24 December 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Mohammed Rafi biography:

The Legendary Mohammed Rafi was born on December 24th 1924, was an Indian Playback singing.

Maestro. He is considered as the greatest and most versatile singers of all time. Mohammed Rafi belongs to the family originally from Kotla Sultan Singh, a village near present-day Majitha in Amritsar district of Punjab, India.

Mohammed Rafi was one of the most popular singers of the Hindi film industry. Rafi was notable for his voice and versatility, his songs ranged from classical numbers to patriotic songs, sad lamentations to highly Romantic numbers, Qawwalis to Ghazals and Bhajans. He was known for his ability to mold his voice to the persona of the actor, lip-synching the song on screen in the movie.

Family of Mohammed Rafi:

Mohammed Rafi was married twice in his lifetime and had 4 sons and 3 Daughters, Namely
Saeed Rafi (from first wife) Sons – Khalid Rafi, Shahid Rafi and Hamid Rafi and Daughters – Parveen Rafi, Yashmin Rafi and Nashreen Rafi.

Mohammed Rafi Career:

Mohammed Rafi, whose nickname was Pheeko, began singing by imitating the chants of a fakir in the streets of his native village Kotla Sultan Singh where his family lived. Rafi’s father moved to Lahore in 1935, where he ran a men’s salon in Noor Mohalla in Bhati Gate.

Mohammed Rafi learnt classical music from Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, Pandit Jiwan Lal Mattoo and Firoze Nizami. His first public performance came at the age of 13, when he sang in Lahore featuring K. L. Saigal.

In 1941, Rafi, under Shyam Sundar, made his debut in Lahore as a playback singer in the duet “Soniye Nee, Heeriye Nee” with Zeenat Begum in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch (released in 1944) under music director Shyam Sunder. In that same year, Rafi was invited by All India Radio Lahore to sing for them.

Mohammed Rafi’s debut film was ‘’Gaon Ki Chori”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z1u6x7HFLk

Between 1950 and 1970, Rafi was the most sought after singer in the Hindi film industry. Rafi is primarily noted for his songs in Hindi, over which he had a strong command. He sang around 7,405 songs in many languages.

Mohammed Rafi sang in other Indian languages including Konkani, Bhojpuri, Odia, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Sindhi, Kannada, Gujarati, Telugu, Magahi, Maithili and Urdu. Apart from Indian languages, he also sang songs in English, Farsi, Arabic, Sinhalese, Creole and Dutch.

Life in Bombay (present day – Mumbai)

In 1944, Mohammed Rafi moved to Mumbai. He and Hameed Sahab rented a ten-by-ten-feet room in the crowded downtown Bhendi Bazar area.

Poet Tanvir Naqvi introduced him to film producers including Abdur Rashid Kardar, Mehboob Khan and actor-director Nazeer.

Shyam Sunder was in Mumbai and provided the opportunity to Rafi to sing a duet with G. M. Durrani, “Aji dil ho kaabu mein to dildar ki aisi taisi”

For ‘’Gaon Ki Gori’’, which became Rafi’s first recorded song in a Hindi film. Other songs followed. Rafi’s first song with Naushad was “Hindustan Ke Hum Hain” with Shyam Kumar, Alauddin and others, from A. R. Kardar’s Pehle Aap (1944).

Around the same time, Rafi recorded another song for the 1945 film Gaon Ki Gori, “Aji Dil Ho Kaaboo Mein”. He considered this song to be his first Hindi language song.
Rafi appeared in two movies. In 1945, he appeared on the screen for the song “Tera Jalwa Jis Ne Dekha” in the film Laila Majnu.

Mohammed Rafi sang a number of songs for Naushad as part of the chorus, including “Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, Roohi Roohi” with K. L. Saigal, from the film Shahjahan (1946).

Rafi sang “Tera Khilona Toota Balak” from Mehboob Khan’s Anmol Ghadi (1946) and a duet with Noor Jehan in the 1947 film Jugnu, “Yahan Badla Wafa Ka”.

