Northeast's Sensation Zubeen Garg: Early Life, Career, Awards & Controversies

Zubeen Garg primarily creates for and sings in the Assamese, Hindi and Bengali language film and music industries but also has sung in many other different languages and dialects which include Boro, English, Goalpariya, Kannada, Karbi, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Khasi, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Nepali, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Tiwa. He is also an instrumentalist who plays various instruments like dhol, dotara, mandolin, keyboard etc.

In 1995, he went to Mumbai to work with the Bollywood music industry. Then, he recorded few Hindi albums and films' songs like Chandni Raat, Yuhi Kabhi, Fiza and Kaante.

Personal Life & Marriage

Mr. Garg has been vocal about his love and personal life on various occasions. He himself confessed that he made many girlfriends while he was travelling from one place to another with his father. When he was studying in Tamulpur, he had two girlfriends named Junmoni and Runjun and he composed his song "Junmoni Runjun" by taking inspiration from these two girlfriends. Zubeen met his wife Garima Saikia Garg through a letter Garima wrote to him after listening to his albums Anamika and Maya. It was destiny which brought them close together and Garima turned out to be lucky to get the reply from Zubeen. At that time Garima was studying in Bombay and she was feeling very homesick and Zubeen made an entry into her life. They started dating and finally one day Zubeen proposed her to which Garima gave a positive nod. Like every relationship has its ups and downs, their relationship was also not a smooth one. Garima's parents, especially her father was not ready to accept their relationship. Also, after coming officially into relationship, Garima found it very difficult to deal with his restless behavior and decided to break up with him. At this point of time, Zubeen went into depression but his depression also resulted in some artistic creations in the form of songs. However, with time they got back together and Garima's family too accepted their relationship. On 4 February, 2002, Garg married Garima. Garima Saikia Garg is a professionally acclaimed Fashion Designer.

Career in Music Industry & Contribution

Here is his debut as professional in regional cinema & bollywood industry. Check here...

Bengali Cinema Industry Debut

In 2003, his debut in Bengali music industry happened with the movie Mon, he sung two songs in the movie In 2004, he sung three songs for the movie Shudhu Tumi while working as the music director in the film. In the next year, in 2005, he sang two songs in the film Premi, one is "O bondhure" and the other one is "Lagena Bhalo"

His Bollywood Industry Debut

In 2006, at the age of 31 years, Zubeen got his first big break in bollywood cinema with the movie "Gangster" for his record breaking hit bollywood song "Ya Ali". The song was one of the most popular chartbuster of the year winning him the best playback singer in Global Indian Film Awards(GIFA) in 2006. In 2007, his next Hindi album Zindagi was released gathering appreciations across the country. Zubeen Garg has recorded 200+ hindi songs in bollywood films.

His songs "Mon Mane Na" from the movie Mon Mane Na, "Piya re Piya re" from Chirodini Tumi je Amaar and "Mon jete Chay Shudhu" from the movie Love Story became highly popular in 2008. He also worked in the video album of his Assamese audio album "Rumal" which was released in 2008.

Zubeen Garg as a Music Director/Composer

Garg's achievement as a music director can be seen when he won the "Best Music Direction" for the film "Echoes of Silence" in the 55^th National Film Awards.He also got nominated for the film "Dinabandhu" in the 52^nd National Film Awards for best music direction.

As a composer his best work can be ascertained in the albums like

Zubeen Garg as a Poet

Zubeen Garg is also a poet(a lyricist). Garg is also known to be an avid reader He got "Seuji-Seuji Award" for his poetry book in 2007. Among his books "Xabda Anubhuti", "Zubeenor Podyo" are remarkable.

Zubeen Garg as a Producer

Again his contribution as a producer is reflected in his films Dinabandhu (2004), Mission China (2017), Kanchanjangha (2019). His upcoming Hindi film Dustbin will be an another inclusion into the list.

