The Journey of a Legend
Zubeen Garg (18 November 1972 – 19 September 2025), born Zubeen Borthakur in Tura, Meghalaya, was destined for greatness. Named after legendary conductor Zubin Mehta, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in music and literature. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a renowned lyricist, while his mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer.
From his early training in Hindustani classical music to mastering instruments like the dhol, tabla, guitar, and mandolin, Zubeen embodied music itself. At just 19, his debut Assamese album Anamika (1992) became a sensation.
His Bollywood breakthrough came with the chart-topping song Ya Ali in Gangster (2006), which earned him global recognition. Over three decades, he recorded 32,000+ songs in 40+ languages, spanning Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, and beyond.
Beyond music, Zubeen was an accomplished actor, director, and philanthropist, using his platform to advocate for social and environmental causes. His life was a rare blend of artistry, compassion, and courage.