Zubeen Garg Biography: Early Life, Education, Age, Career and Legacy

Zubeen Garg, the legendary Assamese singer, composer, and actor, was one of India’s most loved and versatile musicians. Known for his soulful voice and fearless personality, he sang in over 40 languages and brought Assamese music to the national stage. His untimely death in 2025 left millions heartbroken, marking the end of an extraordinary era in India’s musical history.

Key Details About Zubeen Garg

• Date of birth: 18th November 1972
• Place of birth: Tura, Meghalaya, India
• Occupations: Singer, songwriter, composer, actor, director, film producer
• Other names: Goldie, Luit Kontho, Zubeen Da, King of Humming, Surya Kontho, Heartthrob of Assam
• Died: 19th September 2025
• Place of Death: Singapore

Early Life and Education of Zubeen Garg

Zubeen Garg was born on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, to Mohini Mohon Borthakur, a poet and civil servant, and Ily Borthakur, a singer. His name was inspired by the famous conductor Zubin Mehta. He grew up in different parts of Assam because of his father’s transfers.

Zubeen studied at Carmel School, Karimganj High School, and J.B. College, Jorhat. He later joined B. Borooah College in Guwahati but left studies to focus on music.

Career Beginnings of Zubeen Garg in Music

Zubeen’s musical journey began at a very young age. Taught by his mother, he started singing at just three years old and later trained under Pandit Robin Banerjee in tabla for over a decade. He also learned Assamese folk traditions from Guru Ramani Rai. His first major break came in 1992 with his debut Assamese album “Anamika”, which made him a household name in Assam. Soon, albums like Xopunor Xur, Junaki Mon, Maya, and Asha followed, establishing him as one of the most prominent voices of the region.

Before moving to Mumbai, Zubeen released a Bihu album titled Ujan Piriti, which became a commercial hit and solidified his popularity across Assam.

Rise in Bollywood

In the mid-1990s, Zubeen Garg shifted to Mumbai to explore opportunities in Bollywood. He launched his first Hindi pop album, “Chandni Raat”, in 1996 and went on to record several Hindi albums, including Shradhaanjali, Jalwa, Yuhi Kabhi, Jadoo, and Sparsh.

He lent his voice to numerous Hindi films such as Gaddaar (1995), Dil Se (1998), Fiza (2000), and Kaante (2002). His career reached new heights when he sang the song “Ya Ali” for the 2006 movie Gangster: A Love Story. The song became a nationwide sensation and won him the GIFA Award for Best Playback Singer.

Apart from Bollywood, Zubeen also worked extensively in Bengali cinema, contributing both as a singer and music director to films like Shudhu Tumi, Premi, and Mon Mane Na. His ability to sing in over 40 languages and dialects, including Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, and Bhojpuri, showcased his unmatched versatility.

Acting and Direction

Besides being a singer and composer, Zubeen Garg also explored acting and filmmaking. His debut as an actor and director came with the film “Tumi Mor Matho Mor” around 2000. He later acted in several Assamese movies such as Dinabandhu (2004), Mon Jaai (2008), Kanchanjangha (2019), and Dr. Bezbaruah 2 (2023).

Through his films, Zubeen often touched on social and political issues. For instance, his movie Kanchanjangha addressed corruption in public recruitment, earning widespread appreciation.

Personal Life of Zubeen Garg

Zubeen married Garima Saikia, a fashion designer, in 2002. Known for his fearless opinions, he often spoke about social and cultural issues. He described himself as irreligious, believing in humanity above all.

He also ran the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which helped flood victims and needy people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he offered his home as a COVID care centre.

Age of Zubeen Garg

At the time of his death in 2025, Zubeen Garg was 52 years old. Over his three-decade-long career, he recorded more than 38,000 songs, making him one of the most prolific singers in Indian music history.

Zubeen Garg – Death and Legacy

Zubeen Garg passed away on 19 September 2025 in Singapore while swimming without a life jacket. He was declared dead at Singapore General Hospital. The Assam government ordered an investigation and honoured him with a state funeral and a 21-gun salute on 23 September 2025.

Zubeen Garg remains an icon of Assamese music and a beloved artist across India. His wish for his song “Mayabini Raatir Bukut” to be played after his death became true, as fans across Assam sang it in his memory.

The Assam government announced memorials in Guwahati and Jorhat to honour him. His music continues to inspire millions, making him a true legend of Indian music.