The singers
Grouped by the years in which each voice first mattered. Many singers appear in more than one era.
The Pioneers 1930s – 1940s · 23 singers
The first voices of the talkies — when the actor sang on the set, and the gramophone carried the song across the country.
K.L. Saigalके. एल. सहगल1932 – 1947The first superstar of the Indian talkie — singer and actor in one, and the voice every singer of the next generation began by imitating.Noor Jehanनूरजहाँ1935 – 1990sMalika-e-Tarannum — the singing star of the 1940s who left for Pakistan at Partition and became its greatest voice.Suraiyaसुरैया1941 – 1963The last of the singing stars — heroine and singer in one, and for a few years around 1949 the most popular woman in Hindi film.Pankaj Mullickपंकज मलिक1926 – 1970sThe singer-composer who gave Rabindrasangeet to the radio and background music to the Indian film.K.C. Deyके. सी. डे1920s – 1950sThe blind singer of the New Theatres years — Manna Dey's uncle and teacher, and the voice of the devotional song in early talkies.Kanan Deviकानन देवी1926 – 1950sThe first star of Bengali cinema and a singing heroine of the 1930s Hindi talkie — Street Singer, Vidyapati, Jawani Ki Reet.Zohrabai Ambalewaliज़ोहराबाई अंबालेवाली1930s – 1950sThe heavy, classical female voice of the mid-1940s — Rattan, Anmol Ghadi, and the sound Lata replaced.Amirbai Karnatakiअमीरबाई कर्नाटकी1934 – 1950sKannada Kokila — the Karnataka-born voice of Kismet, and Gandhi's favourite singer of Vaishnava Jana To.Khursheed Banoख़ुर्शीद बानो1931 – 1948Saigal's heroine in Tansen and Bhakta Surdas — a singing star of the early 1940s who left for Pakistan and stopped.Surendraसुरेन्द्र1936 – 1980sMehboob Khan's singing hero of the 1930s and 1940s — the man who sang Awaz De Kahan Hai with Noor Jehan.Shamshad Begumशमशाद बेगम1937 – 1970sThe bell-like voice of the 1940s — Naushad's first choice before Lata, and the singer of the songs everyone can still hum.G.M. Durraniजी. एम. दुर्रानी1935 – 1950sThe leading male playback voice of the 1940s before Rafi — and the singer Rafi first modelled himself on.Rajkumariराजकुमारी1934 – 1970sThe child singer of the 1930s who became the voice of Mahal and Bawre Nain, and ended as a chorus singer.Uma Devi (Tun Tun)उमा देवी (टुनटुन)1946 – 1990Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon — the singer of Dard who became Hindi cinema's best-loved comedienne, Tun Tun.Lata Mangeshkarलता मंगेशकर1942 – 2010sFor sixty years the female voice of Hindi cinema — so much so that the word 'heroine' on a record sleeve meant her.Mukeshमुकेश1941 – 1976The sad, straight voice of Raj Kapoor — a singer who did less than anyone and was loved as much as anyone.Talat Mahmoodतलत महमूद1939 – 1980sThe velvet voice — the tremor that made the 1950s film ghazal, and a singer too gentle for the loud decades that followed.Manna Deyमन्ना डे1942 – 2000sThe classically trained voice composers called when a song was too difficult for anyone else.Hemant Kumarहेमंत कुमार1937 – 1980sThe deep, calm voice of Bengal — singer and composer both, and the man behind Nagin, Bees Saal Baad and Khamoshi.Geeta Duttगीता दत्त1946 – 1971The voice of Guru Dutt's films — bhajan and cabaret from the same throat, and a life that ended at forty-one.C.H. Atmaसी. एच. आत्मा1945 – 1970sPreetam Aan Milo — the Saigal-style voice of the non-film record in the 1950s.Mohammed Rafiमोहम्मद रफ़ी1944 – 1980The voice that could be a prince, a beggar, a qawwal, a clown and a lover in a single evening of radio.Begum Akhtarबेगम अख़्तर1930s – 1974Mallika-e-Ghazal — the voice that gave the ghazal, thumri and dadra their modern shape.
The Golden Age 1950s – 1960s · 24 singers
Playback singing comes of age. A handful of voices, a dozen composers, and the songs most Indians still know by heart.