Zubeen Garg as an Actor

If we come to his position as an actor he was nominated for the "best supporting actor"for the film Dinabandhu in the 52^nd National Film Awards. He was again nominated for the best actor in the 56^th National Film Awards for the lead role he played in Mon Jaai. The Underworld, Priyar Priyo, Mission China, Xat Nomboror Xondhanot, Gaane ki Aane , Rodor Sithi, Bhal Pabo Njanilu, Tumi Mur Mathu Mur are some movies where he has been seen to play some various important roles. Moreover, some special appearances can be seen in movies like Tumi Ahibane, Ahetuk(special appearance in the song "Ahetuk"), Suma Porokhote (Special appearance in the song "suma porokhote"), Ekhon Nedekha Nodir Xhipare, Raamdhenu(Special appearance in the song "Tupi"), Big Brother(Special appearance in the song "Jag Lal Lal"), Strings – Bound by Faith{Special appearance, Song "Mantra(Om)"}, Gangster(Special appearance, Song "Ya Ali"), Prem aru Prem(Special appearance, Song "Sokuwe Sokuwe").

He is also going to play his roles in his upcoming movies Dustbin and Raajneeti. He also played the role of "Anirudh" in an Assamese serial Anuradha on Rang in 2010-11.

Zubeen Garg as a Director

He has also directed several films including Tumi Mur Mathu Mur, Mission China, Kanchanjangha and Dustbin(upcoming). Brindaban Theatre's Devdas is an another contribution in this regard. Zubeen Garg as a scriptwriter can be seen in his films Tumi Mur Mathu Mur, Mission China, Kanchanjangha, Dustbin(upcoming). He also adjudicated shows like "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil' Champs" on Zee Bangla and "Moi Zubeen Garg Hobo Bisaru" on Rengoni.

Social Works: Contributions, Donations for Assamese Society

Zubeen Garg is an artist with a golden heart. He is also a philanthropist. A philanthropist is someone who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes and Zubeen Garg is a perfect example to fit into this definition. He does run a charity, the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which donates cash for different causes. He has always been encouraging individuals to give garments, medicines, and contributions whenever devastating floods hit Assam. Zubeen Garg is ever ready to extend his helping hands to the people in need.

His "Kanchanjangha: Rise" is a 2019 Assamese-language action drama film jointly directed by Zubeen Garg and Garima Saikia Garg where he highlighted the corruption issues in APSC recruitment. He is also a football fan and has been playing matches in order to raise monitary funds, food supplies and clothes for the flood affected people. Also, he is one and only non-political figure who has always been raising his voice against any form of injustice. Zubeen Garg has always stood by the common people.

Role in Anti-CAA Protest for Assamese

In the ongoing Anti-CAA protest in Assam, he has become the main non-political figure. He organized many meetings, rallys, protests and demonstrations in association with the students of various educational institutions of Assam. He has always been advocating for the rights of the indigenous people of Assam. He is one such person who never backs off when talk come about working for the nature and the land or to speak against the wrong doing. For calling out the wrong in public he has always been facing many criticisms over the years. However, he is adored a lot by the people of Assam. The name Zubeen is an emotion for most of the people of Assam. He has a great fan following. Even his fans get criticised for defending his wrong-doings. Once bollywood singer Mahalakshmi Iyer said, "Zubeen is no less than the great A.R.Rahman". That's why, it's his responsibility to work more passionately and to uplift his state Assam's unique culture Assam as a whole. Moreover, he urges the youths of Assam to read extensively. His lyrics are evident that Zubeen Garg is a great reader. After Bhupen Hazarika, Zubeen Garg is believed to have preserved the pure taste of Assamese music.

Zubeen Garg Music Collaborations in Bollywood

Zubeen Borthakur Garg has also collaborated with other musicians and lyricists.  Here is his music collaboration in bollywood industry with musician. Check below....