After partition, Rafi decided to stay back in India and had the rest of his family flown to Mumbai. Noor Jehan migrated to Pakistan and made a pair with playback singer Ahmed Rushdi.
In 1949, Rafi was given solo songs by music directors such as Naushad (Chandni Raat, Dillagi and Dulari) Shyam Sunder (Bazaar) and Husnalal Bhagatram (Meena Bazaar).
Besides K. L. Saigal, whom he considered his idol, Rafi was also influenced by G. M. Durrani. In the early phase of his career, he often followed Durrani’s style of singing, but later evolved his own, unique style.

He sang with Durrani in some of the songs such as “Humko Hanste Dekh Zamana Jalta Hai” and “Khabar Kisi Ko Nahiin, Woh Kidhar Dekhte” (Beqasoor, 1950).
In 1948, after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the team of Husanlal Bhagatram – Rajendra Krishan-Rafi had overnight created the song “Suno Suno Ae Duniyawalon, Bapuji Ki Amar Kahani”.

Mohammed Rafi was invited by the Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to sing at his house. In 1948, Rafi received a silver medal from Jawaharlal Nehru on Indian Independence Day.

Working with Notable Music Directors:

Naushad

Naushad claimed that, Mohammed Rafi came to him with a letter of recommendation from his father. Rafi’s first song for Naushad was “Hindustan Ke Hum Hain” (“We belong to Hindustan”) for the film Pehle Aap in 1944.

The first song for the duo was the soundtrack of the movie Anmol Ghadi (1946). Before Rafi, Naushad’s favorite singer was Talat Mahmood. Once Naushad found Talat smoking during a recording.

He was annoyed, and hired Rafi to sing all the songs of the movie Baiju Bawra. Rafi’s association with Naushad helped the former establish himself as one of the most prominent playback singers in Hindi cinema.

Songs from Baiju Bawra (1952) like “O duniya ke rakhwale” and “Man tarpat hari darshan ko aaj” furthered Rafi’s credentials. Rafi ended up singing a total of 149 songs (81 of them solo) for Naushad.

In the 1960 film Mughal-E-Azam, Mohammed Rafi sang “Ae Mohabbat Zindabad”, composed by Naushad, with a chorus of 100 singers.

S.D Burman

S.D.Burman used Mohammed Rafi as a singing voice of Dev Anand and Guru Dutt. Rafi worked with Burman in 37 movies, including Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Kala Bazar, Nau Do Gyaran, Kala Pani , Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963), Guide (1965), Aradhana (1969), and Abhimaan (1973).

Shankar Jaikishan

Mohammed Rafi partnership with Shankar Jaikishan was among the most famous and successful in the Hindi film industry. Under Shankar-Jaikishan, Rafi produced some of his songs for actors like Shammi Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar. Out of six Filmfare awards, Rafi won three for S-J songs – “Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko“

Baharon Phool Barsao

Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein

The song “Yahoo! Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe” was sung by Rafi, only to be matched a fast-paced orchestra and a composition by Shankar Jaikishan.

S-J had Rafi give playback for Kishore Kumar in the film Shararat “Ajab hai daastan teri yeh zindagi”. Rafi sang a total of 341 numbers (216 solo) for Shankar-Jaikishan.

Among the films of this combination are Basant Bahar, Professor, Junglee, Suraj, Brahmachari, An Evening in Paris, Dil Tera Deewana, Yakeen, Prince, Love in Tokyo, Beti Bete, Dil Ek Mandir, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Gaban and Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai.

Madan Mohan

Madan Mohan was another composer whose favourite singer was Rafi. Rafi’s first solo with Madan Mohan in Ankhen (1950) was “Hum Ishq Mein Barbad Hain Barbad Rahenge“.

They teamed up to produce many songs including “Teri Aankhon Ke Siva”, “Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil”, “Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho”, “Kar Chale Hum Fida” and “Meri Awaz Suno“.

Laxmikant – Pyarelal

The composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal (L-P) patronized Rafi as one of their singers, right from their very first song by him from the film Parasmani (1963). Rafi and L-P won the Filmfare Awards for the song “Chahoonga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere” from Dosti (1964).

Rafi rendered the highest number of songs for the music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal: 369 numbers (186 solo) for L-P.

Once, when composer Nisar Bazmi (who had migrated to Pakistan) didn’t have enough money to pay him, Rafi charged a fee of one rupee and sang for him. He also helped producers financially.

