When we talk about music that connects emotions with culture, one name that shines is Zubeen Garg. Known as the Voice of Assam, Zubeen is not only a celebrated playback singer but also a music director, composer, actor, and philanthropist. His contribution to Indian and Assamese music has made him a household name across the Northeast and beyond.
Early Life and Journey into Music
Born on 18 November 1972 in Jorhat, Assam, Zubeen Garg grew up in a culturally rich family. His father, Mohini Mohan Borthakur, was a lyricist and poet, while his mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer. Music was part of his DNA, and his parents’ passion helped him shape his career.
Named after the great Bollywood singer Zubin Mehta, young Zubeen developed a deep love for both Assamese and Hindi music. He started his career by singing Assamese songs before venturing into the Hindi film industry.
Rise to Fame with “Ya Ali”
The turning point in Zubeen’s career came with the blockbuster song “Ya Ali” from the Bollywood film Gangster (2006). The song became an instant sensation, not just in India but also in several countries. His unique voice and emotional depth turned “Ya Ali” into one of the most streamed and requested tracks of that year.
This success opened the doors of Bollywood for Zubeen, making him one of the few Assamese singers to gain nationwide recognition.
Contributions to Assamese Music
While Bollywood gave him national fame, Zubeen never forgot his Assamese roots. He has sung over 16,000 songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other languages. His Assamese album Anamika became a landmark in the regional music industry.
He is known for popular Assamese tracks like:
- Mayabini Ratir Sapoon
- Pakhi Pakhi Mon
- Ei Mon Jirake Juirai
Zubeen’s songs beautifully combine Assamese culture with modern musical styles, making them timeless classics.
Beyond Singing: A True Artist
Zubeen Garg is more than a singer. He has also worked as a:
- Music Director – composing soulful music for Assamese films.
- Actor – performing in movies like Mission China, Gaane Ki Aane, and Kanchenjunga.
- Writer & Producer – contributing to Assamese cinema and helping it grow on a bigger platform.
His versatility has made him a complete artist, loved by millions.
Social Work and Activism
Apart from his artistic achievements, Zubeen is also known for his social contributions. He has actively participated in awareness campaigns for environmental issues, health, and education in Assam.
He often donates to charities, supports young artists, and raises his voice for important causes. This side of Zubeen shows that he is not just a musician, but also a responsible citizen.
Awards and Recognition
Zubeen Garg’s exceptional work has earned him multiple awards, including:
- National Film Award for Best Music Direction (Echoes of Silence).
- Filmfare Awards (Eastern India) for his contribution to regional cinema.
- Recognition from both Assam and national platforms for his outstanding contribution to music.
Why Zubeen Garg is Loved by Millions
The reason Zubeen continues to rule hearts is simple: his authenticity. Unlike many artists who shift entirely to mainstream industries, Zubeen has always stayed connected to his Assamese fans while growing his pan-India popularity.
He represents a bridge between local culture and global music, making him an icon not just for Assam but for all of India.
Rakesh Kumar is the author of mhexport-maharashtra.in, where he writes well-researched articles on technology (mobile reviews) and automobiles (car and bike updates). He holds a B.A. (2020) and an M.A. from Lucknow University. With over 3 years of experience in content writing, Rakesh has been consistently delivering insightful and engaging content in the tech and automobile space.