Zubeen Garg in Controversies

Zubeen Garg on Late Bhupen Hazarika Episode

Zubeen Garg is a strong personality who has never been scared to speak against injustice. He strongly criticised the political propaganda behind conferring Bharat Ratna on Late Bhupen Hazarika. He admitted with courage that the voice of the 'controversial voice notes' made in connection with Bharat Ratna to Hazarika was his. Because he could not digest the fact that they were using Bhupen Hazarika as a tool to be used for their political motivation. According to him, he should have got it 10 years back when he was alive. But, now, they are only using him to suppress the protest against Citizenship Amendment Bill. Through his instagram post, Zubeen let the people know that he is the tiger and he will be like that. He also cited Kharghuli is open for those who were bashing him for standing against an injustice. Even he was so disheartened that he said if people hate him this way he will leave Assam and he can stay anywhere.

Showing Disrespect to National Flag on Independence Day

Zubeen Garg is highly criticised very often for some of his unwanted actions. And every time he gets criticised, his fans will come to defend him and then, another section will come to criticise those fans of him and the cycle goes on. He is indeed a controversy-prone popular singer from Assam. Once, an FIR was filed against him for allegedly showing disrespect to the National Flag on Independence Day. He was seen hoisting the National Flag wearing half-pants. According to sources, he also did not sing the National Anthem, rather crooned a song which was incongruous for the occasion.

It seems that Zubeen Garg does not think too much before doing something which may invite criticism later on. Climbing of electric posts while performing is such an example.

Criticised State Anthem During Bihu Function 

His another very controversial statement during a bihu function drew very severe criticism when he claimed that "Sonere sojua poja" could be a better state anthem than the present state anthem "O Mur Aponar Dekh" written by Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaruah. This statement brought sharp criticism from the authors, scholars and intellectuals. Even his effigies were burnt in many places .

Singing with a Gun Controversy in Guwahati

He became controversial while performing at a cultural and musical extravaganza "Rongali"in Guwahati. He was singing with a gun and threatened the audience not to leave otherwise he would shoot them. However, the incident made the Guwahati police inspect the singer just to find a toy gun with him.

Assault a Minor in Jonali Controversy

Zubeen Garg again invited controversy by slapping a minor fan of him for showing disrespect. Even an FIR was filed against him. According to the boy's father, who was an advocate, had said his son had gone to a laundry in the Jonali area and he saw Zubeen Garg nearby. He tried to meet him instead of respecting his feelings, Zubeen assaulted his son and even asked his personal security officers to nab him. But according to what Zubeen had said he was irritated with the fact that the boy was smoking in front of him and that too being a minor. Zubeen was constantly requesting him to stop doing so but the boy was not listening. At the end, Zubeen lost his cool and slapped the boy.

Controversy with ULFA

He also dared to challenge ULFA, a banned militant organisation; when ULFA dictated not to sing Hindi songs during bihu functions. Zubeen Garg repeatedly ignored the order of the banned militant organisation and continued to sing Hindi songs. And, in this way, he drew huge controversy along with threat from the United Liberation Front of Assam.

Clash with Assamese Newspaper Asomiya Pratidin

Another incident where an FIR was filed against Zubeen Garg by the Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin alleging that Zubeen threatened the employees by visiting the office at night. But Zubeen's story is different and he denied the allegation and filed a counter FIR and stated that he just went to clarify his stand on a news item where he was confined in a room by the employees of the organisation.

Clash with Manisha Hazarika Over Album Copyright

There was also a clash between Zubeen Garg and Manisha Hazarika regarding a copyright issue over cover album. Zubeen Garg's cover album "Mur Minoti-my vocal tribute to Jayanta Hazarika" was not certain due to copyright issues. When Zubeen confessed that he had made a technical mistake by not consulting Manisha Hazarika, the wife of late Jayanta Hazarika about the album, she also made her point clear that one cannot just record and distribute his songs without her and the original music company Saregama's consent.

Another controversy arose when he announced before a performance at Gauhati University that he admired Rabha but not Agarwala and Baruah. When students demanded an apology from him, he instantly went to his fans and apologised to them by saying that he had made a mistake in framing the sentence and he indeed meant to say that he admires Rabha's songs more than those of Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Parbati Prasad Baruah.

