Zubeen Garg (1972 – 2025) was one of the most celebrated musicians, singers, composers, and actors from Assam, whose influence extended far beyond the Northeast to the rest of India. Born in Jorhat, Assam, he grew up deeply connected to music—named after the great composer Zubin Mehta. His early exposure to culture, poetry, and classical training shaped his artistic journey.
He made his breakthrough in the mid-1990s, becoming a household name with the Hindi song Ya Ali (2006), which topped charts across India and abroad. In Assamese music, however, he was already a legend—known for his soulful voice, versatility across genres, and prolific output of thousands of songs spanning folk, Bihu, devotional, modern Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi tracks.
Beyond music, Zubeen was also an actor, director, and scriptwriter in Assamese cinema. His films and soundtracks reflected both his creative spirit and his desire to uplift the regional industry. He used his platform to promote Assamese language, identity, and culture to a global audience.
Equally important was his social side—Zubeen was outspoken on issues affecting Assam, from environmental protection and wildlife conservation (especially his campaigns to save the rhino) to human rights and youth empowerment. His generosity, activism, and closeness to the common people earned him immense love and respect.
