Thousands of songs, lakhs of fans: Zubeen Garg's journey from struggle to stardom
Zubeen Garg's death marked the loss of one of the Indian music industry's most soulful voices. The 52-year-old singer and composer, known as the voice of Assam and adored throughout India, died in Singapore following a horrific accident while scuba diving at the North East Festival. His untimely death has left an irreplaceable vacuum in the hearts of millions of admirers who grew up listening to his great music.
Zubeen Garg was born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, and began his musical career when most children were still discovering their surroundings. His mother was his first mentor, encouraging him to pursue his musical interests. By the age of 11, he was studying classical music with Pandit Robin Banerjee, with folk influences from Rumanian Rai. He composed his first song when he was 13, and by the age of 19, his debut album Anamika had earned him a household celebrity in Assam.
Zubeen's talent extended far beyond singing. According to IMDb, he could play more than 12 musical instruments, which enhanced his compositions and theatrical performances. With over 30,000 songs in languages such as Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali, he established a legacy that few musicians in India can equal. When he relocated to Mumbai in the mid-1990s, his independent albums Chandni Raat, Jalwa, and Yaad helped him establish a foothold in India's developing non-film music industry.
His real success in Bollywood came with the 2006 flick Gangster. The song "Ya Ali" became a national success and was the pinnacle of his career. Zubeen went on to perform notable songs like "Dil Tu Hi Bataa," "Jaane Kya Chahe Mann Bavra," and "Dard-E-Dil," cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile backing singers of his time.
Beyond music, Zubeen had a strong connection to his roots. He was married to Garima Saikia, an Assam-based fashion designer, and devoted his time to charitable causes. Through his Kalaguru Artist Foundation, he helped flood victims, COVID-19 patients, and poor towns in the Northeast. His humility, activity, and regional pride elevated him to the status of cultural ambassador for Assam, rather than just a musician.
Zubeen Garg may not be with us anymore, yet his music lives on through generations. From folk songs to Bollywood successes, his voice expressed stories of love, tragedy, and hope, guaranteeing that his rise from small-town Assam to the world stage will continue to inspire artists for decades to come.