assamese film 'Mission China' (2017) – he directed, produced, and acted in it.
He also scored music, wrote lyrics, and contributed significantly to Assamese cinema.

Social Work, Identity & Cultural Impact

Zubeen used his platform in Assam and beyond to influence cultural identity.
He became a cultural icon bridging folk and modern music in Assam and bringing regional music to a wider audience.

Major Achievements & Recognition

He recorded over 30,000+ songs in numerous languages.
National/international recognition came from Bollywood with 'Ya Ali' (2006).
He has multiple state-level and regional awards, including a National Film Award for Non-Feature Film Music Direction in 2009.

Personal Life

Zubeen married Garima Saikia Garg (fashion designer) on 4 February 2002.
He has a son (Gautam Garg) and lived between Mumbai and Assam.
His musical studio 'Sound & Silence' is in Andheri East, Mumbai.

Controversies & Challenges

Zubeen faced controversies, including public backlash for remarks in 2019.
He faced personal and professional challenges, but remained influential in music.

Passing & Legacy

Zubeen Garg passed away on 19 September 2025, in Singapore at age 52.
His death led to widespread grief across Assam and India.
He left a legacy of regional music reaching national and international audiences, and inspired younger artists.

Selected Discography & Film-Work

- Debut album: 'Anamika' (1992) in Assamese.
- Bollywood break: 'Ya Ali' from 'Gangster' (2006).
- Assamese film: 'Mission China' (2017) – directed/produced by him.
- Recorded songs in more than 40 languages/dialects.

Impact & Cultural Significance

Zubeen illustrates the merging of regional identity with broader frameworks.
He exemplifies the polyglot artist thriving in multiple languages.
His music bridges folk and modern idioms, forming cultural memory and identity.

Zubeen Garg’s Iconic Quotes

1. On Identity and Freedom

“I have no caste, no religion. I don't believe in God. I am free. I am Kanchenjunga.”
A bold declaration of his secular and independent worldview. IMDb

2. On Music and Language

“Music has no language barriers. It speaks directly to the heart.”
Emphasizing the universal power of music to transcend linguistic divides. IMDb

3. On Ability and Attitude

“Ability is what you're capable of doing! Motivation determines what you do! Attitude determines how well you do it!!”
A motivational insight into the importance of mindset and perseverance. India Today NE

4. On Artistic Struggles

“Struggles shape the artist inside you.”
Acknowledging the role of challenges in artistic development. greetquote.in

5. On Dreams and Imagination

“Dream big, because music starts with imagination.”
Encouraging expansive thinking as the foundation of creativity. greetquote.in

6. On Life’s Challenges

“Embrace today's challenges, for they are the stepping stones to tomorrow's success. Let go of doubt and believe in the boundless potential.”
A call to face adversity with optimism and confidence. India Today NE

7. On His Final Wish

“When I die, lay me in the Brahmaputra and let Mayabini play.”
A poignant expression of his deep connection to his roots and his beloved song. The Times of India

8. On Artistic Environment

“Even my dog can sing in rhythm.”
A humorous remark highlighting the musical atmosphere of his upbringing. North Guwahati. com

9. On Bollywood

“Zubeen Garg refused to work in Mumbai because of Bollywood's 'attitude', told them to come to Assam if they wanted him: 'I don't like the chaos'.”
Reflecting his preference for authenticity over the industry's glamour. India Today NE

Zubeen Garg's musical journey spanned over three decades, during which he recorded more than 40,000 songs in over 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and various regional dialects. His prolific output made him a cultural icon, particularly in Northeast India.

🎶 Selected Discography of Zubeen Garg

🎧 Assamese Albums

Anamika (1992) – His debut album, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
Ritu (1993) – Featured popular tracks like "Tumi Junu Pariba Hun" and "Tumi Junaki Hubakh."
Jantra (2005) – An album reflecting his versatility and depth in Assamese music. Wikipedia
Mission China (2017) – Also served as the soundtrack for the film of the same name, which he directed and produced.
Kanchanjangha (2019) – A feature film soundtrack album released under Times Music. Wikipedia

🎤 Hindi Albums

Zindagi (2007) – A studio album featuring tracks like "Jia Re Jia Re." Wikipedia
Pakeeza (2013) – A romantic Hindi album released by Times Music. Wikipedia
Gaane Ki Aane (2015) – A soundtrack album released digitally by Times Music. Wikipedia

🎬 Selected Film Songs

Ya Ali from Gangster (2006) – A major hit that brought him national recognition.
Mantra (Om) from Strings - Bound By Faith (2006) – His Bollywood debut. Wikipedia
Tu Kahaan Hai from TVF Tripling (2019) – A soulful track from the popular web series. Wikipedia

📺 Assamese Television Songs

Anuradha (2011) – A title track for the Assamese TV show.
Meghranjani (2012) – A song for the TV serial of the same name.
Hridoyor Gaan (2022) – A recent addition to his television repertoire. Wikipedia

🎬 Zubeen Garg – Complete Filmography
🎥 Assamese Films
Hiya Diya Niya (2000) – Music Composer
Daag (2001) – Music Composer
Mon Jaai (2008) – Actor, Music Composer
Dinabandhu (2004) – Actor, Music Composer
Juman-Suman (2003) – Music Composer
Prem Aru Prem (2002) – Music Composer
Kanyadaan (2002) – Music Composer
Jonaki Mon (2002) – Music Composer
Jibon Nodir Duti Par (2002) – Music Composer
Agnishakshi (2003) – Music Composer
Priya Milan (2003) – Music Composer
Bidhata (2003) – Music Composer
Rong (2004) – Actor, Music Composer
Barud (2004) – Actor, Music Composer
Adhinayak (2006) – Actor, Music Composer
Aami Asomiya (2006) – Actor, Music Composer
Mission China (2017) – Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Music Composer
Kanchanjangha (2019) – Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Music Composer
Ratnakar (2019) – Music Composer
Pratighaat (2019) – Music Composer
O Bandhu Amar (2019) – Music Composer
Gaane Ki Aane (2016) – Actor, Music Composer
The Underworld (2018) – Actor, Music Composer
Roi Roi Binale (2025) – Actor, Writer, Music Composer Wikipedia

🎞️ Hindi Films

Dil Toh Deewana Hai (2016) – Actor, Music Composer
Krrish 3 (2013) – Actor
OMG – Oh My God! (2012) – Actor
Mission Istaanbul (2008) – Actor
Big Brother (2007) – Actor
Meeruthiya Gangsters (2015) – Actor
Chinar (2015) – Actor
Bombay To Bangkok (2008) – Actor
Deshdrohi (2006) – Actor
Hastey Hastey (2008) – Actor
Hello (2008) – Actor
Naqaab (2007) – Actor
Nehlle Pe Dehlla (2007) – Actor
Raqeeb (2007) – Actor
The Train (2007) – Actor
Victoria No. 203 (2007) – Actor
Good Boy Bad Boy (2007) – Actor
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) – Actor
Kya Love Story Hai (2007) – Actor
Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) – Actor
My Friend Ganesha (2007) – Actor
Namastey London (2007) – Actor
Naqaab (2007) – Actor
Nehlle Pe Dehlla (2007) – Actor
Raqeeb (2007) – Actor
The Train (2007) – Actor
Victoria No. 203 (2007) – Actor

His final film, Roi Roi Binale, is set to release on October 31, 2025, marking a poignant moment for fans and the Assamese film industry. The Times of India

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Zubeen Garg Biography