In his last interview, Zubeen Garg uncannily refers to Nietzsche’s philosophy of nothingness, while casually prophesying that when he dies, Assam will come to a standstill. And it literally did! As the northeastern state continues to mourn the sudden loss of its most luminous star, it’s only timely to reflect on the inner workings of the iconic musician who refused to be dictated by musical boundaries and social norms.
Zubeen’s evocative songs echoed warmth and resistance
‘Mur kunu jati nai, mur kunu dhormo nai, mur kunu bhogoman nai,’ he often roared from the stage, as his unforgettable songs resonated with warmth, profundity and resistance in equal measure. Gone at 52, everyone’s beloved Luit Kontho – ‘Voice of the Brahmaputra’ – has left an indelible legacy of more than 40,000 songs, rendered in 40 different languages and dialects. In his decades-long musical career, Zubeen was also every bit a rebel. He never reserved his comments when it comes to speaking truth to power and voiced his opinion on social as well as political issues.
Trained in playing the tabla, Zubeen considered his mother, Ily Borthakur, as his first teacher. “Ma taught me the first lessons in music and singing,” Zubeen once said in a candid conversation. Unfortunately, her death in the early 2000s, followed by the tragic passing of his sister Jonkey Borthakur, deeply affected him at a time when he was steadily shaping his career path. An emerging singer and actress herself, Jonkey and Zubeen often performed together during Bihu functions.
Given his father’s transferable job, Zubeen travelled around the state from a young age, studying in English, Assamese and even Bengali medium schools. This, however, helped him develop a keen fondness for the unique folk rhythms of Northeast India, which later deeply influenced his compositions. Although he dropped out of college to pursue his dreams, Zubeen was said to be an avid reader, who also took interest in cooking and taking care of plants and trees. He was deeply affectionate toward animals, particular dogs.
So much more than Ya Ali..
The Humming King’s first Assamese album Anamika was released in 1992, when he was just 19 years old. While many in other parts of India instantly remember him from Gangster: A Love Story’s popular track Ya Ali and Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ Jaane Kya, Zubeen was so much more than that. At the peak of his fame in Mumbai – when he had already lent his voice for films like Gaddaar (1995), Dil Se (1998), Fiza (2000) and Kaante (2002) – the singer-composer returned to his roots and continued to contribute toward Assamese cinema. He sang songs and composed music for several blockbuster hits – including Hiya Diya Niya (2000), Daag (2001), Nayak (2001), Kanyadaan (2002), Ratnakar (2019), Rudra (2025) and Bhaimon Da (2025) – besides a plethora of music albums, Bihu and otherwise, that touched millions of hearts with its earthy notes and empathetic lyrics. In his music, there’s something for everybody – the young and old; the rich and poor; and the believer and non-conformist.
Mayabini – Assam’s anthem now
‘Mayabini Ratir Bukut’ now echoes in every corner of Assam like an anthem, as people from all walks of life are determined to keep Zubeen da’s soul and legacy alive for generations. His last project – Assamese musical love story Roi Roi Binale – will be released later this year by his wife Garima Saikia Garg.
Here’s a quick glance at some of Zubeen best-known cinematic works..
Tumi Mur Mathu Mur (2000)
Tumi Mur Mathu Mur marks Zubeen Garg’s directorial debut. He also starred in the 2000 romantic drama film and composed its soundtrack. The movie turned out to be a musical hit, with some memorable performances by Zerifa Wahid, Jatin Bora, Prastuti Porasor, Nipon Goswami, Mridula Baruah and Jonkey Borthakur, among others.
Dinabandhu (2004)
Inspired by Bhabendranath Saikia’s short story ‘Zowtuk’, ‘Dinabandhu’ is a National Award-winning Assamese film helmed by noted filmmaker Munin Barua. Zubeen composed music for the movie and penned its lyrics. Tapan Das, Gayatri Mahanta, Nishita Goswami, Prastuti Parasar, Bhaskar Bora and Arun Nath also played pivotal roles in the 2004 movie.
