Essay on Zubeen Garg Zubeen Garg Essay in English
Introduction
Zubeen Garg was a very popular Indian singer, musician, composer, actor, and film producer. He was especially famous for his work in Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali music. Apart from these, he sang songs in more than forty languages, including English, Nepali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Odia, Sanskrit, and Bhojpuri.
Zubeen Garg could play many musical instruments. He was skilled in playing the guitar, tabla, drums, dhol, harmonium, mandolin, and keyboard. His music career lasted for more than thirty years, during which he recorded over 38,000 songs. He was considered one of the most influential and highest-paid artists from Assam.
Early Life and Family
Zubeen Garg was born on 18 November 1972. His birth name was Zubeen Borthakur. He was named after the famous music conductor Zubin Mehta. Later, he chose the surname “Garg” and built his own identity as an artist.
He grew up in a musical family. His mother taught him music from an early age, and his father also loved music. His sister, Jonki Borthakur, was a well-known singer and actress. She passed away in 2002.
Education
Zubeen completed his matriculation from Tamulpur Higher Secondary School. After that, he studied science at J.B. College and Karimganj College. He also took admission in the science stream at B. Barooah College. However, because of his deep love for music, he left his studies and decided to make music his full-time career.
Musical Journey
Zubeen started singing when he was only three years old. His mother taught him singing, and Pandit Robin Banerjee trained him in tabla. Later, Guru Ramani Rai introduced him to Assamese folk music. While he was still in school, Zubeen began writing and composing his own songs.
In 1992, he entered the professional music world with the Assamese album Anamika. Before this, he had won a gold medal in a Western solo music youth competition. His first Bihu album, Ujaan Piriti, became very popular and was well-received by the public.
In 1995, Zubeen moved to Mumbai to build his career at the national level. During this time, several Hindi albums of his were released, such as Chandni Raat (1995), Chanda (1996), Jalwa (1998), and Jaadu (1999).
He also sang songs for Hindi films like Dil Se (1998), Fiza (2000), Kaante (2002), and Jaal: The Trap (2003). His biggest success in Bollywood came in 2006 with the song “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster. This song made him famous across India and earned him the Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer.
In 2003, Zubeen entered the Bengali music industry by singing for the film Mon. Later, songs like “O Bandhure Lagena Bhalo” made him very popular in Bengal as well. His emotional and soulful voice touched the hearts of many listeners.
Acting and Film Production
Apart from singing, Zubeen Garg also worked as an actor and film-maker. His first acting film was Tumi Mor Matho Mor (2000). Later, he acted in many important Assamese films, including Prem Aru Prem (2002), Mon Jai (2008), Mission China (2017), Kanchenjungha (2019), and Dr. Bezbarua 2 (2023).
Live Performances
Zubeen Garg was known for his powerful stage performances. Whenever he performed on stage, the audience felt great excitement and energy. He sang at many concerts, festivals, public programs, and Bihu celebrations in India and other countries. He also performed in Trinidad and Tobago, where he was invited as a leading artist.
Controversies
Zubeen was known for speaking his mind openly. Because of this, some of his statements caused controversy. In 2019, he was criticized for certain religious comments. In 2024, his statement that Krishna was a “human being” and not a deity also led to strong public reactions.
Social Work and Activism
Zubeen Garg was actively involved in social service. He helped people affected by floods, donated medicines, and supported awareness programs on social issues. He also supported the anti-CAA movement in Assam. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he offered his home in Guwahati to be used as a care center for patients.
Personal Life
Zubeen Garg married Garima Saikia, a fashion designer from Golaghat, on 4 February 2002. He believed that all human beings are equal and should not be divided by caste, religion, or social class. He clearly said that he did not believe in religious divisions.
Death
Zubeen Garg passed away on 19 September 2025 in Singapore at the age of 52. He became unconscious while swimming in the sea without wearing a life jacket. Later, he was taken to Singapore General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. On 23 September 2025, his last rites were performed in Guwahati with full state honors. Thousands of fans attended his funeral, and he was given a 21-gun salute.
Tributes
After his death, people from all over India paid tribute to Zubeen Garg. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, and many other leaders expressed their condolences. Famous singers and musicians such as Papon, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Hariharan, and A. R. Rahman also shared their grief.
In many places across Assam, people lit lamps and played his songs to remember him. His emotional song “Mayabini Raatir Bukut” was sung throughout the state as a tribute.
Conclusion
Zubeen Garg was an artist who took Assamese music to the world stage. His voice, thoughts, and hard work continue to inspire many people. As a singer, actor, social worker, and fearless artist, he will always be remembered with love and respect.