As Laxmikant (of the Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo) once observed – “He always gave without thinking of the returns”.

Mohammed Rafi Other Contemporary Singers:

Rafi associated with several of his contemporaries, singing duets with them and sometimes for them (as in case of Kishore Kumar who was also an actor). Mohammed Rafi sang the highest number of duets with Asha Bhonsle (female), Manna Dey (male) and Lata Mangeshkar (female).

In the song “Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyaar KyaKarein” (Amar Akbar Anthony)

Mohammed Rafi sang one song with Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mukesh, the most legendary singers in Bollywood. This was probably the only time that all of them rendered their voices for one song.

Mohammed Rafi Saab’s Legacy:

Singers like S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sonu Nigam, Mahendra Kapoor, Shabbir Kumar, Mohammed Aziz and Udit Narayan were influenced by Rafi’s style of singing. Anwar (singer) also imitated Rafi’s voice.

On 22 September 2007, a shrine to Rafi designed by artist Tasawar Bashir was unveiled on Fazeley Street, Birmingham, UK.

The Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi Chowk in the Bandra suburb of Mumbai and Pune (extending MG Road) is named after Rafi. In the summer of 2008, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra released a double CD titled Rafi Resurrected comprising 16 songs by Rafi.

Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam provided the vocals for this project and toured with the CBSO in July 2008 at venues including the English National Opera in London, Manchester’s Apollo Theatre and Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

In June 2010, Mohammed Rafi along with Lata Mangeshkar was voted the most popular playback singer in the Outlook Music Poll, conducted by Outlook magazine. The same poll voted “Man re, tu kahe na dheer dhare” (Chitralekha, 1964), sung by Rafi as the No. 1 song.

Three songs were tied for the No. 2 place: Two were sung by Rafi. The songs were “Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hain“

(Guide, 1965) and “Din dhal jaye, hai raat na jaye” (Guide, 1965). This poll was published in Outlook. The jury included people in the Indian music industry.

As well as an award winning documentary titled Dastaan-E-Rafi directed by Rajni Acharya and Vinay Patel (which took 5 years to make) was released to commemorate his 92nd birthday which was later released on DVD.

It featured over 60 interviews of various Bollywood personas and closely recalled his story through his songs and the personal recounts. Many biographies and documentaries continue to be written and made on him.

Mohammed Rafi Academy:

Mohammed Rafi Academy was launched in Mumbai on 31 July 2010 on the 30th anniversary of the singer’s death, started by his son Shahid Rafi to impart training in Indian classical and contemporary music.

After his death, numerous Hindi movies were dedicated to Rafi, including: Allah Rakha, Mard, Coolie, Desh-Premee, Naseeb, Aas-Paas and Heeralal-Pannalal.

A song in the 1990 Hindi film Kroadh “Na Fankar Tujhsa” picturized on actor Amitabh Bachchan and sung by singer Mohammed Aziz was also dedicated to the memory of Rafi.

Rafi is one of the recording artists mentioned in the 1997 hit British alternative rock song “Brimful of Asha” by Cornershop.

Rafi’s song from the film Gumnaam (1965), “Jaan Pehechan Ho“,

Was used on the soundtrack of Ghost World (2001). The film opens with the lead character dancing around in her bedroom to a video of Gumnaam. The song has also been used for Heineken’s 2011 “The Date” commercial.

Rafi was commemorated on his 93rd birth anniversary by Search Engine Google which showed a special doodle on its Indian home page for him on 24 December 2017.

“Aaj Mausam Bada Beiman Hai“

It is featured in the 2001 film Monsoon Wedding. His “Kya Mil Gaya” (Sasural, 1961) has been used in The Guru (2002), where Ramu and Sharonna sing a version of the song.

His song “Mera Man Tera Pyasa” (Gambler, 1970) has been used as one of the soundtracks in the Jim Carrey-Kate Winslet starrer Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).

This song is played in the background in Kate Winslet’s character’s home while the lead pair are having a drink (at approximately 00.11.14 runtime).

