zubeen garg aasam music

 Zubeen Garg: Life, Legacy, and Loss

Early Life & Background

Zubeen Garg was born Zubeen Borthakur on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, India. Though born in Meghalaya, he is widely associated with Jorhat in Assam, where he spent much of his life. 

He had deep roots in Assamese culture, and musicality ran in his family. From a young age, he showed interest in music and started learning various instruments. 

Career & Artistry

Zubeen’s career spanned over 30+ years (around 1992–2025), and he was a multi-talented artist: singer, composer, actor, music director, lyricist, among others. 

He sang in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and a large number of other languages and dialects (around 40). 

He recorded a very large body of work — tens of thousands of songs. 

Some of his most famous Bollywood/Indian‐mainstream tracks include “Ya Ali” (from Gangster) which became widely popular. 

In addition to music, he worked in Assamese cinema: acted, directed, wrote lyrics, etc. His first film as a director was Tumi Mur Mathu Mur (2000). 

Philosophy & Choices

One noted thing in his life is that he chose to stay largely in Assam rather than relocating full‐time to Mumbai, which meant he sometimes missed opportunities in Bollywood / mainstream Hindi cinema. He has spoken about “missed opportunities” because of this. 

His connection to Assamese identity was strong; his music often carried regional, cultural, and emotional weight. He was perceived as both modern and deeply tied to his roots. 

Death & Aftermath

Zubeen Garg passed away 19 September 2025 in Singapore. Initial reports mentioned a scuba diving accident, but later clarifications said he was swimming when the tragedy happened. 

Cause of death: drowning. He reportedly experienced a medical emergency (seizure or blackout) while swimming. CPR was administered and he was taken to hospital, but he did not survive. 

His body was brought back to Assam. Huge public outpouring — thousands lined the route from arrival to his home/residence for the final journey. The state declared mourning, and his cremation with full state honours was to be conducted near Guwahati. 

Impact & Legacy

Zubeen Garg was one of the last true mass icons from Assam. For many in his generation, his music was not just entertainment, but a companion in identity — giving voice and resonance to Assamese youth. 

He bridged regional and mainstream Indian music, bringing Assamese culture to a wider audience, and also bringing mainstream songs to Assamese ears. 

His choice to largely stay in Assam instead of migrating permanently to major centres like Mumbai is often seen as both a limitation (missed/cancelled offers) and a defining strength: he retained authenticity, connection, and a strong local bond. 

Critical Reflections

The cost of being geographically rooted: As mentioned, there were trade-offs in terms of national opportunities. But many feel that Zubeen’s staying connected to Assam made him more beloved there.

His passing has stirred conversations about recognition of regional artists, preservation of their work, and how cultural icons are honoured.

Also, his death has led to calls for memorials, archives, and efforts to preserve his voice and songs for posterity. 

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