About Zubeen Garg
Introduction
Zubeen Garg often hailed as the "Bard of the Brahmaputra", is a cultural icon whose voice and creativity have transcended linguistic and geographic boundaries. Born on November 18, 1972, in Jorhat, Assam, Zubeen is not just a singer but a composer, actor, filmmaker, writer, and philanthropist. With over 30,000 songs in 15+ languages, his journey is a testament to his passion, versatility, and unwavering love for his roots.
Early Life & Musical Roots
A Childhood Steeped in Music
Zubeen’s tryst with music began at age 5 under the guidance of his mother, Ily Borthakur, a classical singer. Named after the legendary conductor Zubin Mehta, he grew up surrounded by the melodies of Hindustani classical music and the vibrant rhythms of Assamese folk.
- Early Training: Mastered the harmonium and tabla by age 10.
- Inspirations: Assamese folk legend Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Bollywood’s Kishore Kumar, and Western rock bands like Pink Floyd.
- First Composition: Penned his first song, "Mou Priya", at age 12 during a school competition.
Education & Formative Years
- Graduated from J.B. College, Jorhat, balancing academics with local music performances.
- At 18, he moved to Guwahati to pursue music professionally, performing at Bihu festivals and cultural events.
Career Journey: From Assam to Bollywood
1992: The Debut That Changed Everything
Zubeen burst onto the scene with his debut Assamese album, Anamika, at age 20. Its fusion of folk lyrics with modern instrumentation made it an instant classic, selling over 100,000 cassettes.
1995: Bollywood Breakthrough
His first Hindi album, Chandni Raat, introduced him to pan-India audiences. Though initially overlooked, it laid the groundwork for his future success.
2006: The National Sensation
The song Ya Ali from the film Gangster catapulted Zubeen to stardom. Its Sufi-rock vibe topped charts for months, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer.
Beyond Music: Acting & Filmmaking
- Acting Debut: Jeevan Baator Logori (2009), an Assamese film where he played a lead role.
- Director/Producer: Directed critically acclaimed films like Mission China (2017) and Kanchanjangha (2021), blending social messages with entertainment.
Regional Dominance
- Bengali Music: Albums like Shudhu Tumi (2002) and Aamar Prithibi (2008) cemented his status in West Bengal.
- Tamil & Telugu: Collaborated with A.R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja for soundtracks.
The Philanthropist & Social Activist
Zubeen’s heart beats for Assam. He’s actively involved in:
- Flood Relief: Organized charity concerts and donated lakhs during Assam’s annual floods.
- Youth Empowerment: Mentored aspiring artists through workshops and his label Zubeen Garg Music.
- Cultural Preservation: Revived interest in Bihu folk music by blending it with contemporary genres.
Personal Life & Lesser-Known Facts
- Family: Married to Garima Saikia Garg; father to two daughters, Sagarika and Srishti.
- Hobbies: An avid reader and poet, he authored books like Xur (Melody) and Niyor (Tears).
- Quirky Side: Loves biking and owns a collection of vintage motorcycles.
In His Words:
"Music isn’t just notes; it’s the heartbeat of Assam. I sing for the farmer in the field, the student in the city, and the child learning Bihu."
Legacy & Cultural Impact
- Revolutionized Assamese Music: Merged Bihu folk with rock, pop, and electronic beats, making it relevant to younger generations.
- Voice of the Northeast: Bridged the cultural gap between India’s northeastern states and mainstream Bollywood.
- Mentor: Launched careers of artists like Angaraag Mahanta (Papon) and Zublee Baruah.
Awards & Honors:
- Filmfare Award (2006)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2015)
- Assam Ratna (2017) – Highest civilian honor in Assam
- Prag Cine Award 2024: Best Supporting Actor for Dr. Bezbarua 2
- Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award 2025: For his contributions to Assam's social and cultural landscape