Zubeen Garg also had to face controversy during Bhupen Hazarika's funeral because of his some unexpected appearance which Critics considered to be a sign of disrespect for the departed soul.

Controversial Remark on Brahmins 

In July, 2019, Zubeen Garg said, he is a Brahmin but he has snapped his lagun for a movie. He also added that he had removed the sacred thread or the lagun earlier also and still does not wear it. He made a very sensitive statement that "These Brahmins should be killed" after which the whole Brahmin community got outraged and demanded apology from the singer. [Read More: Zubeen Garg Apologies on Controversial statement against Brahmins]

The singer is never far away from controversy. In February 2020, a photograph of Zubeen Garg, who appeared to be opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act, hugging Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal went viral. This viral photograph made the public question his stance on the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act. However, the singer had clarified his stand by saying that greeting or hugging the Chief Minister does not mean he has changed his stance.

Nishita Goswami Controversy in Prag Cine Awards

The recent Zubeen Garg-Nishita Goswami controversy during the Prag Cine Awards in Guwahati has been the talk of the town. When Zubeen was referring to a particular scene from the movie Mon Jai in which the two of them had worked together, his comments on Nishita's backside left her humiliated, embarrassed and hurt in front of the huge gathering. Zubeen's remark has drawn harsh criticism from many quarters. Some people are trying to convey that the comment is sexually explicit which no woman can digest in front of such a huge gathering. While some are trying to defend Zubeen Garg by saying that he is too friendly and close to Nishita that he did not even think for once that he was on a public platform. But, according to the critics, there's a time and place for everything. If this friendly conversation were among their friends or confined to their drawing rooms, it would not have perhaps attracted any offence or disappointment. Nishita Goswami also broke her silence who was at the receiving end of an allegedly sexist remark by Zubeen Garg.

While disclosing to the Inside Northeast she has said that Zubeen Garg is like a brother to her and she is also aware of the fact that he does not think much and likes to joke around. But the comment he made on a public platform left the actress disheartened and mentally disturbed. She also shared a picture on Facebook with the following words: "She is a woman, she is a mother, she is a daughter, she is a wife. Respect female." Zubeen Garg has also finally broken his silence on the matter by saying that he was just joking but it was taken too seriously and he would not like to comment much.

Misbehaved with LGBTQ rights activist Milan Dutta 

Meanwhile, LGBTQ rights activist Milan Dutta has also claimed that the singer did not give him a chance to speak and misbehaved on stage. The North East India for Women's Studies (NEIAWS) has strongly condemned Zubeen's insensitive and sexist behavior. The NEIAWS has also demanded a collective public apology from the singer. The women's rights panel asked the police to investigate the matter and report to the Commission. Many slammed Zubeen Garg by saying that his behavior was uncivilized.

Zubeen Garg Face of Kindness

Keeping aside all those above mentioned controversies, Zubeen Garg has been proving again and again that humanity still does exist. Although he does not have any children, he has adopted around 15 children till date. Recently he had adopted a girl by the name of Kajali whom he found on the street while coming back home after his work. The girl was working as a maid and she was constantly being abused. After that Zubeen Garg filed a case on the matter and finally he won the case and adopted the girl. Now, he is taking all the responsibilities of the girl along with her studies.

Book on Zubeen Garg & Advice

Zubeen Garg got his reading habit from his father. His father was an avid reader as he himself has mentioned in one of his interviews. Zubeen Garg's father Kapil Thakur has written a biography on his son called Pitrir Drishtit Zubeen. Kapil Thakur says one of his interviews that he never feels proud of Zubeen. Considering, he thinks only the fools feel proud. He also says that Zubeen's recent songs have lost the charm in comparison to his old songs. In reply to a question regarding the controversies faced by Zubeen, Kapil Thakur says that he does not think too much about it. For him, controversy will arise and within a few days it will again fade away. However he says one thing which Zubeen can as an advice from his father that he should reduce the number of his friend circles and he will automatically get the solutions of most of his problems. Kapil Thakur does not fail to appreciate Zubeen for his kindness and humanitarian nature at the same time. He also advises Zubeen to take care of his health. Kapil Thakur has his own identity apart from being the father of the great singer, Zubeen Garg. Kapil Thakur has written many books including Kalpataru Barnamala, Antarmukhi yatra, Nodir Naam Brahmaputra, Sabda Anubhuti, Sunali Masor Din etc.

