Sachin Dev Burman is also honorably known as Burman da, Kumar Sachindra Dev Barman, or S. D. Burman. This great music composer was born on October 1, 1906 and was considered as not only one of the most famous Bollywood music composers but also an all-time great Bengali singer and composer. His son Rahul Dev Burman was also immensely successful as a Bollywood music director. He was born in Comilla, British India, now in Bangladesh, to Nirmala Devi and Nabadwipchandra Dev Burman. S D Burman was the youngest grandson of `Ishanachandra Dev Burman`, Raja of Tripura.

S D Burman , Bolywood SingerSachin Dev Burman started his classical music classes under his father, who was a sitarist and Dhrupad singer. He did graduation from Calcutta University in Arts and his formal music-training starter under the supervision of famous musician, K. C. Dey. In 1932 he had his tutelage under Bhismadev Chattopadhaya. In future, he also took training from Kahifa Badal Khan, Sarangi player and Ustad Allauddin Khan.

S D Burman composed music for almost 100 movies, including numerous Bengali films. Some of his notable works are in the films like Agneepath (1990), Kalapani (1958), Amar Prem (1971) and others. Renowned singers like Mukesh and Talat Mahmood have also sung songs composed by him. S D Burman has sung a number of private songs and bhajans, the most popular are the “Dheere se jana bagiyan mein” and “Kaun nagariya javun re Bansiwale”. He was also the singer of about 20 film songs, including Bengali films for which he composed music.

Sachin Dev Burman started to work as a radio singer on Calcutta Radio Station in 1932. Here, his work revolved around East Bengali and Tripuri folk music. He soon made a reputation for himself in folk and light classical music. During that time, it was strongly noticed that his film compositions were often influenced by his lovable folk-tunes from the Bengali, Bhatiali, Sari and also Dhamail traditions of Tripura Kingdom.

In 1932, Sachin Dev Burman`s first record was released under Hindustan Musical Product with “Khamaj”. The record was semi classical, E Pathery Aaj Eso Priyo on one side and the folk Dakle Kokil Roj Bihane on the other. During the comind days, he reached his peak as a singer, composing as many as 131 songs in Bengali, and also sang for well-known composers like Himangsu Dutta, Nazrul Islam, RC Boral and Sailesh Das Gupta.

In 1934, he attended the All India Music Conference and presented his Bengali Thumri, in presence of Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and the inimitable Abdul Karim Khan of Kirana Gharana. In the same year he was invited to Bengal Music Conference, Kolkata, inaugurated by Rabindranath Tagore and sang his thumri. Here, he was awarded a Gold Medal. He married Rabindranath Tagore`s student Meera Devi in the same year, their only child Rahul Dev Burman was born in 1939. His wife worked with him in some of the musical compositions.

S D Burman S D Burman worked in Bengali plays, Sati Tirtha and Janani as a music composer. He gave brilliant music in Bengali films like, Protishodh (1941), Jevaan Sangini, Abhoyer Biye (1942), Chaddobeshi (1944) and others.

In 1944, he moved to Bombay and gave Sasadhar Mukherjee songs for two Ashok Kumar starrers, Shikari (1946) and Aath Din. However, his major break came the following year with the company`s Do Bhai (1947). The song Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya sung by Geeta Dutt was her breakthrough song into the film industry. In 1950s, S D Burman came up with Dev Anand`s Nav Ketan Productions to create musical legends like Taxi Driver (1954), Nau Do Gyarah (1957), Paying Guest (1957), Munimji (1955) and Kalapani (1958). He also wrote music for the Guru Dutt classics, including the Pyaasa (1957) and Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), along with the soundtrack of Devdas (1955).

In 1957, S D Burman made up the team of Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle and lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri and gifted the industry priceless duet songs. Later, Asha Bhosle became his daughter-in-law after she married Rahul Dev Burman. S D Burman`s thin yet powerful voice was often used by the directors for bardic commentary, as in Ore Majhi Wahaan Kaun hai Tera from “Guide” (1965), Mere Sajan Hai Us Paar Bandini (1963) and also Safal Hogi Teri Aradhana from Aradhana (1969), for which he was honored with the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in1970.

Due to ill health, S D Burman had to give away many hit films in late 1960s. In 1961, S D Burman and Lata Mangeshkar together did the recording of R D Burman`s first song for the movie Chhote Nawab (1961). Aradhana (1969) is considered to be a landmark score in the Bollywood history by S D Burman. More films that were proves of his excellence can include Tere Mere Sapne (1971), Abhimaan (1973), Sharmilee (1971), Prem Nagar (1974), Zameer (1974), Sagina (1974), Chupke Chupke (1975) and Mili (1975).

S D Burman went into coma soon after recording the song Badi sooni sooni, sung by Kishore Kumar for the film Mili. The nation lost this musical legend on October 31, 1975 in Bombay (now Mumbai).

S D Burman received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Asia Film Society Award in the year 1958. In 1970, he was honored with the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the film Aradhana: Safal Hogi Teri Aradhana and BFTA award for Guide in 1966. The award of Filmfare Best Music Director Award was conferred to him twice, once in 1954 for Taxi Driver and the other in 1973 for Filmfare Best Music Director Award: Abhimaan.

