Happy Birthday Zubeen Garg! The Musical Maestro Turns 51 Today

• Image Credit: Google

• Nov 18, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Zubeen Garg, whose musical journey is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, owes much of his success to his mother...

Digital Desk: Assam's beloved singer, Zubeen Garg, turned 51 today, and despite being away from home, his fans left no stone unturned to make his birthday memorable. The air in Guwahati's Kahilipara was filled with the sweet melodies of Zubeen's songs as enthusiastic fans gathered at his residence at the stroke of midnight to serenade the maestro, who, unfortunately, missed the celebration due to being out of the station after recently being discharged from a private hospital in Guwahati.

Zubeen Garg, whose musical journey is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, owes much of his success to his mother, his first teacher and guru. Having immersed himself in tabla studies for 11 years under Pandit Robin Banerjee and introduced to Assam by Guru Ramani Rai, Zubeen's musical roots run deep, reflecting in his versatile and prolific career.

While Zubeen's lyrical prowess emerged at a tender age with his first composition, "Gaane ki Aane," at 13, it was the soul-stirring "Ya Ali Rahem Wali" from the 2006 film Gangster that catapulted him to nationwide fame, earning him accolades at the Stardust Awards, IIFA, and Filmfare Awards.

In a career spanning over 30 years, Zubeen has recorded over 35,000 songs in 40 different languages, showcasing not only his singing talent but also his versatility in songwriting, playing instruments, and composing poems. Like Assam's cultural icon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Zubeen has been a trailblazer, introducing originality and optimism through his early music.

Beyond his artistic contributions, Zubeen is renowned for his kindness, often extending a helping hand to fans in times of need. His words, art, and music impart valuable lessons to the younger generation, echoing the profound impact of Assam's cultural luminaries.

Born into a Brahmin family in Tura, Meghalaya, Zubeen's parents, Mohini Mohan Borthakur and the late Ily Borthakur, were accomplished individuals. His father served as a Magistrate and a lyricist, while his mother was a singer.

The creative spirit of the family persisted even in the face of tragedy when Zubeen's younger sister, the talented actress and singer Jonkey Borthakur, met a fateful end in a car accident in February 2002. In her memory, Zubeen released the poignant album 'Xixhu' in 2002.

Despite initially pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at B.Borooah College, Zubeen's passion for music led him to drop out and wholeheartedly focus on his singing career. He married Golaghat-based fashion designer Garima Saikia in February 2002.

Among his masterpieces, "Mayabini Ratir Bukut" has not only captivated Assam but resonated across the nation with numerous covers by renowned artists.