Mon Jaai (2008)
Written and directed by Moirangthem Maniram, ‘Mon Jaai’ is an Assamese drama film released in 2008. Zubeen Garg played the lead character in the movie alongside Pabitra Margherita, Gyanendra Pallab, Nabadeep Borgohain and Nishita Goswami. The film’s title track ‘Mon Jaai’ is still popular among music lovers in the northeastern state.
Rodor Sithi (2014)
Helmed by well-known theatre actor-director Baharul Islam, ‘Rodor Sithi’ is a 2014 Assamese musical drama film, featuring Bhagirathi, Adil Hussain, Zubeen Garg, Papon, Jyoti Narayan Nath, Nani Borpujari, Barkha Bahar and Sasanka Samir. The film’s music was composed by Zubeen, with vocals by both Zubeen and Papon.
Gaane Ki Aane (2016)
Written and directed by Rajesh Jashpal, Gaane Ki Aane is a 2016 Assamese musical romance drama film, starring Zubeen Garg and Parineeta Borthakur. Zubeen scored the film’s music, while he also sang most of its songs. Rimpi Das, Hiranya Deka and Nipon Goswami were among the other members of the cast.
Mission China (2017)
Dubbed one of Zubeen Garg’s dream projects, ‘Mission China’ is an Assamese action thriller film released in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, apart from Assam. The 2017 movie was written, directed and produced by Zubeen, while he also composed its music. The cast included Pabitra Rabha, Deeplina Deka, Siddharth Nipon Goswami, Yankee Parashar, Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan and Zubeen.
Priyaar Priyo (2017)
Another Munin Barua-directed film, ‘Priyaar Priyo’ is a 2017 Assamese romcom, featuring Pranjal Saikia, Zubeen Garg, Aradhana Buragohain and Gunjan Bhardwaj. Zubeen was honoured with the ‘Best Popular Actor’ title at the 2018 Prag Cine Awards for his performance in the movie.
The Underworld (2018)
Another Assamese actioner with Zubeen Garg and Parineeta Borthakur in the lead, ‘The Underworld’ was directed by Rajesh Jashpal, while Zubeen composed its music. The 2018 movie also featured Biju Phukan, Nipon Goswami, Pabitra Rabha, Diganta Hazarika, Utpal Das and Baharul Islam.
Kanchanjangha: Rise (2019)
Written, directed and produced by Zubeen Garg, ‘Kanchanjangha: Rise’ released in 2019, with Zubeen, Pinky Sharma, Sasanka Samir, Dhritiman Phukan, Pabitra Rabha and Atanu Bhuyan featuring in prominent roles. He also composed music for the Assamese action drama movie.
Rajneeti – Part 1 (2022)
Starring Tapan Das, Zubeen Garg, Barsha Rani Bishaya, Sanjib Sarma, Gitawali Rajkumari and Rajib Goswami, ‘Rajneeti: Part 1’ is an Assamese political thriller film released in 2022. The Manujit Sharma-directed movie saw Zubeen play the character of a firebrand crime reporter.
Dr. Bezbaruah 2 (2023)
Directed by legendary actor Nipon Goswami, ‘Dr. Bezbaruah 2’ is a sequel to the 1969 Assamese cult film ‘Dr. Bezbarua’. The 2023 suspense thriller movie stars Adil Hussain, Zubeen Garg, Siddharth Nipon Goswami and Kingkini Goswami. Zubeen composed the film’s music.
Wide Angle (2024)
Zubeen Garg once again shared screen space with Tapan Das in director Jayanta Nath’s 2024 film ‘Wide Angle’. The plot is inspired by Assamese author Nagen Saikia’s short story ‘Staff Photographeror Sobi’, which is centred on an ‘Assam Movement’ photographer. The cast also includes Aparna Dutta Choudhury, Pabitra Baruah, Jolly Laskar, Dipankar Roy and Dhyani Mohan.
Sikaar (2024)
With Zubeen Garg, Urmila Mahanta and Adil Hussain in the lead, ‘Sikaar’ is a 2024 action thriller film helmed by Debangkar Borgohain. The movie, for which Zubeen scored the music, was shot in various parts of Assam and the UK.