Suraiyaसुरैया1941 – 1963The last of the singing stars — heroine and singer in one, and for a few years around 1949 the most popular woman in Hindi film.Shamshad Begumशमशाद बेगम1937 – 1970sThe bell-like voice of the 1940s — Naushad's first choice before Lata, and the singer of the songs everyone can still hum.Rajkumariराजकुमारी1934 – 1970sThe child singer of the 1930s who became the voice of Mahal and Bawre Nain, and ended as a chorus singer.Lata Mangeshkarलता मंगेशकर1942 – 2010sFor sixty years the female voice of Hindi cinema — so much so that the word 'heroine' on a record sleeve meant her.Mukeshमुकेश1941 – 1976The sad, straight voice of Raj Kapoor — a singer who did less than anyone and was loved as much as anyone.Asha Bhosleआशा भोसले1943 – presentThe voice that could do everything her sister did not — cabaret, qawwali, ghazal, disco — and did it for seventy years.Talat Mahmoodतलत महमूद1939 – 1980sThe velvet voice — the tremor that made the 1950s film ghazal, and a singer too gentle for the loud decades that followed.Manna Deyमन्ना डे1942 – 2000sThe classically trained voice composers called when a song was too difficult for anyone else.Hemant Kumarहेमंत कुमार1937 – 1980sThe deep, calm voice of Bengal — singer and composer both, and the man behind Nagin, Bees Saal Baad and Khamoshi.Geeta Duttगीता दत्त1946 – 1971The voice of Guru Dutt's films — bhajan and cabaret from the same throat, and a life that ended at forty-one.Mahendra Kapoorमहेन्द्र कपूर1958 – 2000sThe big patriotic voice — Manoj Kumar's singer, B.R. Chopra's singer, and the man who sang Mere Desh Ki Dharti.Suman Kalyanpurसुमन कल्याणपुर1954 – 1980sThe voice so close to Lata's that listeners mistook one for the other — and the singer who got the Rafi duets during the Lata–Rafi rift.Sudha Malhotraसुधा मल्होत्रा1950 – 1960Ten years, a few dozen songs, and some of the finest — Tum Mujhe Bhool Bhi Jao and the Barsaat Ki Raat qawwalis.Mubarak Begumमुबारक बेगम1949 – 1970sKabhi Tanhaiyon Mein Yun — one perfect song, a hundred others, and a life that ended in hardship.Subir Senसुबीर सेन1955 – 1990sThe Bengali voice that sounded like Hemant Kumar — Manzil Wohi Hai Pyar Ki and Dil Mera Ek Aas Ka Panchhi.C.H. Atmaसी. एच. आत्मा1945 – 1970sPreetam Aan Milo — the Saigal-style voice of the non-film record in the 1950s.Shardaशारदा1966 – 1980sTitli Udi — the untrained, nasal, unforgettable voice Shankar brought in against Lata.Usha Mangeshkarउषा मंगेशकर1954 – presentThe youngest Mangeshkar sister — Mungda, the Jai Santoshi Maa bhajans, and a lifetime of duets with Lata and Asha.Meena Kapoorमीना कपूर1946 – 1960sAnil Biswas's voice and later his wife — Rasiya Re Man Basiya Re and Kachhi Hai Umariya.Jagjit Kaurजगजीत कौर1950s – 1980sKhayyam's wife and the voice of his wedding songs — Tum Apna Ranj-o-Gham and Kaahe Ko Byaahi Bides.S.D. Burman (as singer)एस. डी. बर्मन1932 – 1975The composer's own voice — a Bengali folk singer's reedy tenor used, once or twice a film, as a narrator from outside the story.Mohammed Rafiमोहम्मद रफ़ी1944 – 1980The voice that could be a prince, a beggar, a qawwal, a clown and a lover in a single evening of radio.Kishore Kumarकिशोर कुमार1946 – 1987The untrained singer who became the biggest male voice of the 1970s — actor, comedian, composer and yodeller in one.Bhupinder Singhभूपिंदर सिंह1964 – 2010sDil Dhoondta Hai, Ek Akela Is Shehar Mein, Naam Gum Jayega — the guitarist's voice of Gulzar's films.
The Seventies and Eighties 1970s – 1980s · 38 singers
Kishore Kumar's decade, the rise of the music cassette, and a new generation trained on the radio.
Lata Mangeshkarलता मंगेशकर1942 – 2010sFor sixty years the female voice of Hindi cinema — so much so that the word 'heroine' on a record sleeve meant her.Mukeshमुकेश1941 – 1976The sad, straight voice of Raj Kapoor — a singer who did less than anyone and was loved as much as anyone.Asha Bhosleआशा भोसले1943 – presentThe voice that could do everything her sister did not — cabaret, qawwali, ghazal, disco — and did it for seventy years.Manna Deyमन्ना डे1942 – 2000sThe classically trained voice composers called when a song was too difficult for anyone else.Mahendra Kapoorमहेन्द्र कपूर1958 – 2000sThe big patriotic voice — Manoj Kumar's singer, B.R. Chopra's singer, and the man who sang Mere Desh Ki Dharti.Suman Kalyanpurसुमन कल्याणपुर1954 – 1980sThe voice so close to Lata's that listeners mistook one for the other — and the singer who got the Rafi duets during the Lata–Rafi rift.Shardaशारदा1966 – 1980sTitli Udi — the untrained, nasal, unforgettable voice Shankar brought in against Lata.Usha Mangeshkarउषा मंगेशकर1954 – presentThe youngest Mangeshkar sister — Mungda, the Jai Santoshi Maa bhajans, and a lifetime of duets with Lata and Asha.S.D. Burman (as singer)एस. डी. बर्मन1932 – 1975The composer's own voice — a Bengali folk singer's reedy tenor used, once or twice a film, as a narrator from outside the story.Mohammed Rafiमोहम्मद रफ़ी1944 – 1980The voice that could be a prince, a beggar, a qawwal, a clown and a lover in a single evening of radio.Kishore Kumarकिशोर कुमार1946 – 1987The untrained singer who became the biggest male voice of the 1970s — actor, comedian, composer and yodeller in one.K.J. Yesudasके. जे. येसुदास1961 – presentThe Malayalam legend who, for ten years, was the voice of the middle-class Hindi film — Chitchor, Swami, Sawan Ko Aane Do.Shailendra Singhशैलेन्द्र सिंह1973 – 1990sRishi Kapoor's first voice — Bobby, Khel Khel Mein, Rafoo Chakkar, and the boy-next-door sound of the mid-1970s.Amit Kumarअमित कुमार1970 – presentKishore Kumar's son — Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Love Story, and a voice that carried his father's ease into the 1980s.Anuradha Paudwalअनुराधा पौडवाल1973 – presentThe voice of Aashiqui and the T-Series bhajan cassette — for five years around 1990, the most heard woman in India.Kavita Krishnamurthyकविता कृष्णमूर्ति1980 – presentHawa Hawai, Pyar Hua Chupke Se, Dola Re Dola — the trained voice behind Sridevi and Madhuri, and four Filmfare Awards in a row.Suresh Wadkarसुरेश वाडकर1976 – presentThe classically trained voice of Seene Mein Jalan, Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki and the Raj Kapoor films of the 1980s.Shabbir Kumarशब्बीर कुमार1982 – presentThe Rafi voice of the early 1980s — Betaab, Coolie, Mard — in the gap before Udit and Sanu.Mohammed Azizमोहम्मद अज़ीज़1984 – 2018Munni to Khuda Gawah — the big, high Rafi-style voice of Mard, Aulad, Ram Avtar and three hundred other 1980s films.Anwarअनवर1977 – 1990sMohabbat Ab Tijarat Ban Gayi Hai — the closest voice to Rafi in the years just after Rafi.Nitin Mukeshनितिन मुकेश1972 – presentMukesh's son — Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi, So Gaya Yeh Jahan, and the voice of Kranti and Tezaab.Hemlataहेमलता1968 – 1990sRavindra Jain's voice — Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Tu Jo Mere Sur Mein, and the Rajshri sound of the late 1970s.Chandrani Mukherjeeचंद्राणी मुखर्जी1975 – 1990sPyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi — a Bengali voice heard in a handful of 1970s and 1980s songs.Sulakshana Panditसुलक्षणा पंडित1967 – 1990sTu Hi Sagar Hai Tu Hi Kinara — singer and actress, from the Pandit family of musicians.Runa Lailaरूना लैला1965 – presentDama Dam Mast Qalandar — the Bangladeshi singer who gave Hindi film a handful of songs and the subcontinent a qawwali.Bappi Lahiri (as singer)बप्पी लाहिड़ी1973 – 2022The disco composer's own voice — Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re, Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost, Ooh La La.Manhar Udhasमनहर उधास1969 – presentHum Tumhein Chahte Hain Aise — the elder Udhas brother, in film and in Gujarati ghazal.Udit Narayanउदित नारायण1980 – presentPapa Kehte Hain to Mitwa — the bright, happy voice of Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, and three National Awards.S.P. Balasubrahmanyamएस. पी. बालासुब्रह्मण्यम1966 – 2020Forty thousand songs in the south, and in Hindi the voice of Salman Khan — Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Roja.Sadhana Sargamसाधना सरगम1982 – presentPehla Nasha, Saat Samundar Paar, Chupke Se — the trained Maharashtrian voice of the 1990s' second lead.Alka Yagnikअलका याज्ञिक1980 – presentEk Do Teen to Agar Tum Saath Ho — thirty years as the heroine's voice and seven Filmfare Awards.Vinod Rathodविनोद राठौड़1988 – presentSarkailo Khatiya, Kisi Disco Mein Jaayen — the Govinda voice of the 1990s.Jagjit Singhजगजीत सिंह1965 – 2011The Ghazal King — Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum, Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho, Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya.Pankaj Udhasपंकज उधास1980 – 2024Chitthi Aayi Hai, Chandi Jaisa Rang, Aur Ahista — the ghazal of the cassette era.Penaz Masaniपिनाज़ मसानी1981 – presentThe Parsi ghazal singer of the 1980s ghazal boom — Aap Yun Hi Agar Humse Milte Rahe.Bhupinder Singhभूपिंदर सिंह1964 – 2010sDil Dhoondta Hai, Ek Akela Is Shehar Mein, Naam Gum Jayega — the guitarist's voice of Gulzar's films.Narendra Chanchalनरेंद्र चंचल1970s – 2021Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai, Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye — the Mata ki bhent voice.Nazia and Zoheb Hassanनाज़िया और ज़ोहेब हसन1980 – 1992Aap Jaisa Koi, Disco Deewane, Boom Boom — the brother and sister who invented Indian pop.
The Nineties 1990s · 38 singers
Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Kavita Krishnamurthy sing for a new Bollywood; the audio-cassette boom peaks.