Zubeen Garg is also not free from threats. Few months back, he was verbally abused by a group of men who had overtaken his vehicle, came out and started abusing the 48-year-old Garg. Later on, he lodged an FIR at the Dispur Police Station.

Socio-political Issues in Movies

Of late, Zubeen Garg has started to take up some important socio-political issues as the main themes in his movies. In Kanchanjangha, he portrays the story of Anirban, who is an ambitious rebellious young guy fighting against the system and society. The movie deals with the APSC scam which is allegedly happening in Assam for years even though strict action had been taken against the accused in 2017. And, by bringing all these issues to the forefront through movies, he is not only contributing to the enrichment of Assamese film industry but also has been successful in making people aware of the facts which are mostly kept hidden.

Mission China, Zubeen's home production, is the first Assamese film to serve as competition to Bollywood films in the last two decades. Zubeen Garg is trying his best to revive the Assamese Film Industry.

Zubeen Garg has done so many things without giving it a second thought. At the New Delhi airport, he had to seek apology for engaging in a spat with an Indian Army Major. The reason was that he was wearing an army cap and the army official asked him to remove it since no civilian is allowed to wear a military outfit in public and that too bearing the army insignia on it. Even after the whole incident ended, he did not remain calm and silent and to his objection, Zubeen Garg who had played a colonel in the Assamese film Mission China, crudely replied, "You are a major, but I am a colonel and you should salute me", reports The New Indian Express.

Zubeen Garg is also an animal lover. If he finds any bird or animal lying injured on the streets, he will take them up and carry to the hospital for treatment. He drew controversy by commenting against the tradition of animal sacrifice at the Kamakhya temple. Zubeen said, "I don't like animal sacrifice in the name of religion". He spoke at a musical function at Kamakhya "I learnt Govinda (a bollywood actor) had offered a buffalo for sacrifice at Kamakhya. Why should one sacrifice an animal at a temple? One should sacrifice oneself instead." He again insisted, "I stopped eating the meat of duck since I started rearing one. When you fall in love with an animal, you stop eating its meat. Fishes are aplenty everywhere. We should eat fish." His statement led to the locals demanding an apology from him.

Now Zubeen Garg is set to play a new role which is the brand ambassador of Agriculture and Allied sector of the state of Assam. The decision has been taken to attract the youths of Assam to the agricultural sector and especially creating employment for those who have been rendered unemployed by the COVID pandemic. Zubeen Garg has assured that he will bring green revolution in the state and for that he also seeks government help. The project is being implemented keeping in mind the state agricultural ministry's new motto, "Potharo Amaar, Bojaaro Aamaar" which means the field and the market are both ours.

Zubeen in Controversial News

In numerous occasion, he trapped in controversies positively or negatively... 

When Appointed as Assam's Brand Ambassador

It is again important to note that Zubeen Garg has become the subject of controversy ever since Assam Agricultural Minister Atul Bora declared his decision to appoint Zubeen as the brand ambassador of the agriculture sector in the state. Even former Chief Minister of Assam late Tarun Gogoi also went against this decision of Atul Bora by saying that Zubeen Garg is not fit to become the brand ambassador of the state. He further predicted that Zubeen could possibly turn into a "saffron ambassador" rather than becoming a brand ambassador of the agriculture sector. Gogoi also said that artists should remain artists. They should not come into the field of politics. He also cited the example of Bhupen Hazarika in this regard.