Kumar Sanu originally was named Kedarnath Bhattacharya. He was born on 23rd September 1957 in Kolkata. Today he is hailed as one of the preeminent playback singers of Bollywood. Kumar Sanu was born to an illustrious classical vocalist and composer Pashupati Bhattacharjee under whom he received his early training in singing and in playing the tabla. He completed his graduation in commerce from Calcutta University. Afterwards from 1979, he started performing publicly, in and around Kolkata.

But later on Sanu moulded his syntax after the legendary Bollywood singer Kishore Kumar. He moved to Mumbai to try his luck in Bollywood. But for a long time he did not accomplish his kind of success. In the early 1980s, he stole an opportunity to record his voice for a series of Kishore Kumar, covering for a pop label. It was music director and singer Jagjit Singh who had offered Sanu the opportunity to sing in the Hindi film, Aandhiyan. After this episode famous music director duo Kalyanji-Anandji gave him a chance to sing in the film Jaadugar. It was their suggestion, that Kedar Bhattacharya should change his name and adopt a stage name like Kumar Sanu.

Kumar Sanu The 90s saw Kumar Sanu render a breakthrough performance with the film Asshiqui. Success arrived at his doorstep overnight. Sanson ki zaroorat hai jaise, Tu meri zindagi hain, Nazar ke saamne, Jaane jigar jaaneman, Ab Tere Bin Jee Lenge Hum and Dheere, dheere se meri zindagi mein aana are the hit songs from the film. He fetched five consecutive Filmfare awards as a recognition to his talent and he was bestowed the award as `Best Male Playback Singer`. The Filmfare awards he has received down the line, for his films are: in 1995 for the song Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh for the epoch-making film `Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge`; in the year 1990 for the song Aab Tere Bin Jeelenge -from the film Aashiqui, in 1991 for the song Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai from the film Saajan; in 1992 for the song Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar from the film Deewana; in 1993 for the song Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen from the movie Baazigar; in the year 1994 for the song Ek Ladki Ko Dekha from the film 1942: A Love Story.

The deadly duo of Nadeem-Shravan and Kumar Sanu became a cherished combination within a short span of time. Kumar Sanu there after provided many hit songs like- Sadak (Tumhe apna bana ne ki kasam khayi hai), Deewana (title song), Baazigar (title song, Kali kali ankhen), Saajan (Jeeye to jeeye kaise, Mera dil bhi kitna pagal hai), Pardes (Meri Mehbooba, Do dil mil rahe hain), and others. After persuing a brilliant singing career, he tried his luck in acting. He has playacted in a Bengali film and has also performed in both Bengali and Hindi television serials.

Humraaz, Yeh Dil Aapka Huwa (Pakistan), Karz, Dil Ka Rishta, Indian Babu, Ishq Vishk, Andaaz, Qayamat, Hungama and Footpath are some of his recent hits. He had also ventured into making music for Indian films. He produced a new Bollywood film, Utthaan. For his song Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan from the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, in the year 2000 he was conferred the IIFA Best Male Playback Award.

Shaan originally named Shantanu Mukherjee was born on 30th September 1972 into a Bengali family. He was born to late music director Manas Mukherjee. He is brother to notable singer Sagarika. Shaan started his career as a child artist by singing ad jingles. After he grew up, he started singing remixes and cover versions. But his career finally solidified in the year 1995 with the remix album Q-funk, his first ever album. Eventually the album received the honour of Asia`s Best Solo Album award.

After three years Shaan commenced his album `Aksar` which was once again hugely flourishing. International stars such as Blue, Mel C and Samira Said have also featured in the songs of the album. With the albums `Tanha Dil` and `Aksar`, Shaan`s inherent talent of singing, composing and writing lyrics were highlighted. In future, he is planning to release an album with his sister, Sagarika remaking his father`s compositions. Apart from his private albums, Shaan has also lend his voice for many Bollywood films, including Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai , Lakshya, Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho, Hum Tum, Dhoom, Dus, Salaam Namaste, Don – The Chase Begins Again, Fanaa and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna…The list, truly is endless.
Shaan(singer)
The famous television show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on Zee TV was hosted by Shaan. The programme won the Music Programme of the Year award at the Indian Telly Awards in the year 2003. And Shaan won Best TV Music Director, for creating the music of the Zee TV show, Lipstick at the same award function. In the first episode of the new show Antakshari: The Great Challenge, Shaan was invited as the honourable chief guest. Another very popular music show `Star Voice of India` is also hosted by Shaan, aired on Star Plus. Acknowledging his talent, he has been conferred accolades like, Best Solo Album by MTV Asia Music Awards for the song “Tanha Dil” in the year 2000; Best Playback Singer – Male by Zee Cine Award for the song “Suno Na” from the film `Jhankar Beats` in the year 2004; Best Playback Singer – Male, Zee Cine Award for the song “Chand Sifarish” from `Fanaa` in the year 2007; Best Male Playback from Star Screen Awards for the song “Chand Sifarish” from `Fanaa` in the year 2007; Best Male Playback Award from Filmfare for the song “Chand Sifarish” from `Fanaa` in the year 2007; Best Male Playback Award for the song “Chand Sifarish” from Fanaa in the year 2007 by IIFA.