Collaboration:

Naushad – Hindustan Ke Hum Hain(Pehle Aap), Anmol Ghadi, O Dunia Ke Rakhwale (Birju Bavra),.
S.D Burman – Pyaasa, Kaaguz Ke Phool, Kaalaa Bazaar, Nou Do Gyaruh, Kaala Paanee, Tera Ghur Ke Saamne, Guide, Aaradhna, Ishk Pur Zor Nuhee, Abhimaan.
Shankar – Jaikishan – Teree Pyaaree Pyaaree Soorut Ko, Buhaaron Phool Bursao, Dil Ke Jhurokhe Men, Yahoo! Chaahe Koee Mujhe Junglee Kuhe,
Ajib hei daastaan teri yeh zindugi, An Evening in Paris, Dil Tera Deewana, Yakeen, Prince, Love in Tokyo.
Ravi – Chaudvin Ka Chand, Baabul Kee Duaaen Letee Jaa.
Madan Mohan – Teree Aankhon Ke Sivaa, Yeh Duniyaa Yeh Mehfil, Tum Jo Mil Guye Ho, Kur chule hum fidaa, Meree Aawaaz Suno, Aap Ke Pehlu Mein Aakur.

Awards and Nominations:

National Film Award for Best Playback Male Singer – Kya Hua Tera Wada.

Filmfare Award for Best Playback Male Singer – Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho.

Filmfare Award for Best Playback Male Singer – Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko.

Filmfare Award for Best Playback Male Singer – Chahunga Main Tujhe.

Filmfare Award for Best Playback Male Singer – Baharo Phool Barsao.

Filmfare Award for Best Playback Male Singer – Dil Ke Jharoke Mein.

Filmfare Award for Best Playback Male Singer – Kya Hua Tera Wada.

Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards – Tumsa Nahin Dekha.

Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards – Dosti.

Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards – Arzoo.

Sur Srinagar Award – Chitralekha.

Honors:

Mohammed Rafi received a silver medal from the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, on the first anniversary of the Indian Independence Day – 1948.

Honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India – 1967.

Rafi was honoured with the “Best Singer of the Millennium” by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine – 2001.

Rafi won the CNN-IBN poll for the Greatest Voice in Hindi Cinema – 2013.

1 December 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Udit Narayan Biography

Udit Narayan Jha was born to a farmer in Nepal on December 01, 1955. He did his schooling from Shree Public Bindeshawari Secondary School, Rajbiraj, Nepal.

He finished his SSC from Jageshwar High School, Kunauli, Supaul, Bihar and obtained his intermediate Degree from Ratna Rajya Lakshmi Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal and later moved to Mumbai.

On a musical scholarship for Nepalese through Indian Embassy in Nepal to study classical Music at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan where he was mentored by “Pandit Dinkar Kaikini’” Who is known as the most prominent and successful Bollywood playback singer of all time.

His voice was just another level of melodious, he had taken a storm in 1980s and 1990s with his beautiful ‘voice, to die for’ voice. He got to sing with legends Mohammed Rafi in his Bollywood Playback debut in movie Unees-Bees in 1980 and also with Kishore Kumar in the 1980s.

He finally made his mark in 1988 movie Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla, his song “Papa Kehte Hain” was his notable performance which earned him his first Filmfare Award in the 1980s and he established himself in Bollywood Playback Singing.

He is the only male singer in the history of the Filmfare Awards to have won in over three decades.

Family

Udit Narayan’s father was a Farmer while his mother was a Folk Dancer. He got married to Deepa Narayan Jha and have a son Aditya Narayan Jha who is a Playback singer in Bollywood.

Career

In the year 1980, He got his break to sing in a Hindi film when music director Rajesh Roshan offered him to sing in the movie “Unees Bees”.

It was big thing for Udit Narayan, as he got an opportunity to sing with his mentor, the great Mohammed Rafi. He was noticed but his real big break came in the year 1988. He sang a very famous song “Papa Kehte Hain” from the movie Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak

Which went on to become that year’s biggest hit. This song gave him instant stardom and he went on to bag his first Filmfare award. This movie was also the launch pad of actors Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla and female playback singer Alka Yagnik.

After the huge success of this movie, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik sang for movies like Dil and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, which went on to become huge hits. Udit Narayan also tried his hand at acting and did some Nepali movies like Kusume Rumal and Pirati, which were not much successful.

But he sang in some of the most famous Nepali movies and became a famous singer in Nepal.

