Zubeen Garg was a celebrated Indian singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and filmmaker from Assam, widely recognized for blending regional roots with pan-India appeal. Best known nationwide for the Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006), he recorded thousands of songs across Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other languages, while remaining a powerful cultural voice in the Northeast. As widely reported in September 2025, he tragically passed away in Singapore following a scuba-diving incident, prompting an outpouring of tributes from leaders, artists, and fans.
Zubeen Garg Wiki/Bio Table
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zubeen Borthakur (professionally, Zubeen Garg) |
| Nicknames | Goldie; “Luitkontho” (Voice of the Brahmaputra); “Heartthrob of Assam” |
| Date of Birth / Age | 18 November 1972; 52 at the time of reported death (Sept 2025) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Place of Birth | Tura, Meghalaya, India |
| Hometown/Origin | Jorhat, Assam |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Beliefs | Publicly identified as humanist; stated he had “no caste, religion or God” |
| Education | Schooling in Assam; Higher Secondary at Karimganj College; B.Sc. at B. Borooah College (left to pursue music) |
| Profession(s) | Singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, actor, filmmaker |
| Years Active | 1992–2025 |
| Known For | “Ya Ali” (Gangster, 2006); leadership in Assamese music and cinema |
| Marital Status | Married (2002) |
| Spouse | Garima Saikia Garg (singer, designer) |
| Children | Reporting varies; some profiles mention a son, “Gautam Garg”; several mainstream reports did not confirm biological children |
| Parents | Father: Mohini Mohon Borthakur (poet-lyricist “Kapil Thakur”); Mother: Ily Borthakur (singer) |
| Siblings | Sister: Jonkey/Jongki Borthakur (late); Dr. Palme Borthakur |
| Height/Weight (approx.) | 170–177 cm; 70–80 kg |
| Eye/Hair Color | Dark eyes; black hair (graying later) |
| Residence (reported) | Guwahati, Assam (widely reported 2021–2024) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $6–8 million (₹50–70 crore), media estimates |
| Death (reported) | 19 September 2025, Singapore; complications after a scuba-diving incident (autopsy reportedly pending) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @zubeen.garg; X/Twitter: @zubeengarg1; Facebook: ZUBEEN OFFICIAL; YouTube: Zubeen Garg Music |
Early Life and Education
Born on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, and raised in Jorhat, Assam, Zubeen Garg was named after the legendary conductor Zubin Mehta. He adopted “Garg” from his family gotra, a name that would become synonymous with modern Assamese music. Music ran deep in his home: his mother, Ily Borthakur, a singer whom he called his first guru, and his father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur (pen name “Kapil Thakur”), a magistrate, poet, and lyricist, created an environment where the arts felt inevitable.
He studied in Assam, completed Higher Secondary at Karimganj College, and enrolled for a B.Sc. at B. Borooah College, Guwahati. However, his burgeoning music career soon took precedence, and he left formal studies to pursue music full-time—a move that reshaped his destiny as well as the Assamese pop soundscape of the 1990s.
Career
Breakthrough in Assam
Zubeen’s early 1990s releases culminated in a breakthrough with the album Anamika (1992). The project resonated strongly with Assamese youth, blending melody and contemporary arrangements while honoring the region’s lyrical depth. His prolific rise saw him cut across non-film albums, film songs, and stage performances that solidified his position as the most recognizable popular voice from Assam of his generation.
National Spotlight with “Ya Ali”
His pan-India ascent arrived with “Ya Ali” in Gangster (2006). The song’s haunting register and emotive phrasing turned him into a national name, leading to an expanded portfolio across Bollywood and regional industries. He recorded in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other languages, amassing an extensive discography that featured both charting film tracks and beloved indie releases.
Composer, Actor, and Director
Beyond singing, Zubeen was an accomplished composer and a multi-instrumentalist who played tabla, guitar, mandolin, keyboard, dotara, and more. He composed for films and independent projects, and, as per publicly available documentation, received a National Film Award for Best Music Direction (Non-Feature) at the 55th National Film Awards, presented in 2009, for “Echoes of Silence.” He also acted in Assamese cinema and made his directorial debut with Kanchanjangha (2019), a bold social drama seen as a commentary on the APSC recruitment scam.
