Assam’s musical legend Zubeen Garg’s final film as a lead actor, Roi Roi Binale, is creating box office history even before its release. The much-awaited film is set to hit theatres amid massive fanfare on October 31. In an unprecedented response, Roi Roi Binale has already sold 15,000 tickets within just one hour, while over 50,000 pre-release ratings have been recorded on the BookMyShow app. To cater to the extraordinary demand, Matrix Cinema in Guwahati has added 12 daily shows, beginning as early as 6 AM.
For the first time in the history of Assamese cinema, the film is projected to cross the ₹100 crore gross mark. Beyond portraying the lead character, Zubeen also composed the music and produced the film on a grand scale. Tragically, Zubeen passed away in a mysterious drowning incident in Singapore about a month ago. Adding to the poignancy of its release, Roi Roi Binale had been in the making for 17 years.
The musical drama features Zubeen in the role of a visually impaired artist, marking a deeply emotional farewell to one of Assam’s most beloved icons.
Zubeen Garg Biography: Early Life, Education, Age, Career, Net Worth and Legacy
Zubeen Garg: The Eternal Voice of Assam
Zubeen Garg, the legendary Assamese singer, composer, and actor, was one of India’s most loved and versatile musicians. Known for his soulful voice, fearless personality, and artistic brilliance, he sang in over 40 languages, bringing Assamese music to national and global audiences. His untimely death in 2025 left millions heartbroken, marking the end of an extraordinary era in Indian music.
Key Details
- Full Name: Zubeen Garg
- Date of Birth: 18 November 1972
- Place of Birth: Tura, Meghalaya, India
- Occupations: Singer, songwriter, composer, actor, director, producer
- Other Names: Goldie, Luit Kontho, Zubeen Da, King of Humming, Surya Kontho, Heartthrob of Assam
- Date of Death: 19 September 2025
- Place of Death: Singapore
Early Life and Education of Zubeen Garg
Born to Mohini Mohon Borthakur, a poet and civil servant, and Ily Borthakur, a noted singer, Zubeen was named after the renowned conductor Zubin Mehta. Due to his father’s transfers, he grew up in various parts of Assam.
He attended Carmel School, Karimganj High School, and J.B. College, Jorhat, later enrolling at B. Borooah College, Guwahati, before leaving academics to pursue music full-time.
Musical Beginnings of Zubeen Garg
Zubeen’s musical journey started at the age of three, under the guidance of his mother. He trained in tabla for over a decade under Pandit Robin Banerjee and learned Assamese folk traditions from Guru Ramani Rai.
His first big break came in 1992 with his debut Assamese album Anamika, which became a sensation across Assam. Subsequent hits like Xopunor Xur, Junaki Mon, Maya, and Asha cemented his status as a household name. His Bihu album Ujan Piriti also became a commercial blockbuster before he moved to Mumbai.
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Rise in Bollywood of Zubeen Garg
In the mid-1990s, Zubeen moved to Mumbai to explore Bollywood. He released his first Hindi pop album, Chandni Raat (1996), followed by several others such as Shradhaanjali, Jalwa, Yuhi Kabhi, Jadoo, and Sparsh.
He lent his voice to Hindi films like Gaddaar (1995), Dil Se (1998), Fiza (2000), and Kaante (2002). His breakthrough came with the chartbuster “Ya Ali” from Gangster: A Love Story (2006), which earned him the GIFA Award for Best Playback Singer and turned him into a nationwide sensation.
Beyond Bollywood, Zubeen also worked extensively in Bengali cinema, composing and singing for films such as Shudhu Tumi, Premi, and Mon Mane Na. His ability to perform in over 40 languages and dialects—including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, and Bhojpuri—made him one of India’s most versatile voices.
Acting and Filmmaking of Zubeen Garg
A true multi-talent, Zubeen ventured into acting and direction with Tumi Mor Matho Mor around 2000. He went on to star in several acclaimed Assamese films, including Dinabandhu (2004), Mon Jaai (2008), Kanchanjangha (2019), and Dr. Bezbaruah 2 (2023).
His films often reflected his social and political awareness—Kanchanjangha, for instance, tackled issues of corruption and injustice, resonating deeply with audiences.
Personal Life of Zubeen Garg
Zubeen married Garima Saikia, a noted fashion designer, in 2002. Outspoken and fearless, he often voiced his opinions on social and cultural issues, describing himself as irreligious and a firm believer in humanity above all.
He founded the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, which supported flood victims and underprivileged communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he even converted his home into a COVID care centre for those in need.
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Age and Achievements of Zubeen Garg
At the time of his passing in 2025, Zubeen Garg was 52 years old. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he recorded over 38,000 songs, making him one of the most prolific singers in Indian history.
Death and Legacy of Zubeen Garg
On 19 September 2025, Zubeen Garg tragically drowned while swimming in Singapore. He was declared dead at Singapore General Hospital. The Government of Assam ordered an official investigation and honoured him with a state funeral and a 21-gun salute on 23 September 2025.
In a deeply emotional tribute, fans across Assam sang his song “Mayabini Raatir Bukut”, which he had wished to be played after his death.
The government has since announced memorials in Guwahati and Jorhat to honour his contribution to music and culture.
Zubeen Garg remains the heartbeat of Assamese music, a bridge between regional and national art, and an inspiration whose melodies continue to echo through generations.