Lata Mangeshkarलता मंगेशकर1942 – 2010sFor sixty years the female voice of Hindi cinema — so much so that the word 'heroine' on a record sleeve meant her.Asha Bhosleआशा भोसले1943 – presentThe voice that could do everything her sister did not — cabaret, qawwali, ghazal, disco — and did it for seventy years.Amit Kumarअमित कुमार1970 – presentKishore Kumar's son — Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Love Story, and a voice that carried his father's ease into the 1980s.Anuradha Paudwalअनुराधा पौडवाल1973 – presentThe voice of Aashiqui and the T-Series bhajan cassette — for five years around 1990, the most heard woman in India.Kavita Krishnamurthyकविता कृष्णमूर्ति1980 – presentHawa Hawai, Pyar Hua Chupke Se, Dola Re Dola — the trained voice behind Sridevi and Madhuri, and four Filmfare Awards in a row.Suresh Wadkarसुरेश वाडकर1976 – presentThe classically trained voice of Seene Mein Jalan, Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki and the Raj Kapoor films of the 1980s.Mohammed Azizमोहम्मद अज़ीज़1984 – 2018Munni to Khuda Gawah — the big, high Rafi-style voice of Mard, Aulad, Ram Avtar and three hundred other 1980s films.Nitin Mukeshनितिन मुकेश1972 – presentMukesh's son — Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi, So Gaya Yeh Jahan, and the voice of Kranti and Tezaab.Bappi Lahiri (as singer)बप्पी लाहिड़ी1973 – 2022The disco composer's own voice — Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re, Bambai Se Aaya Mera Dost, Ooh La La.Manhar Udhasमनहर उधास1969 – presentHum Tumhein Chahte Hain Aise — the elder Udhas brother, in film and in Gujarati ghazal.Kumar Sanuकुमार सानू1987 – presentAashiqui to Dilwale Dulhania — five Filmfare Awards in a row and the sound of the early 1990s.Udit Narayanउदित नारायण1980 – presentPapa Kehte Hain to Mitwa — the bright, happy voice of Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, and three National Awards.Abhijeet Bhattacharyaअभिजीत भट्टाचार्य1990 – presentOle Ole, Chalte Chalte, Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon — Shah Rukh Khan's voice in the late 1990s.Hariharanहरिहरन1977 – presentTu Hi Re, Chappa Chappa, Mere Dushman Mere Bhai — the ghazal singer A.R. Rahman turned into a film voice.S.P. Balasubrahmanyamएस. पी. बालासुब्रह्मण्यम1966 – 2020Forty thousand songs in the south, and in Hindi the voice of Salman Khan — Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Roja.Sadhana Sargamसाधना सरगम1982 – presentPehla Nasha, Saat Samundar Paar, Chupke Se — the trained Maharashtrian voice of the 1990s' second lead.Poornimaपूर्णिमा1972 – presentSushma Shrestha to Poornima — the child voice of Bachche Man Ke Sachche, and the adult voice of Ek Do Teen's Govinda years.Ila Arunइला अरुण1980s – presentCholi Ke Peeche, Morni Baaga Ma, Ringa Ringa — the Rajasthani folk voice of the 1990s film song.Alka Yagnikअलका याज्ञिक1980 – presentEk Do Teen to Agar Tum Saath Ho — thirty years as the heroine's voice and seven Filmfare Awards.Jaspinder Narulaजसपिंदर नरूला1997 – presentPyar To Hona Hi Tha — the Punjabi voice of the late-1990s film song, and a Sufi and devotional singer.Sapna Awasthiसपना अवस्थी1996 – 2000sChaiyya Chaiyya — the folk voice on the roof of the train.Vinod Rathodविनोद राठौड़1988 – presentSarkailo Khatiya, Kisi Disco Mein Jaayen — the Govinda voice of the 1990s.Sonu Nigamसोनू निगम1990 – presentSandese Aate Hain, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin — the most complete male voice of the 2000s.Sunidhi Chauhanसुनिधि चौहान1996 – presentRuki Ruki Si Zindagi at thirteen, Beedi, Sheila Ki Jawani, Kamli — the powerhouse voice of the 2000s.Shreya Ghoshalश्रेया घोषाल2002 – presentBairi Piya at sixteen, then twenty years as the first voice of Hindi film — Dola Re, Teri Ore, Deewani Mastani.Sukhwinder Singhसुखविंदर सिंह1991 – presentChaiyya Chaiyya, Ramta Jogi, Jai Ho — the voice on top of the train and the Oscar song.Richa Sharmaऋचा शर्मा1996 – presentBillo Rani, Mahi Ve, Sajdaa, Maahi — the Punjabi Sufi voice, and a devotional singer with a vast following.Roop Kumar and Sonali Rathodरूप कुमार और सोनाली राठौड़1980s – presentSandese Aate Hain, Tere Liye, Maula Mere Maula — the tabla player's son who sings ghazal and film alike.Alisha Chinaiअलीशा चिनॉय1985 – presentMade in India, Kajra Re — the queen of Indipop.Baba Sehgalबाबा सहगल1990 – presentThanda Thanda Pani, Dil Dhadke — India's first rapper.Daler Mehndiदलेर मेहंदी1991 – presentBolo Ta Ra Ra, Tunak Tunak Tun, Rang De Basanti — bhangra pop's biggest voice.Lucky Aliलकी अली1996 – presentO Sanam, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Ek Pal Ka Jeena — the husky poet of Indipop.Colonial Cousins (Hariharan and Leslee Lewis)कोलोनियल कज़न्स1996 – presentKrishna Nee Begane Baro, Sa Ni Dha Pa — classical voice meets guitar pop.Euphoria (Palash Sen)यूफ़ोरिया (पलाश सेन)1998 – presentDhoom Pichak Dhoom, Maeri — Hindi rock from Delhi.Falguni Pathakफाल्गुनी पाठक1987 – presentYaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi, Maine Payal Hai Chhankai — the Dandiya Queen.Shweta Shettyश्वेता शेट्टी1993 – 2000sJohnny Joker, Deewane To Deewane Hain, Mangta Hai Kya — Indipop's dance diva.Mehnazमेहनाज़1993 – 2000sMiss India, Tu Hi Tu — a 1990s pop album voice.Anaidaअनैडा1992 – 2000sOova Oova — Indipop's Iranian-Indian pop girl.