His very first hits include songs like “Musu Musu”, and his private album pieces “Tanha Dil” and “Bhool Ja”. The song `Chand Sifarish` from the film `Fanaa` is a proclaimed hit in recent times. He has also recently released a song, `Take Me to Your Heart` along with renowned pop-band, MLTR. It is a song from his latest album Tishnagi. Shaan apart from singing had also acted in the movie, Daman, starring Raveena Tandon. He has also featured as a guest artist in the films like, Zameen and Hungama,. For `Pro Shows`, Shaan is the most popular choice. The shows were conducted as part of the cultural festivals of various colleges; he had recently performed at the `Spring Fest`, IIT Kharagpur, `Mood Indigo`, IIT Bombay and `Raagam`, NIT Calicut.

In the year 2004, for his album Aksar, Shaan observed a musical India tour; in June 2006, he declared a North America tour, singing for fans all over the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean; in November 2006 he toured along with fellow singer Sunidhi Chauhan to the Netherlands, Singapore, Fiji and Australia; in January 2007 he performed in the `Spring Fest` in IIT Kharagpur; in March 2007 he gave a grand concert at `Raagam 07` in NIT Calicut; in April 2007 he toured the Gulf countries, Dubai and Oman along with music director Jatin.

Some songs rendered by him are, `Insha Allah Welcome`; `Aa Khushi Se Khudkhushi Kar Le`; `Hasaye Bhi Rulaye Bhi`; `Lets Rock Soniy`e; `Issi Umeed Pe Rukhsat`; `Thaare Vaaste`; `Dil Ki Kuch Baatein`; `Us Paar Hai Meri Jaan`; `Dekho Re Dekho Shael Sutha Ke Ankhon`; `Zindagi`; `Dekha Tumhe`; `Shehzada`; `Jab Se Tere Naina`; `Aao Milo Chalo`; `Deewangi Deewangi`; `Daastaan-E-Om Shanti Om`; `Deewangi Deewangi` (Rainbow Mix); `Daastaan` (The Dark Side Mix); `Deedani`; `Miss You Everyday` etc.

Raageshwari has served as an Indian pop singer, model, actress and former MTV VJ, who was born on 25th July in Mumbai in a very middle-class family to Trilok Singh Loomba, a National Award winning musician and government servant, and his wife Veera. Rishabh Loomba is her elder brother who is a filmmaker in his own right. The name Raageshwari is derived from the sanskrit word meaning “the queen of ragas and wife of the Lord”.

Raageshwari received her school education from Auxilium Convent High School. At an early age, she got introduced to modelling by her father in several advertising agencies. Director Shekhar Kapoor noticed her when she was only 13 years old. As an actor Raageshwari signed her first film Zid (released in 1994) when she was only in her teens. To complete the shoot, she took a break from school for one month. Later, she acted in films like David Dhawan`s Aankhen released in 1993 and Main Khiladi Tu Anari released in the year 1994. Later on she started concentrating in the world of television. For popular countdown shows like, BPL Oye she has remained a VJ. Raageshwari also wrote her own scripts in later versions of the show. While working on BPL Oye with Sunil Sahjwani and his team,she was nicknamed as “Raagz”.

Raageshwari Loomba Later on Raageswari decided to launch herself as a musician. The song Ta Ta Ra Ri Ra Ra (later the title song of her first album, Duniya) was the scratch demo that she had recorded. With able support from her brother Rishabh, she decided to shoot the music video in Maldives. The video, evidently went on to become a huge hit and Raageswari`s singing career shot up in graphs. It was followed by another video, titled Oye shava. In just a month after the album`s release, it went platinum disc. The video was made on the lines of the character of Aida from Giuseppe Verdi`s opera. She acted the role switching between the characters of Aida and a college girl. For the song Mere Mehboob, her third music video where she portrayed the character of a young woman separated from her lover.

During this time of her career, Raageswari started touring the world with her dance troupe. On the eve of the year 2000, along with her father, she released another album, Y2K Saal Do Hazaar. During the shooting for the video Ikki chikki chikita she was diagnosed with malaria. Sometime later Raageshwari was diagnosed with `Bell`s palsy` which resulted into `paralysis of left side of the face as well as slur in her voice`. Through the whole coming year, she tried to revive with help of physiotherapy, electrical stimulation and yoga . Apart from all these albums, she also did many television shows such as Ek do teen and Baar baar dekho on MTV, Kuch Kehti Hai Yeh Dhun on Sony, Quest for BBC and One on One With Raageshwari on TEN Sports.

In 2006, Raageswari reappeared with her most recent blockbuster album `Sagari Rayn`. The video of `Sagari Rayn` was shot in `The Sultanate of Oman` under the direction of her brother Rishabh Loomba. The video bagged the honour of being the first in Indian history to be released in cinema theatres all over. Some Hindi films in which Raageshwari acted are, Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost in the year 2003 as Star TV Reporter Priya Narayan; Tum Jiyo Hazaron Saal in the year 2002 as Sunanda Kohli; Dil Kitna Nadan Hai in the year 1997; Main Khiladi Tu Anari in the year 1994 as Shivangi; Zid in the year 1994 as Sonia Modi; Aankhen in the year 1993 as Priya Mohan.