Live Shows, Theatre, and Philanthropy
A powerful stage performer, Zubeen was a mainstay of Bihu-season concerts and cultural festivals across the Northeast. His theatre associations included Theatre Surjya, with the 2025–26 piece “Tick Tock Tick Tock” appearing in schedules. Parallel to the arts, he remained deeply invested in philanthropy—performing at charity shows, raising funds for flood relief, and co-running initiatives like the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation.
Awards and Honours
Zubeen Garg’s recognitions reflect both artistic versatility and public goodwill. Alongside numerous regional and industry accolades, the National Film Award (Best Music Direction – Non-Feature) for “Echoes of Silence” stands out, with the honor presented in 2009. He received an Honorary D.Litt. from the University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya, on 27 August 2024. Public dedications—from a 20-foot statue unveiled in Digboi in 2022 to local landmarks named after him—underscore his status as a cultural institution.
Net Worth and Income
Zubeen Garg’s net worth is commonly estimated by media at $6–8 million (₹50–70 crore) as of 2024–2025. Exact personal finances remain private and unaudited. His income flowed from playback singing and independent albums, concerts and touring, film composition and production, theatre projects, and selective brand endorsements. Even late into his career, his live demand and regional dominance kept him financially and artistically active.
Personal Life
Zubeen married Garima Saikia Garg in 2002. Garima is a noted singer and designer closely associated with Assamese films and music. On children, public reporting is inconsistent: while some profiles mention a son named “Gautam Garg,” several mainstream outlets did not confirm biological children, especially in coverage following his reported passing.
Known for his social commitments, Zubeen and Garima offered their Guwahati property to be used as a COVID care center in May 2021, a gesture that won widespread appreciation. He often described himself as a humanist, publicly rejecting caste or religious labels, and he was a prominent cultural voice during the anti-CAA protests.
Legacy and Reported Death
For millions across Assam and beyond, Zubeen Garg symbolized a bridge between tradition and modernity. His songs, cinema contributions, and activism created a legacy that goes beyond music charts. As per widely shared reports from September 2025, he died in Singapore at the age of 52 following a scuba-diving incident. Accounts indicate he experienced breathing difficulties underwater, received CPR at the scene, and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the ICU; an autopsy was reportedly pending. He was in Singapore serving as Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East India Festival. Official statements and records may provide further clarity over time.
Recent Works (2024–2025)
Zubeen remained prolific until the end of his career. He released singles such as “Akou Natun Prabhat Hobo” (2025) and “Ekhon Guitar” (2025), contributed songs to Assamese films including Rudra (2025), and engaged audiences through theatre with Theatre Surjya’s “Tick Tock Tick Tock” slated for 2025–26. His sustained visibility during Bihu seasons and regional tours affirmed his enduring popularity.
FAQs
What was Zubeen Garg’s age?
He was 52 at the time of his reported death on 19 September 2025.
What is Zubeen Garg’s net worth?
Media estimates suggest a net worth of $6–8 million (₹50–70 crore), though exact figures are not publicly audited.
What is Zubeen Garg best known for?
He is best known for his Assamese discography and the Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006).
Did Zubeen Garg receive a National Film Award?
Yes. He is documented as receiving Best Music Direction (Non-Feature) at the 55th National Film Awards, presented in 2009, for “Echoes of Silence.”
Who was Zubeen Garg’s wife? Did he have children?
He married singer–designer Garima Saikia Garg in 2002. Reporting on children varies; some profiles mention a son, while several mainstream outlets did not confirm biological children.
How did Zubeen Garg die?
According to widely shared reports in September 2025, he died in Singapore after a scuba-diving incident; an autopsy was reportedly pending at the time of those reports.
Which instruments did he play?
He was a multi-instrumentalist proficient in tabla, guitar, mandolin, keyboard, and dotara, among others.
What are some of his recent works?
His late-career output includes “Akou Natun Prabhat Hobo,” “Ekhon Guitar,” theatre work “Tick Tock Tick Tock,” and songs for Assamese films such as Rudra (2025).