Zubeen Garg - The Musical Legend From Assam
Zubeen Garg (18 November 1972 – 19 September 2025) was not just an artist — he was an emotion that resonated across generations of Assamese and Indian music lovers. A singer, composer, lyricist, actor, and filmmaker, Zubeen’s artistic brilliance shaped the cultural identity of Assam and brought Assamese music into the national spotlight.
Born in Tura, Meghalaya, and raised in Jorhat, Zubeen hailed from a musically inclined Assamese Brahmin family. His father, Mohini Mohan Garg, was a lyricist and poet, while his mother, the late Ilyani Borthakur, inspired his musical instincts. Zubeen’s early exposure to classical and folk music molded him into one of India’s most versatile performers.
Zubeen’s career began in the early 1990s with Assamese albums like Anamika, Maya. His unique voice and deep emotional expression soon made him a household name in Assam. However, it was his Hindi track “Ya Ali” from the Bollywood movie Gangster (2006) that catapulted him to national fame, earning him multiple awards and recognition across India and abroad.
Over the years, Zubeen sang and composed more than 38,000 songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil, and Telugu, leaving behind a musical legacy unmatched in Indian regional cinema. His ability to blend modern beats with Assamese folk rhythms redefined the soundscape of Assamese music.
Apart from music, Zubeen Garg was an accomplished actor, director, and producer. His films like Kanchanjangha (2019), Mission China (2017), and Ratnakar (2019) became box office milestones. His final film, Roi Roi Binale (2025), broke multiple records within days of release, earning over ₹16.9 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Assamese movies of all time. The film’s success became a testament to his timeless popularity, even after his passing.
Throughout his illustrious career, Zubeen won several national and regional awards for Best Playback Singer, Best Music Director, and Lifetime Contribution to Assamese Music. His songs such as Mayabini, Pakhi, Pakeeza, and Ya Ali continue to dominate playlists across generations.
Beyond music, Zubeen was a philanthropist and cultural activist. He actively supported causes related to youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and Assamese cultural preservation. His influence inspired a new generation to take pride in regional identity while embracing modernity.
On 19 September 2025, Zubeen Garg tragically passed away in Singapore after suffering a seizure while swimming at Lazarus Island, just hours before performing at the 4th North East India Festival. His untimely death shocked millions of fans, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in Indian music.
Yet, his voice lives on. From the rhythms of Assamese folk to Bollywood’s soulful hits, Zubeen Garg remains immortal through his melodies. His music continues to echo in every Assamese heart, making him truly — The Musical Legend From Assam.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zubeen Garg |
| Born | 18 November 1972, Tura, Meghalaya, India |
| Died | 19 September 2025, Singapore |
| Profession | Singer, Composer, Lyricist, Actor, Director |
| Languages Sung In | Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada |
| Notable Songs | Ya Ali, Mayabini, Pakhi, Tumi Mur, Pakeeza |
| Famous Films | Mission China, Kanchanjangha, Ratnakar, Roi Roi Binale |
| Awards | Best Playback Singer, Best Music Director, Lifetime Achievement |
| Spouse | Garima Saikia Garg |
| Legacy | Over 38,000 recorded songs; cultural icon of Assam |
Zubeen Garg was a legendary Indian singer, composer, actor, and filmmaker from Assam, known for his soulful voice and over 38,000 recorded songs.
His last film was Roi Roi Binale (2025), which became one of the highest-grossing Assamese movies with ₹16.9 crore worldwide.
He passed away on 19 September 2025 in Singapore after a tragic incident at Lazarus Island, where he was to perform at the North East India Festival.
His Hindi song Ya Ali from the Bollywood film Gangster (2006) brought him nationwide fame.
He recorded more than 38,000 songs across multiple Indian languages including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, and Tamil.
Some of his most loved Assamese songs include Mayabini, Pakhi, Maya, Moina Moina, and Tumi Mur.
His directorial debut was Mission China (2017), which became a blockbuster hit in Assam.
Yes, he received multiple awards for Best Singer and Best Music Director, along with lifetime achievement honors for his contribution to Indian music.
He redefined Assamese music by fusing folk elements with modern arrangements, taking regional sound to national recognition.
You can find his songs on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Gaana, and through Assamese music archives online.