The TV shows where Raageshwari has acted, to name a few are, Baar Baar Dekho, MTV; MTV Ek Do Teen, MTV; BPL Oye, Channel [V]; Show on Indian Mythologies on BBC Quest, BBC; Kuch Kehti HaiYe Dhun, musical game show on Sony; Mini Super Stars, kids` show for Kerry Packer; One on One with Rags, TEN Sports; Queen`s Baton Relay launch (September 2005); Sab Gol Maal Hai, SAB TV; Zip Zap Zoom, a musical and entertainment show for kids by ARY Digital (Dubai). In Heart Throbs: Hrithik Roshan World Tour Live (2002), Raageshwari was the hostess and also one of the performers.

In March 1997, `Duniya` was the pop album that Raageshwari has released to her credit, the first ever in her career. The songs of this albums are Duniya (music video); Chaahat; Raftaar; Kudi E` Punjab Di; Medley; Poore Karen Khwaab; Rafta-Rafta; Oye Saathi; Kal Ki Na Fiqar and Oye Shaava (music video). She also released a patriotic Folk Music album with the help of her father Trilok Singh Loomba, namely Sach Ka Saath released in January 1998. The tracks of this album were, Sach Ka Saath (music video); Bharat Banaayen Milkar; Yeh Desh Hamaara; Maya Jaal; Pyaari Duniya; Anushaasan; Zindagi Kya Se Kya Hui; Aatanki Aadam. In the album, Raageswari featured as a guest singer for the track `Sach Ka Saath`. Her `Pyaar Ka Rang` album includes songs like, Pyaar Ka Rang (music video); Jawanion Ke Din; Baby Go For It; Saat Samundar Par; Haakan; Party; Pyaar Ka Khel (music video); Mere Mehboob (music video). The album Y2K: Saal Do Hazaar includes melodies like Y2K Saal Do Hazaar (music video); Y2K Dance Mix (music video); Mahiya; Pehachaan; Haakan (remix); Zakham; Dil Sheesha; Ikki Chikki Chikita (music video). Her world music album Sagari Rayn involves, Sagari Rayn (music video); Kadmon Ke Nishan; Mast Qalandar; Jugni; Maavan Te Dhiyan; Dandiya Medley; Holidays; Hum; Josh; Balle Balle.

Raageswari till now has performed in over 200 live concerts with many artists like Asha Bhonsle, Ghulam Ali, Lucky Ali etc. She has performed in the countries like USA, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Shehas also modelled for products like Cadbury`s Perk chocolates, Casio Rhythm Machines, Voltas Refrigerators, TVS Scooty, Dabur Hair Shampoo, Paas Paas (mouth freshener), Safal Mango Nectar (freshness drink), Freyas (fairness creams), Dance Action Shoes, Tata Sky (satellite television connection), and Oman Air. For Switzerland Tourism, Raageshwari was made the brand ambassador.

Hemanta Kumar MukhopadhyayHemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay has been regarded as an Indian film playback singer, composer and producer. The name Hemanta Kumar has been adopted by himself when he was initiated in Bollywood in the 1950s. He was born in the holy city of varanasi, India. In the early 20th century his family migrated to Kolkata (then Calcutta). He received his early education from a school in South Calcutta(Bhawanipore) named Mitra Institution. Hemanta was admitted to Jadavpur University to study engineering after passing the intermediate examinations (12th grade). During that time Hemanta concisely tried his hand at literature and also published a short story in a prestigious Bengali magazine called `Desh`. But he was committed entirely to music by the late-1930s.

Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay has been established as an accomplished singer of Bengali and Hindi songs after his introductory appearance on All India Radio in the late 1930s. This was made possible because of the influence of his friend Subhash Mukhopadhyay. He is also counted as one amongst the advocators of Rabindra sangeet, the songs of the most famous Bengali poet of the 20th century, Rabindranath Tagore. the Bengali musician Sailesh Duttagupta has been considered as the mentor in the musical life of Hemant Kumar. Till the year 1984, Hemanta started recording non-film discs for the Gramophone Company of India(GCI) and continued every year. In the year 1940 under GCI`s Columbia label, Hemanta Kumar sung his first hindi songs `kitanaa dukh bhulaaya tumane` and `o priit nibhaabewaalii`.

`Katha koyonako shudhu shono` and `amar biraha aakaashe priyaa` were the first compositions by Hemanta Kumar in the year 1944. Under Pt. Amarnath`s music direction his first Hindi film songs were in Iraadaa released in the year 1944. The Bengali film `Abhiyatri` in the year 1947 was his first movie as a music director. During the mid 1940`s, Hemanta kumar as an active member of the Indian People`s Theatrical Association (IPTA) came in association with songwriter and composer – Salil Chowdhury another active IPTA member. Theiy in a joint venture recorded a non-film song called `gaaNyer badhu` (literally translates to `The rural bride`). This song expressed `an idyllic, prosperous and caring rural woman`s life and family, and how it gets ravaged by the demons of famine and ensuing poverty`. This composition also moved the eastern India and the recognition of the pair of Hemanta Kumar and Salil Chowdhury has been established. Over the years this pair proved to be surprisingly sucessful.