2000s to Today 2000 – · 49 singers
Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh and the singers of the streaming age.
Asha Bhosleआशा भोसले1943 – presentThe voice that could do everything her sister did not — cabaret, qawwali, ghazal, disco — and did it for seventy years.Kavita Krishnamurthyकविता कृष्णमूर्ति1980 – presentHawa Hawai, Pyar Hua Chupke Se, Dola Re Dola — the trained voice behind Sridevi and Madhuri, and four Filmfare Awards in a row.Kumar Sanuकुमार सानू1987 – presentAashiqui to Dilwale Dulhania — five Filmfare Awards in a row and the sound of the early 1990s.Udit Narayanउदित नारायण1980 – presentPapa Kehte Hain to Mitwa — the bright, happy voice of Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, and three National Awards.Abhijeet Bhattacharyaअभिजीत भट्टाचार्य1990 – presentOle Ole, Chalte Chalte, Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon — Shah Rukh Khan's voice in the late 1990s.Hariharanहरिहरन1977 – presentTu Hi Re, Chappa Chappa, Mere Dushman Mere Bhai — the ghazal singer A.R. Rahman turned into a film voice.Sadhana Sargamसाधना सरगम1982 – presentPehla Nasha, Saat Samundar Paar, Chupke Se — the trained Maharashtrian voice of the 1990s' second lead.Alka Yagnikअलका याज्ञिक1980 – presentEk Do Teen to Agar Tum Saath Ho — thirty years as the heroine's voice and seven Filmfare Awards.Jaspinder Narulaजसपिंदर नरूला1997 – presentPyar To Hona Hi Tha — the Punjabi voice of the late-1990s film song, and a Sufi and devotional singer.Shaanशान1989 – presentTanha Dil to Chand Sifarish — the pop singer who became the easy, smiling voice of the 2000s.Sonu Nigamसोनू निगम1990 – presentSandese Aate Hain, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin — the most complete male voice of the 2000s.KKके. के.1996 – 2022Pal, Yaaron, Tadap Tadap, Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai — the untrained voice that sang the 2000s' heartbreak.Arijit Singhअरिजीत सिंह2011 – presentTum Hi Ho to Kesariya — the voice of the streaming decade, and the most played Indian singer in the world.Atif Aslamआतिफ़ असलम2003 – presentWoh Lamhe to Jeena Jeena — the Pakistani pop voice that became one of Bollywood's most played.Mohit Chauhanमोहित चौहान1998 – presentDooba Dooba to Tum Se Hi and Sadda Haq — Silk Route's singer, and the voice of Imtiaz Ali's heroes.Rahat Fateh Ali Khanराहत फ़तेह अली ख़ान1985 – presentNusrat's nephew and heir — Jiya Dhadak Dhadak, Teri Ore, O Re Piya, Tere Mast Mast Do Nain.Javed Aliजावेद अली2000 – presentKajra Re to Kun Faya Kun — the qawwali-trained voice of Arziyan, Jashn-e-Bahara and Ishaqzaade.Kailash Kherकैलाश खेर2003 – presentAllah Ke Bande, Teri Deewani, Saiyyan — the Sufi folk voice that arrived from nowhere in 2003.Neha Kakkarनेहा कक्कड़2006 – presentSecond Hand Jawaani to Dilbar — the most streamed female voice of the late 2010s.Sunidhi Chauhanसुनिधि चौहान1996 – presentRuki Ruki Si Zindagi at thirteen, Beedi, Sheila Ki Jawani, Kamli — the powerhouse voice of the 2000s.Armaan Malikअरमान मलिक2006 – presentMain Hoon Hero Tera, Bol Do Na Zara, Wajah Tum Ho — the young voice of the mid-2010s and a pop singer in English too.Shreya Ghoshalश्रेया घोषाल2002 – presentBairi Piya at sixteen, then twenty years as the first voice of Hindi film — Dola Re, Teri Ore, Deewani Mastani.Jubin Nautiyalजुबिन नौटियाल2014 – presentRaat Bhar to Raataan Lambiyan — the T-Series voice of the late 2010s.Paponपापोन2004 – presentJiyein Kyun, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, Kyon — the Assamese folk-rock voice of the East India Company.Benny Dayalबेनी दयाल2007 – presentPappu Can't Dance, Badtameez Dil, Bang