In anti-CAA Protest

Zubeen Garg became one and only hope for the indigenous people of Assam during the Anti-CAA protests. Assam vocalist and activist Zubeen Garg was and still is at the forefront of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in the state. Zubeen Garg and the others also launched a website which was fully dedicated to the fight against the Citizenship Amendment Act. He further said, "Whatever government is in power, whether it is the Congress or the Bharatiya Janata Party, we will protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This is our democratic right. And it is a big mistake that the government is making in going against people just because they are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act." However, many artistes were present at the website launch including Assam actors Barasha Rani Bishaya and Ravi Sarma, singer Manash Robin along with Garg's wife Garima Saikia Garg. The website was an effort to make the people aware of all the things happening around. The website also provided an opportunity for the people who really care about Assamese identity to give their suggestions on how the agitation could be taken forward.

Zubeen has never failed to hold his middle-ground whenever he has spoken against the government. His recent song "politics nokoriba bondhu"was sung extensively by the people of Assam. However, speaking about Zubeen's active participation in politics, the minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he does not want to see Zubeen Garg neither in Congress nor in Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP). He wants Zubeen to remain as Zubeen. He does not want to repeat the same with Zubeen after whatever had happened to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Zubeen Garg is a tiger and he has been proving it again and again. When Bharatiya Janata Party's Member of Legislative Assembly Shiladitya Dev targeted Zubeen by asking him not to make political comments, especially regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act during bihu shows, Zubeen Garg replied to him fearlessly: "I will continue my stand against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016. This is the time we should fight for the greater cause of Assam. If someone alleges me with baseless arguments, I do not care. They can do nothing to me. On the other hand, Assam Finance Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma did back Zubeen Garg. He claimed that Zubeen is our Assam's idol and no one should unnecessarily target or point fingers at him.

His Wish for Assam

Zubeen Garg really wants to see Assam as a progressive and better developed state and in order to fulfil his wish he tries to contribute wholeheartedly in whatever way he can. He even shared his experience in a meeting about his recent visit to Delhi for his shows. And, there, he saw everyone including auto-rickshaw driver showing their gratitude and love for their Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal has done a lot to better develop Delhi especially in terms of Education and Development. Zubeen Garg said that a socialist mindset is needed in the state of Assam as well.

Zubeen Garg is not just a name, it is an emotion, he is the priceless resource of Assam. Zubeen Garg has created a new era in Assamese music after Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Zubeen Garg has a huge responsibility on his shoulder. People's expectations are so high from him that he, again and again, gets into various controversies. Apart from creating a new path for the future generation of the industry, he also has to preserve and revive our folk songs. We have seen that Zubeen Garg has sung all types of Assamese folk songs from Lokageet, Borgeet to Dehbisaar Geet, Zikir apart from modern Assamese songs.

Conclusion

Zubeen Garg is not just a person, he is an era, "the era of Zubeen". He has established his name not only in Assam but also in whole of India with his voice in more than 9000 songs. Again, responsibility should be taken from both sides. We should also bear the responsibility towards preserving this valuable resource of Assam. Zubeen Garg has a huge fan following on all the social media platforms. He has 268k followers on Instagram. Apart from his main account, there are thousands of fan pages on Instagram. On Facebook too he has lots of followers. Recently a beautiful wall painting of Zubeen made by a local artist named Neelim Mahanta has come out which itself is an evident of lots of love and admiration he has been receiving from the people across the country, especially from his own state Assam. In the ninties, when the Assamese Music Industry was on the verge of extinction due to lack of creativity and production, it was Zubeen Garg who came to rescue with his melodious voice and ingenious lyrics. Zubeen Garg will be loved across Assam for his evergreen Bihu songs, his philanthropic works for the people of Assam and his love for the nature and river Brahmaputra. In the recent past he stood up for the people of his land and people have set higher expectations for the singing sensation for the days to come.

Also Read: Assam TUEE 2021: Application Form, Exam Dates, Entrance Syllabus, Pattern & more