Later on in then Year 1951, when Hemanta Kumar venturing her career in Mumbai (Then Bombay), he got the opportunity to direct music compositions for the film Anandmath(1952) under the banner of the Filmistan Studios. The career of hemanta Kumar geared up in Mumbai. He has also earned the honor of being a playback singer. Under music director Sachin Dev Burman, Hemanta Kumar has lent his voice in the movies like `Jaal`, `House No. 44`, and `Solva Saal` for actor Dev Anand that were became quite popular. By the mid-fifties, Hemanta Kumar establisbhed himself as most aspiring singer and composer. Some hindi movies done by Hemanta Kumar as composer to note are, Anjaan, Anupama, Bahu, Bandhan, Bandi, Bandish, Bees Saal Baad, Bees Saal Pehle, Bhagwat Mahima, Bin Badal Barsaat, Biwi Aur Makaan, Chand, Champakali, Daku Ki Ladki, Do Dil, Do Dooni Char, Do Ladke Dono Kadke, Do Mastane, Durgesh Nandini, Ek hi Raasta, Ek Jhalak, Ferry, Faraar, Fashion, Girl Friend, Hamara Watan, Hill Station, Hum Bhi Insaan Hai, Jagriti, Khamoshi, Kohraa, Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan, Nagin, Nayakeenicha Sajja, Sahara, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Samrat, Sannata, Shart, Yahudi Ki Ladki.

Film Anandmath(1952) Hemanta Kumar as a composer has composed music for bengali films like, Abhiyatri, Purbaraag, Bhuli Naai, Padma Pramatta Nadi, Priyatama, Diner Par Din, `42, Sandipan Pathshala, Swami, Jighansa, Shapmochan, Suryamukhi, Shesh Parichay, Taser Ghar, Harano Sur, Lookochuri, Shikar, Surjotoron, Joutuk, Neel Akasher Neechey, Deep Jweley Jai, Khelaghar, Marutirtha Hinglaj, Sonar Harin, Kshaniker Atithi, Baishey Shravan, Gariber Meye, Kuhak, Khoka Babur Prayabartan, Shesh Paryanta, Dui Bhai, Agni Sanskar, Madhya Rater Tara, Punashcha, Saptapadi, Sathi Hara, Swaralipi, Atal Jaler Ahwan, Agun, Dada Thakur, Hansuli Banker Upakatha, Nabadiganta, Badshah, Barnachora, Ek Tukro Agun, High Heel, Palatak, Saat Pake Bandha, Shesh Prahar, Tridhara, Adwitya, Baghini, Hansamithun, Jiban Sangeet, Panchasar, Parisodh, Din Amader, Hatey Roilo Tin, Mantramugdha, Pratima, Proxy, Rajani, Sanai, Shesh Raksha, Swati, Anindita, Shriman Prithviraj, Agni Shuddhi, Ajantay, Bishabriksha, Didi, Madhuban, Pratibha, Tunibou, Agaman, Boba sanai, Parasmoni, Surer Sathi etc.

Later on with movies of an unquestionably occidental cast, like Bees Saal Baad based on The Hound of the Baskervilles and Kohraa derived from Daphne du Maurier`s Rebecca, Hemant Kumar diversified into film production. Even today, he has been recognized as one of the world-beating advocators of Rabindrasangeet and possibly the `most sought after male singer`. Hemant Kumar remains a chairing role model even after his death in 1989 that other male Indian singers resemble.

Sunidhi Chauhan , Indian movie Singer”Music is my life, my passion and my love. Music means the world to me.”-Sunidhi Chauhan. Sunidhi Chauhan is an accomplished Indipop and playback singer. Her life is often observed as that of `a princess locked in the pages of a fairy tale`. She has been considered as a new bubble in the world of Bollywood Music. Sunidhi Chauhan rose to fame with the song `Zindagi` under the banner of Ram Gopal Verma`s film `Mast`. The song went on to become the most attention-seeking song of that year.

Sunidhi Chauhan was born on 14th August in the year 1984. At the tender age of 4 years, she started her career in singing. From a very young age she started taking part in various competitions. Tabassum, a TV host in one such competition spotted this young brilliant talent. With her advice, Sunidhi`s family decided to shift to Mumbai in order to form a concrete career for Sunidhi. She achieved national recognition when the musical show “Meri Aawaz Suno” was telecast all over India through the National Television channel Doordarshan. In the programme she fetched the first prize, the “Lata Mangeshkar Trophy” for the best female singer in India.

“Meri Aawaz Suno” was the first and foremost television show of this genre during the year 1996. Sunidhi Chauhan got her first playback singing break with the film `Shastra`, which were followed by `Gang`, `Veergati`, `Dahek`, `Bade Dilwala`, `Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat`, Shyam Benegal`s `Samar` and Vidhu Vinod Chopra`s `Mission Kashmir`. The fact remains that, before entering into any music competition, she did not receive any kind of formal training in music. But after winning the competion in the nationally-telecast “Meri Aawaz Suno”, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar proffered to train her.