Bang — Rahman's find and the party voice of the 2010s.Shilpa Raoशिल्पा राव2007 – presentKhuda Jaane, Tose Naina, Bulleya, Besharam Rang — the husky voice for the song that needs shadow.Neeti Mohanनीति मोहन2003 – presentJiya Re, Ishq Wala Love, Nainowale Ne — from the girl band Aasma to the Rahman and Bhansali songs.Monali Thakurमोनाली ठाकुर2008 – presentZara Zara Touch Me to Moh Moh Ke Dhaage — the National Award for the gentlest song of 2015.Shalmali Kholgadeशाल्मली खोलगड़े2012 – presentPareshaan, Daaru Desi, Balam Pichkari, Lat Lag Gayee — the jazz-trained voice of the party song.Mika Singhमीका सिंह1998 – presentSawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag to Mauja Hi Mauja and Aankh Marey — the Punjabi party voice.Sukhwinder Singhसुखविंदर सिंह1991 – presentChaiyya Chaiyya, Ramta Jogi, Jai Ho — the voice on top of the train and the Oscar song.Shankar Mahadevanशंकर महादेवन1998 – presentBreathless, Kajra Re, Mitwa, Pretty Woman — the composer of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and a Carnatic-trained singer with a voice like a trumpet.Vishal Dadlaniविशाल ददलानी1994 – presentDhoom Again, Bhaag DK Bose, Malang, Balam Pichkari — the rock frontman who became half of Vishal-Shekhar.Richa Sharmaऋचा शर्मा1996 – presentBillo Rani, Mahi Ve, Sajdaa, Maahi — the Punjabi Sufi voice, and a devotional singer with a vast following.Rekha Bhardwajरेखा भारद्वाज2002 – presentNamak Ishq Ka, Sasural Genda Phool, Kabira, Phir Le Aaya Dil — the husky Sufi voice of Vishal Bhardwaj's films.Kanika Kapoorकनिका कपूर2012 – presentBaby Doll, Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, Desi Look — the Lucknow voice of the 2014 dance floor.Palak Muchhalपलक मुच्छल2011 – presentChahun Main Ya Naa, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Kaun Tujhe — and a childhood of charity concerts for heart surgery.Asees Kaurअसीस कौर2008 – presentBolna, Ve Maahi, Raataan Lambiyan — the Punjabi voice in the Arijit Singh duets.Jonita Gandhiजोनिता गांधी2013 – presentThe Breakup Song, Gilehriyaan, Arabic Kuthu in Hindi — the Toronto YouTuber Rahman brought to Chennai.Darshan Ravalदर्शन रावल2014 – presentChogada, Kamariya, Tera Zikr — the singles star who sells out stadiums without the films.Sachet Tandon and Parampara Thakurसचेत टंडन और परम्परा ठाकुर2016 – presentBekhayali, Kaise Hua, Mere Sohneya — the Kabir Singh couple, composers and singers together.Vishal Mishraविशाल मिश्रा2016 – presentKaise Hua, Pehle Bhi Main, Manike's Hindi — composer-singer of the quiet ballad.B Praakबी प्राक2015 – presentMann Bharrya, Teri Mitti, Filhall — the Punjabi producer whose own voice became the hit.Stebin Benस्टेबिन बेन2017 – presentThoda Thoda Pyaar, Sahiba, Mehendi Wale Haath — the singles voice of the early 2020s.Amaal Mallikअमाल मलिक2014 – presentComposer first, singer when the song asks — Sooraj Dooba Hain, Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, Kaun Tujhe.Roop Kumar and Sonali Rathodरूप कुमार और सोनाली राठौड़1980s – presentSandese Aate Hain, Tere Liye, Maula Mere Maula — the tabla player's son who sings ghazal and film alike.Daler Mehndiदलेर मेहंदी1991 – presentBolo Ta Ra Ra, Tunak Tunak Tun, Rang De Basanti — bhangra pop's biggest voice.Lucky Aliलकी अली1996 – presentO Sanam, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Ek Pal Ka Jeena — the husky poet of Indipop.Adnan Samiअदनान सामी1986 – presentLift Karaa De, Kabhi To Nazar Milao, Tera Chehra, Bhar Do Jholi — the pianist who became a pop star.
Ghazal and Non-film · 21 singers
Begum Akhtar to Jagjit Singh — the singers who made the ghazal a living form outside the cinema.
