When the name NK Production echoes through Assam’s vibrant music landscape, it brings along a wave of nostalgia and pride. Behind this legendary banner stands Naba Kumar Borkotoky, a visionary who transformed the cultural rhythm of the Northeast and helped shape the careers of countless artists, including the iconic singer Zubeen Garg. Honoured with the Atal Bharat Gaurav Sammaan 2025 in Assam by the Awards Trust of India, Borkotoky’s journey is a remarkable tale of passion, innovation, and dedication to the world of Assamese music and entrepreneurship.
A Musical Dream That Began with Cassette Tapes
Long before the era of digital music and streaming platforms, when melodies found their way into hearts through cassette tapes, NK Productions was born in 1981. Founded by Naba Kumar Borkotoky, the company became one of the first music production houses in Assam, setting the foundation for the region’s modern music industry.
At that time, the idea of a local production company in the Northeast was revolutionary. There were no large-scale recording studios or marketing platforms for local artists. With sheer determination and a deep love for Assamese culture, Borkotoky started his journey from Kolkata, recording and producing songs that carried the essence of the land and its people.
Discovering and Launching Zubeen Garg
One of the most significant milestones in Naba Kumar’s career was discovering and launching Zubeen Garg, who would go on to become one of the biggest names in Indian music. Their collaboration began when Borkotoky met Zubeen during a college stage program in Jorhat. Zubeen expressed his dream to record music professionally, and Naba Kumar saw in him a spark worth nurturing.
Soon after, NK Productions released Zubeen Garg’s first album “Anamika” in 1992, marking the beginning of a new era in Assamese music. The album became an instant hit, and the rest, as they say, is history. NK Productions not only produced Zubeen’s music but also gave him the creative freedom to experiment and explore new sounds, a move that ultimately redefined the Assamese music industry.
Over the years, NK Productions has produced more than 30,000 songs, many of which remain cultural treasures in the region. From soulful folk tracks to contemporary romantic ballads, the label played a crucial role in preserving Assam’s musical heritage while modernizing its sound.
A Legacy Rooted in Culture and Creativity
Under Borkotoky’s leadership, NK Production grew into the largest and most recognized music production house in Northeast India. His company became a launchpad for numerous singers, composers, and lyricists who found a voice and an audience through his platform.
Borkotoky’s deep connection with Assamese culture extended beyond music. His collaborations with legendary artists like Dr. Bhupen Hazarika further strengthened his standing as a custodian of regional art and music. Through his relentless work, he ensured that Assamese music reached not just local listeners but audiences across India and abroad.
Naba Kumar Borkotoky – Expanding Horizons: From Music to Hospitality
After decades of shaping the music industry, Naba Kumar Borkotoky diversified his entrepreneurial journey. In 2020, he ventured into the hospitality sector, founding NK Palace, a premier hotel in Ganeshguri, Guwahati, and another in Jorhat. This expansion was not a shift away from music but an extension of his vision — to create spaces that celebrate art, culture, and Assam’s warm hospitality.
Despite challenges like the pandemic and lockdowns, Borkotoky’s commitment to excellence never wavered. His establishments reflect the same creativity, authenticity, and perseverance that define his music business.
Honoured for a Lifetime of Contribution
Recognizing his decades-long contribution to Assamese music, culture, and entrepreneurship, Naba Kumar Borkotoky was conferred with the Atal Bharat Gaurav Sammaan 2025 by the Awards Trust of India. The same event also gave a tribute to Late Singer Zubeen Garg. The award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to national development through their innovation and leadership — and in Borkotoky’s case, it honours his role in putting Assam’s music industry on the national map.
His journey from producing cassette tapes to running one of the most successful music enterprises in Northeast India stands as an inspiration for generations of dreamers. He not only built a business but nurtured a cultural movement that gave voice to a region often overlooked in mainstream Indian media.
A Visionary Beyond Fame
Even today, Naba Kumar Borkotoky continues to work behind the scenes, mentoring young artists and guiding them through the evolving landscape of digital music production. To him, success isn’t measured by fame but by the impact of music on people’s lives.
From the analog age of the 1980s to the digital revolution of the 21st century, his journey symbolizes resilience, vision, and the timeless power of art.
As Assam celebrates its growing presence in India’s cultural and entrepreneurial landscape, Naba Kumar Borkotoky remains a living example of how one person’s dream can transform an entire industry. His name, like his music, continues to resonate — softly, but eternally — across the valleys and hills of the Northeast.