Sandeep Chowta gave her the major first break in the film `Mast` and since then there has been no looking back for Sunidhi. She always possessed `a mature voice despite being very young`. Such talent and quality has always been a target of several criticisms. But, every bit of it was put to an end with the release of the movie `Chameli` and the song “Bhaage Re Mann” sung by her. Today she is reckoned as the most versatile singer after Asha Bhosle. Some famous songs sung by her are- `Ya Ali` from the film `Aap Ka Suroor`; `Dhadak Dhadak` from the film `Bunty Aur Babl`i; `Hey Shona` from the film `Ta Ra Rum Pum`; `Bhaage Re Mann` from the film `Chamel`i; `Mehboob Mere` from the film `Fiza`; `Deedar De` from the film `Dus`; `Dhoom Machale` from the film `Dhoom`; `Le Chale` from the film `My Brother Nikhil`; `Sajna Ve Sajna` from the film `Chameli`; `Right Here Right Now` from the film `Bluffmaster`; `Kaisi Paheli Zindagaani` from the film `Parineeta`; `Ishq Samundar` from the film `Kaante`; `Crazy Kiya Re` from the film `Dhoom 2`; `Ek Din Fursat` from the film `Zindaggi Rocks`; `Beedi Jalaile` from the film `Omkara`; `Tere Ishq Me` from the film `Supari`; `Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani` from the film `Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd`.; `Dil Mein Jagi Dhadkan Aise` from the film `Sur`; `Cash Meri Aankhon Mein` from the film `Cash`; `Sajnaji Vari Vari` from the film `Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd`.; `Aaja Nachle` from the film `Aaja Nachle`.

Sunidhi has also cut her solo album called `Aira Gaira Nathu Khaira`. This religious singer believes in God. Once she said, “God is my inner conscience; my intuition, my inner self, my guiding force and my angel who protects me. I have always had deep faith in the supreme power and it has never wavered at all. Once I had to sing a hi-pitch song for the movie `Mast` and my throat was really bad. It was my faith in divine power and my ability that helped to record successfully. Faith makes a lot of difference in life.”

Sunidhi Chauhan has also bagged the honor of performing the English language song “Reach Out” in the opening ceremony of the 2006 Asian Games held at Doha, Qatar. She has also lend her voice for the songs in the Hindi-dubbed version of the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical. She has rendered the songs that were sung by Vanessa Anne Hudgens in the English version. Sunidhi Chauhan has been chosen as part of the marketing campaign and launch of Windows Vista in India, to sing the “Windows Vista Song” titled `Wow is Now`. She has already been hired by Microsoft.

Acknowledging her talent Sunidhi Chauhan has been conferred with many awards like – Filmfare R.D. Burman Award in the year 2000, for New Music Talent; in the year 2001 – R. D. Burman award for most promising newcomer; in the year 2004 – Star Screen Award Best Female Playback – Sajna Ve Sajna for Chameli; in the year 2005 – IIFA Awards Female Best Playback Singer – Dhoom Machale for Dhoom; in the year 2005 – Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer – Female -Dhoom Machale for Dhoom; in the year 2006 – Star Screen Award Best Female Playback Singer- Beedi for Omkara; in the year 2007- Filmfare Award Best Female Playback Singer- Beedi for Omkara.

Alka Yagnik is one of the most talented singers of Bollywood. She was born to a Gujarati family on the 20th of March in Calcutta (now Kolkata). She comes from a music background. Both her parents were actively involved in classical music. Since the late 1980s, she has been one of the most leading playback singers of the Indian music industry. Well, in this article, we will present you with the biography of Alka Yagnik, so read on.

Life History
Alka has always been fond of singing. Since young age, music has been her first love. Initially, she thought it to be nothing more than a hobby, but later she realized that if pursued seriously, it can be taken as a profession. When she was six years old, she began singing Bhajans for the Calcutta Radio. From then onwards, she started singing at a professional level.

Alka YagnikFor establishing her foothold in the field of music, she went to Mumbai. She got her first break, when she was given the assignment for singing a song for the film Payal Ki Jhankaar in 1979. Then, she sang the song “Mere Angene Mein” for the film Laawaris (1981). Her biggest hit was the song Ek Do Teen from the film Tezaab that was released in 1988. The song broke all the records and made her star overnight.

Her voice has been mainly used for the young generation stars. She has done playback singing for many famous actresses like Rakhee, Hema Malini, Farida Jalal, Rekha, Kajol and Preity Zinta. Besides Hindi songs, she has also sung in other languages such as Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Punjabi.

Awards Won
Filmfare Awards (1988, 1993, 1997,1999,2000,2001 and 2004)
National Film Awards (1994 and 1999)
Zee Cine Awards (1999, 2001 and 2007)
Star Screen Awards (1995 and 2000)
International Indian Film Academy (2000 and 2001)
MC Music Awards
BBC: World Music 2003 Awards
MTV Asia Viewers Choice Award

Notable Works of Playback Singing

Umrao Jaan – Salaam, Pooch Rahe Hain
Babul – Gaa Re Mann
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna – Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Tumhi Dekho Na
Swades – Saanwariya Saanwariya
Alka YagnikHum Tum – Hum Tum
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi – Laal Dupatta
Kal Ho Naa Ho – Kuch to Hua Hai
Tere Naam – Oodhni
Chalte Chalte – Tauba
Raaz – Aapke Pyaar Mein
Mujhse Dosti Karoge! – Jaane Dil Se
Kasoor – Kitni Bechain Hoke
Dil Chahta Hai – Jaana Kyon
Lajja – Badi Mushkil
Dhadkan – Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Dil Se
Zubeidaa – Mehndi Hai Rachnewali, Hai Na
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai – Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam – Chand Chupa
Taal – Taal Se
Duplicate – Mere Mehboob Mera Sanam
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

A very well known Bollywood playback singer, she is as popular as her elder sister, who is also a renowned singer. Well, we are talking about Asha Bhosle, who has mesmerized the entire country with her amazing voice. She has dominated the Indian music industry for a period more than six decades. Even now, she is constantly enhancing her music collection and entertaining the people.

