Why did the pride of Assam, India's favorite vocalist, Zubeen Garg, become so famous? What was it about him that made him a favorite not only in Assam but also all over India and even abroad?
Today's discussion is with Arjun (college student), Reema Aunty (music teacher), and Robin Uncle (Assamese journalist)
Arjun: Reema Aunty, I listen to Zubeen Garg's songs. But I don't know why he is so famous. There are other singers too.
Reema Aunty: Arjun, Zubeen Garg was not just a singer. He was a brand, a passion. There are many reasons behind his fame.
Robin Uncle: Yes, Arjun, I have been working with Assamese culture for 30 years. Artists like Zubeen Da are rarely born.
Incredible Musical Talent
Arjun: What was his specialty?Reema Aunty: Let me first talk about his talent. Look, Zubeen Garg:
Multilingual singer:
- Sung in 40 languages
- Recorded 38,000+ songs in a career of 33 years
- Sung in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, English, Korbi, Missing, and Bodo too
Multi-instrumentalist:
Zubeen Garg could play 12 instruments:Guitar, Drums, Harmonica
Tabla, Dhol, Dotara
Keyboard, Mandolin, Harmonium
Even Anandalahari (gubgubi, khamak).
Arjun: Wow! I mean, he is a whole orchestra by himself.
Success from the beginning of his career
Reema Aunty: Now listen to his success story:Success at a young age:
Started singing at the age of 3Gold medal at the Youth Festival in 1992
Released his first album, "Anamika," in the same year
Started working in Bollywood at the age of just 23, moving to Mumbai
Big break in Bollywood:
The song "Ya Ali" in the movie "Gangster" in 2006 made him famous all over the country.Robin Uncle: There are very few people who have not heard the song "Ya Ali"! With this one song, Zubin Da reached every household in India.
Financial success and recognition
Highest paid:
Zubeen Garg was the highest-paid singer in AssamInternational recognition:
"Guest Artist of the Year" award in Chicago, USA, in 2011Honorary doctorate from Meghalaya University in 2024
Arjun: I mean, he is not only a singer, but also a doctorate holder.
Versatile Artist
Reema Aunty: Another specialty of Zubeen Garg was that he was versatile:Various roles:
- Singer and composer
- Film actor and director
- Lyricist and poet
- Producer and screenwriter
Writings:
A book of poetry called "Shabda Anubhuti" (2009)"Zubiner Padya" (2018) Another book of poetry
Robin Uncle: I mean, wherever he put his hand, he got success.
Place in people's hearts
Arjun: But many people have such qualities. Then why is Zubeen da so loved by everyone?
Connection with people:
- He understood the minds of common people
- His songs had emotion, love, and pain
- He used to talk directly to the audience while singing on stage
Ambassador of Assamese culture:
- He introduced the Assamese language and culture to the whole country
- His performance at the Bihu festival was unforgettable
- He brought local language songs to the national level
Controversy and Courage
Socially Outspoken:Led the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) movement
Made his film "Kanchanjangha" against APSC corruption
Come forward to help the victims during floods
Humanity in Covid:
Donated his two-story house as a hospital during COVID in 2021Robin Uncle: Seeing these deeds, people would understand how big Zubeen Da's heart is.
Simplicity in personal life
Family tragedy:
In 2002, his younger sister Jonkie Borthakur died in a car accidentReleased the album "Shishu" in memory of her sister
This personal grief brought more depth to his songs
Stable married life:
Married fashion designer Garima Saikia in 2002His wife always helped him in his work
Arjun: It means he remained a man of the soil even after being successful.
Records and Achievements
Incredible Statistics:38,000+ Song Records
Songs in 40 Languages and Dialects
First Assamese Movie "Mission China" Business of 6 Crores
33 Years of Long Career
Awards:
Global Indian Film Award (GIFA) - for the song "Ya Ali"
Screen Award Nomination
Numerous Regional Awards
Reema Aunty: She has received so many awards that it would take her all day to count them.
Magic of Stage Performance
King of Live Concerts:- The magic starts as soon as she gets on stage
- Interaction with the audience
- Playing musical instruments while singing
- Emotional Performances
- Shows in America, Canada, and Europe
- Foreign audiences are also fascinated by her songs
- Favorite artist of the Assamese Diaspora
Cultural Impact
Representative of North East India:
Brought Assamese culture to the mainstreamInspired artists from other North East states
Raised regional pride to the national level
Iconic Status:
Installed a 20-foot-tall statue of him in Digboi in 2022Building a bridge in his name
He was a living legend for his fans
Arjun: That is, he became a legend while he was alive.
Pain of untimely death
Reema Aunty: Sadly, this great artist left us at the age of just 52 by a diving accident when swimming in the sea without a life jacket in Singapore on 19 September 2025.
Robin Uncle: But his creations, his songs, his ideals will live forever.
Synopsis: Why is Zubin Garg famous?
Key reasons:- Extraordinary talent - Sings in 40 languages, plays 12 instruments
- Vast range of work - 38,000+ songs, 33 years of career
- Versatile artist - Singer, actor, director, poet
- Success in Bollywood - National fame for the song "Ya Ali"
- Regional pride - Global representative of Assamese culture
- Human qualities - Charity work, social awareness
- Live performance - Unique presentation on stage
- Emotional connection - Ability to touch people's hearts
- Global introduction of North-East Indian culture
- Paving the way for regional artists
- Multilingual trend in music
- Exemplary of social responsibility
Reema Aunty: You are absolutely right, Arjun. Zubeen Garg has proven that with talent, hard work, and humanity, it is possible to reach any height.
Robin Uncle: And most importantly, he never forgot his roots. That is what made him so beloved by everyone.
May his soul rest in peace. Zubeen Garg - A name, a feeling, an era.
This article is in memory of the late great artist Zubeen Garg on behalf of gainquotes.com. His contribution will remain in our hearts forever.
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