Gauhati University mourns cultural icon Zubeen Garg

Gauhati University has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Assam’s most celebrated cultural figure, Zubeen Garg, who died earlier today in Singapore. The university described his death as “an irreparable loss to the people of Assam and to music lovers across the world.”

Vice Chancellor Professor Nani Gopal Mahanta called Garg “the heartbeat of Assam” and “the voice of the youth and the old alike.” He added, “His music carried the soul of our land and gave Assam a global resonance. On behalf of the Gauhati University fraternity, I express our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. His demise is irreparable and leaves us with memories that will forever echo in our hearts.”

Born in Tura, Meghalaya, Garg was raised in a family steeped in art and literature. His mother, Late Ily Borthakur, was a singer, and his father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a lyricist and poet. Gifted from an early age, Garg mastered the tabla, explored Assamese folk traditions, and began writing his own music while still a student.

He first gained recognition with his debut Assamese album Anamika in 1992. His breakthrough on the national stage came with the Bollywood hit Ya Ali from the film Gangster (2006), which remains one of Indian cinema’s most iconic songs and earned him the Global Indian Film Award for Best Playback Singer. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Garg recorded in multiple languages—Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and beyond—building a legacy that united listeners across regions.

Gauhati University has paid tribute with a special video featuring his song Mayabini, remembering him as an artiste whose voice defined Assam’s cultural identity and whose music will continue to inspire generations.