Asha Bhosle is a very versatile singer, who has put her heart and soul in modulating her voice to come up with something original and creative. Her voice is very adaptative. She is very well able to sing the songs for romantic situation. When naughtiness is required, she can change her voice and sing according to the situation. In this article, we will present you with the biography of Asha Bhosle.

Life
Asha BhosleAsha was born on September 8, 1933 in a small village of Goar in Sangli, Maharashtra to the Marathi family. She is the daughter of Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar, who was a theater artist as well as a classical singer. She lost her father, when she only nine years old. The family kept moving from one place to another. They went from Pune to Kolhapur and then to Bombay (now Mumbai). To support the family, she and her elder sister Lata started singing in the films. To know the complete life history of Asha Bhonsle, read on.

She got her first break when she signed the agreement to sing the song “Chala Chala Nav Bala” for the Marathi movie Majha Bal (1943). Her first Hindi song was “Saawan aaya”, which was recorded for Hansraj Behl’s film Chunariya (1948). When she was sixteen, she fell in love with a 31-year old man Ganpatrao Bhosle and she was firm about marrying him. She eloped with him and tied her wedding knots with him against the wishes of her family. She did not derive happiness in this relationship and after a few years, she shifted to her mother’s home along with her kids.

She is one of the most skilled and talented singers. Her music repertoire consists of film music, ghazals, pop, traditional Indian Classical music, folk songs, qawwalis, bhajans, and Rabindra Sangeet. She has sung songs in fourteen languages including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, English, Russian and Malay. She has sung nearly 12,000 songs.

Though, she has made a vast collection of music, but she is most famous for the Bollywood songs. She headed her first step towards establishing her career in the year 1943. She has been the most prominent personality of the Indian music industry since the last six decades. She has done playback singing for more than 950 Bollywood movies.

Career
Initially, Asha had to struggle a lot to get assignments to sing for the lead roles. However, during the 1950s, she sang a large number of songs. Infact, period she sung more than any other playback singer. Her initial songs were mainly composed by Sajjad Hussain, A R Qureshi and Ghulam Mohammed. Thereafter, she got plenty of singing assignments.

Apart from Hindi songs, she also sang for many Marathi movies such as Khedyamadhle ghar kaularu, Majha hoshil Kaa? Bugadi mazi and Nach re mora. Her Marathi bhajans, natyageet and bhav-geet are liked by people even today. O.P. Nayyar gave a boost to her career by giving her a major break in C.I.D. (1956). Asha’s performance in the film Teesri Manzil was well acclaimed. In the film, she worked along with R.D.Burman. Thereafter, they worked together in quite a number of films and also decided to tie wedding knots with each other. Their collaboration earned them name and fame.

During 1960s and 1970s, she became the voice ofAsha Bhosle the most famous dancer of Bollywood Helen. Popular Asha Bhosle-Helen numbers include Piya tu ab to aaja (Caravan), O Haseena Zulfon Wali (Teesri Manzil) and Yeh Mera Dil (Don). She took up the challenge of showing her versatility by taking up the challenge of singing Ghazals in the films Umrao Jaan (1981) and Ijazat (1987). Her work was widely applauded.

During the 1990s Asha experimented with the remixed versions of R.D. Burman songs. Her efforts were criticized by many people, accusing her for tampering with the golden melodies of the past. Nevertheless, there were albums like “Rahul And I”, which were appreciated by people. In the year 1997, Asha came out with her private Indipop album Janam Samjha Karo, which was a major hit. The album brought her great honor and recognition. She even received the 1997 MTV Award.

Awards Won
Filmfare Awards (1967, 1968, 1971, 1972,1973,1974,1977, 2000)
Indian National Awards (1981 and 1986)

Other Awards
1987 – Nightingale of Asia Award
1989 – Lata Mangeshkar Award (Government of Madhya Pradesh)
1997 – Screen Videocon Award
1997 – MTV Award
1997 – Channel V Award
1998 – Dayawati Modi Award
1999 – Lata Mangeshkar Award (Government of Maharashtra)
2000 – Singer of the Millennium
2000 – Zee Gold Bollywood Award
2001 – MTV Award
2002 – BBC Lifetime Achievement Award
2002 – Zee Cine Award
2002 – Screen Videocon Award
2002 – Sansui Movie Award
2002 – Swaralaya Yesudas Award
2004 – Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce

Lata Mangeshkar is the pride of Indian music industry. Blessed with beautiful voice, she is the most well known Indian vocalist. Highly versatile, she has sung in more than 20 languages. To honor and give recognition to her works, Lata Mangeshkar is also known as the Nightingale of India. Well, in this article, we will present you with the biography of Lata Mangeshkar.