Talat Mahmoodतलत महमूद1939 – 1980sThe velvet voice — the tremor that made the 1950s film ghazal, and a singer too gentle for the loud decades that followed.Manhar Udhasमनहर उधास1969 – presentHum Tumhein Chahte Hain Aise — the elder Udhas brother, in film and in Gujarati ghazal.Hariharanहरिहरन1977 – presentTu Hi Re, Chappa Chappa, Mere Dushman Mere Bhai — the ghazal singer A.R. Rahman turned into a film voice.Rekha Bhardwajरेखा भारद्वाज2002 – presentNamak Ishq Ka, Sasural Genda Phool, Kabira, Phir Le Aaya Dil — the husky Sufi voice of Vishal Bhardwaj's films.Begum Akhtarबेगम अख़्तर1930s – 1974Mallika-e-Ghazal — the voice that gave the ghazal, thumri and dadra their modern shape.Mehdi Hassanमेहदी हसन1957 – 2000sShahenshah-e-Ghazal — Ranjish Hi Sahi, Gulon Mein Rang Bhare, and the raga brought into the ghazal.Ghulam Aliग़ुलाम अली1960 – presentChupke Chupke Raat Din, Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa, Awargi — the Patiala gharana ghazal.Jagjit Singhजगजीत सिंह1965 – 2011The Ghazal King — Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum, Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho, Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya.Chitra Singhचित्रा सिंह1960s – 1990The other half of The Unforgettables — Pyar Mujhse Jo Kiya Tumne, Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat.Pankaj Udhasपंकज उधास1980 – 2024Chitthi Aayi Hai, Chandi Jaisa Rang, Aur Ahista — the ghazal of the cassette era.Anup Jalotaअनूप जलोटा1970s – presentBhajan Samrat — Aisi Lagi Lagan, Rang De Chunariya, and ghazals alongside.Talat Azizतलत अज़ीज़1979 – presentZindagi Jab Bhi Teri Bazm Mein — Umrao Jaan's male ghazal voice.Bhupinder and Mitali Singhभूपिंदर और मिताली सिंह1980s – 2022The husband-and-wife ghazal duo of the 1980s and 90s concert stage.Rajendra and Nina Mehtaराजेंद्र और नीना मेहता1960s – 2010sThe first husband-wife ghazal duo — Kabhi Baat Hoti Nahi, Bazaar Se Guzra Hoon.Ahmed and Mohammed Hussainअहमद और मोहम्मद हुसैन1970s – presentThe Hussain brothers of Jaipur — Main Hawa Hoon Kahan Watan Mera, Jab Se Gaye Ho Tum.Farida Khanumफ़रीदा ख़ानम1950s – 2010sAaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo — one ghazal, and a lifetime behind it.Abida Parveenआबिदा परवीन1973 – presentQueen of Sufi music — Tere Ishq Nachaya, Yaar Ko Humne, Chhap Tilak.Chandan Dassचंदन दास1980s – presentGuzar Jaate Hain Raste — the Delhi ghazal singer of the 1980s cassette shelf.Roop Kumar and Sonali Rathodरूप कुमार और सोनाली राठौड़1980s – presentSandese Aate Hain, Tere Liye, Maula Mere Maula — the tabla player's son who sings ghazal and film alike.Penaz Masaniपिनाज़ मसानी1981 – presentThe Parsi ghazal singer of the 1980s ghazal boom — Aap Yun Hi Agar Humse Milte Rahe.Bhupinder Singhभूपिंदर सिंह1964 – 2010sDil Dhoondta Hai, Ek Akela Is Shehar Mein, Naam Gum Jayega — the guitarist's voice of Gulzar's films.
Qawwali, Bhajan and Devotional · 15 singers
Voices of the dargah and the mandir — qawwals, bhajan singers and the devotional record.
Anuradha Paudwalअनुराधा पौडवाल1973 – presentThe voice of Aashiqui and the T-Series bhajan cassette — for five years around 1990, the most heard woman in India.Suresh Wadkarसुरेश वाडकर1976 – presentThe classically trained voice of Seene Mein Jalan, Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki and the Raj Kapoor films of the 1980s.Rahat Fateh Ali Khanराहत फ़तेह अली ख़ान1985 – presentNusrat's nephew and heir — Jiya Dhadak Dhadak, Teri Ore, O Re Piya, Tere Mast Mast Do Nain.Kailash Kherकैलाश खेर2003 – presentAllah Ke Bande, Teri Deewani, Saiyyan — the Sufi folk voice that arrived from nowhere in 2003.Richa Sharmaऋचा शर्मा1996 – presentBillo Rani, Mahi Ve, Sajdaa, Maahi — the Punjabi Sufi voice, and a devotional singer with a vast following.Anup Jalotaअनूप जलोटा1970s – presentBhajan Samrat — Aisi Lagi Lagan, Rang De Chunariya, and ghazals alongside.Abida Parveenआबिदा परवीन1973 – presentQueen of Sufi music — Tere Ishq Nachaya, Yaar Ko Humne, Chhap Tilak.Nusrat Fateh Ali Khanनुसरत फ़तेह अली ख़ान1971 – 1997Shahenshah-e-Qawwali — Allah Hoo, Tumhe Dillagi, Afreen Afreen, and the qawwali taken to the world.Sabri Brothersसाबरी ब्रदर्स1956 – 2011Bhar Do Jholi Meri, Tajdar-e-Haram — the qawwali that filled Carnegie Hall in 1975.Aziz Nazanअज़ीज़ नाज़ाँ1960s – 1992Chadhta Sooraj Dheere Dheere — the qawwali every Indian knows.Shankar-Shambhuशंकर-शंभू1950s – 1980sHindu brothers who became the leading qawwals of India — Mohabbat Hai Nasha, Aage Chalo Aage Chalo.Jani Babu Qawwalजानी बाबू क़व्वाल1950s – 2000sMohabbat Ki Baatein — the showman of the Bombay qawwali muqabla.Hari Om Sharanहरि ओम शरण1960s – 2007Prabhu Ji Tum Chandan Hum Pani, Hanuman Chalisa — the bhajan voice of HMV's devotional shelf.Lakhbir Singh Lakkhaलखबीर सिंह लक्खा1985 – presentMere Bhole Bhandari, Shiv Shankar Ko Jisne Pooja — the jagran singer of the cassette and YouTube age.Narendra Chanchalनरेंद्र चंचल1970s – 2021Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai, Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye — the Mata ki bhent voice.
Hindi Pop · 24 singers
From Nazia Hassan's Disco Deewane to the Indipop wave of the 1990s.
Runa Lailaरूना लैला1965 – presentDama Dam Mast Qalandar — the Bangladeshi singer who gave Hindi film a handful of songs and the subcontinent a qawwali.Ila Arunइला अरुण1980s – presentCholi Ke Peeche, Morni Baaga Ma, Ringa Ringa — the Rajasthani folk voice of the 1990s film song.Shaanशान1989 – presentTanha Dil to Chand Sifarish — the pop singer who became the easy, smiling voice of the 2000s.KKके. के.1996 – 2022Pal, Yaaron, Tadap Tadap, Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai — the untrained voice that sang the 2000s' heartbreak.Mohit Chauhanमोहित चौहान1998 – presentDooba Dooba to Tum Se Hi and Sadda Haq — Silk Route's singer, and the voice of Imtiaz Ali's heroes.Paponपापोन2004 – presentJiyein Kyun, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, Kyon — the Assamese folk-rock voice of the East India Company.Neeti Mohanनीति मोहन2003 – presentJiya Re, Ishq Wala Love, Nainowale Ne — from the girl band Aasma to the Rahman and Bhansali songs.Mika Singhमीका सिंह1998 – presentSawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag to Mauja Hi Mauja and Aankh Marey — the Punjabi party voice.Shankar Mahadevanशंकर महादेवन1998 – presentBreathless, Kajra Re, Mitwa, Pretty Woman — the composer of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and a Carnatic-trained singer with a voice like a trumpet.Vishal Dadlaniविशाल ददलानी1994 – presentDhoom Again, Bhaag DK Bose, Malang, Balam Pichkari — the rock frontman who became half of Vishal-Shekhar.Darshan Ravalदर्शन रावल2014 – presentChogada, Kamariya, Tera Zikr — the singles star who sells out stadiums without the films.Nazia and Zoheb Hassanनाज़िया और ज़ोहेब हसन1980 – 1992Aap Jaisa Koi, Disco Deewane, Boom Boom — the brother and sister who invented Indian pop.Alisha Chinaiअलीशा चिनॉय1985 – presentMade in India, Kajra Re — the queen of Indipop.Sharon Prabhakarशैरन प्रभाकर1980s – presentThe early-1980s pop voice of Bombay's stage and Doordarshan.Baba Sehgalबाबा सहगल1990 – presentThanda Thanda Pani, Dil Dhadke — India's first rapper.Daler Mehndiदलेर मेहंदी1991 – presentBolo Ta Ra Ra, Tunak Tunak Tun, Rang De Basanti — bhangra pop's biggest voice.Lucky Aliलकी अली1996 – presentO Sanam, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Ek Pal Ka Jeena — the husky poet of Indipop.Colonial Cousins (Hariharan and Leslee Lewis)कोलोनियल कज़न्स1996 – presentKrishna Nee Begane Baro, Sa Ni Dha Pa — classical voice meets guitar pop.Euphoria (Palash Sen)यूफ़ोरिया (पलाश सेन)1998 – presentDhoom Pichak Dhoom, Maeri — Hindi rock from Delhi.Falguni Pathakफाल्गुनी पाठक1987 – presentYaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi, Maine Payal Hai Chhankai — the Dandiya Queen.Adnan Samiअदनान सामी1986 – presentLift Karaa De, Kabhi To Nazar Milao, Tera Chehra, Bhar Do Jholi — the pianist who became a pop star.Shweta Shettyश्वेता शेट्टी1993 – 2000sJohnny Joker, Deewane To Deewane Hain, Mangta Hai Kya — Indipop's dance diva.Mehnazमेहनाज़1993 – 2000sMiss India, Tu Hi Tu — a 1990s pop album voice.Anaidaअनैडा1992 – 2000sOova Oova — Indipop's Iranian-Indian pop girl.