Early Life
Lata was born on September 28, 1929 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh as the daughter of Dinanath Mangeshkar, who was a classical singer as well as a theater artist. She was the first child of the Mangeshkar family. She was born in Indore, but brought up in Maharashtra. When she was five years old, she began working as a theater artist in sangeet nataks. She also started taking singing lessons from her father.

Lata MangeshkarLata sang her maiden cinematic song for the Marathi film Kiti Hasaal (1942). Her father did not like the idea of her daughter singing for the films. So, her song was deleted from the movie. In the year 1942, she lost her father. Due to sudden demise of her father and unsound financial condition of the house, she decided to play small roles in various Hindi and Marathi films. She had to take up the acting assignments, despite the fact that, she was not at all fond of acting. To know the complete life history of Lata Mangeshkar, read on.

Career
In the year 1945, she happened to meet the film producer S. Mukherji through Ghulam Haider. Haider personally wanted her to be given an opportunity to show her singing talent. However, S. Mukherji did not like her voice and said no for giving her a chance to sing for his film. At that point of time, Haider promised himself to establish her singing career in Bollywood. He even said to the producer that, one day will come when all the producers and directors will fall on her feet and beg her to sing in their films.

Lata got her biggest break, when she was given the chance to sing the song “Aayega Aanewaala” for the movie Mahal. The song was a super duper hit. The period of 1950s witnessed tremendous growth in her career. She rose to the top in the list of Bollywood singers. She worked with all the famous composers of that era like Shankar Jaikishan, S D Burman, Naushad, Hemant Kumar, and Salil Chowdhury. Shankar Jaikishan was absolutely stunned by her voice and used her voice for playback singing in almost all the movies that he got.

The period of 1960s made her the queen of Bollywood playback singing. She sang for almost all the prominent composers of the industry and set her foothold in Bollywood. Her songs got an overwhelming response from people all over the country. During the 1970s, Lata recorded songs for Bollywood actress Meena Kumari in the film Pakeezah, which brought her recognition and popularity. She performed tracks for S.D. Burman’s films like Prem Pujari, Sharmilee, and Abhimaan.

In late 1970s and early 1980s, Lata Mangeshkar Lata Mangeshkar worked with the children of the music composers, with whom she had worked in the past. In the year 1990, Lata established her own production house. Their first and last film “Lekin” was a total flop. Mangeshkar has also sung some non film songs including ghazals with Jagjit Singh. Lata Mangeshkar has also sung for Yash Chopra`s films including Lamhe, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Darr, Yeh Dillagi, and Dil To Pagal Hai. She sang quite a number of Bengali songs with renowned music directors like Salil Chowdhury and Hemant Kumar.

Trivia
Lata Mangeshkar has composed music and also produced movies under the name of ‘Anand Ghan’.
She is very fond of cooking nice dishes.
She always sings barefoot.

Awards Won
Filmfare Awards (1958, 1962, 1965, 1969, 1993 and 1994)
National Awards (1972, 1975 and 1990)
Maharashtra State Award (1966 and 1967)

Other awards
1969 – Padma Bhushan
1974 – Recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for having sung the maximum number of songs in the world
1989 – Dada Saheb Phalke Award
1993 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
1996 – Star Screen Lifetime Achievement Award
1997 – Rajiv Gandhi Award
1999 – NTR Award
1999 – Padma Vibhushan
1999 – Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement
2000 – Lifetime Achievement Award by IIFA in London
2001 – Best Playback Singer of the Millennium (female) by Hero Honda and magazine “Stardust”
2001 – Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award
2001 – Noorjehan Award
2001 – Maharashtra Ratna

Shubha Mudgal is among the few singers, who have made a special position for themselves in the Indian music industry. She has not only proved her talent in classical singing, but also come out successfully to adapt her voice and blend it well with the popular music of today. She is blessed with unique voice, which can be used in all kinds of singing. Well, in this article, we will provide you with the biography of Shubha Mudgal.

Her two albums namely “Ab ke Sawan” and “Pyaar Ke Geet” were widely acclaimed. She came out with an album “Mann Ki Manjeree” that was dedicated to the modern women. The album gave a platform to newcomers to come forward and exhibit their talent. Read on to know the complete life history of Shubha Mudgal.

Shubha Mudgal took training in Hindustani classical music. Though, professionally, she is a classical singer, but she has adapted her voice to sing all genres of music like Rock, Blues, Samba, Jazz, and Folk. She obtained training from renowned gurus like Pt Ram Ashreya, Pt Vinay Chandra, Pt Kumar Gandharva, Maudgalya and Naina Devi.

Shubha MudgalHer album ‘Ali More Angana’ was a big hit, especially amongst the youngsters. Infact, it became the favorite number to be played in the discotheques. Not only is she a famous concert artist, but also a great music composer. Her compositions are also widely appreciated. She has taken up different kinds of works. She has composed several songs for the Hollywood movies, documentaries, telefilms and many more.

Her musical repertoire consists of folk, pop and other forms of popular music. She has experimented a lot with her voice and come out with flying colors. She is one of the most popular vocalists of India. She has also sung a couple of Sufi songs. She is also actively involved in composing devotional songs and poetry. Her voice is bold enough to remind you of the sounds of the ancient music, but her presentation is absolutely modern. She has been honored with various awards including the Padma Shri.