Though Udit Narayan was gaining much popularity, he got overshadowed by Kumar Sanu, who another famous Indian playback singer.
For five years, though he was nominated in the Best Male Playback singer category,

It was Kumar Sanu who finally won. In the year 1995, his career had a turning point when he sang the hit song “Mehendi Laga Ke Rakhna” for the movie Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaaenge.

The song went on to become a huge hit and won accolades from one and all. He won the Filmfare award for the Best Male Playback singer that year. He won his third Filmfare award the next year itself for the song “Pardesi” from the movie Raja Hindustani.

Udit Narayan is one of the most acclaimed singers of the present generation and has been praised by senior and established singers and composers for his original style and voice quality.

He is the onscreen voice of the three major superstars of Indian cinema namely Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.

Many acclaimed music directors prefer to work with him since he is able to gel with almost everyone and give the exact feel to the song.

He is one of the top choices of acclaimed music directors like A.R. Rahman, Nadeem Shravan, Rajesh Roshan, Shankar Mahadevan, etc.

He is also a hit with major directors like Yash Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Karan Johar. Some of his superhit movies are Darr, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Mohabbatein, Swades, Veer Zaara, Aashiqui, Lagaan, Taal, Beta, Swades, Rangeela, etc.

In the same year, Narayan sang with Kishore Kumar in the film Kehdo Pyar Hai.

Another singer he sang with was Suresh Wadkar with music composed by Bappi Lahiri.

Nepali Cinema:

Narayan’s friend Jiyand Nawab Deedag suggested he change his work from old to modern in order to be selected as a playback singer, but this didn’t work and, considering old films in 1973, Narayan sang a song for a Nepali film called Sindoor.

This was a comedy song for the famous Nepali comedians GopalRaj Mainali (Chankhe) and Basundhara Bhushal (Nakkali). Narayan sang this song with Sushma Shrestha, now known as Poornima in Hindi films.

Narayan has also acted in two Nepali films – Kusume Rumal and Pirati in 1985. In 2004, he released his first non-movie Nepalese album, Upahaar. in which he sang duets with his wife Deepa Jha. Narayan has many solo albums as well, such as.

Bhajan Sangam

Guinness Book of Record:

In 2015 Udit Narayan was involved in a mega series campaign Melancholy, where 421 Nepali artists had sung a 33 minutes 49-second long environmental song, in which 365 artists set a Guinness World Record on 19 May 2016 at Radio Nepal Studio, Singhadurbar, Kathamandu. It is written, composed and directed by environmentalist Nipesh.

Television:

Udit Narayan has appeared on many Television shows as a Judge and as a guest.
He was one of the panel of judges of Indian Idol 3 in 2007 with music composer Anu Malik and playback singer Alisha Chinai on Sony TV.

Narayan was on the panel of judges on Sony TV for Waar Parriwar, A reality show based on the bringing together of a singing gharana (family of singers).

He shared judging duties with fellow playback singer Kumar Sanu and Jatin Pandit of the music duo Jatin-Lalit. Narayan has appeared on Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs as a guest.

Collaboration:

Anand – MIlind – Meri Nayi Baansi Ki Dhun, Ae Mere Humsafar, Papa Kehte Hain, Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka, Na Jaane Kyu Me Bekarar, Mujhe Neendh Na Aaye, Hum Ne Ghar Choda Hain, Hum Pyaar Karne Wale, Dhak Dhak Karne Laga, Koyal Si Teri Boli, Phoolon Sa Chehra Tera.

Laxmikant – Pyaarelal – Log Jahan Par Rehte Hain, Ek Doosre Se Karte Hain Pyaar Hum

Nadeem – Shravan – Mera Dil Tere Liye Dhadakta Hain, I Love You, Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein, Pardesi Pardesi, Kitna Pyaara Tujhe Rab Hain, Dil Ki Dhadkan Rehti Hain, Dil Ne Ye Kahan Hain Dil Se, Na Na Karte Pyaar, Jo Bhi Kasmein, Kitna Bechein Hoke, Zindagi Ban Gaye Ho Tum,

Anu Malik – Jawani Deewani, Raja Ko Rani Se Pyaar Hogaya, Ram Jaane, Ho Nahi Sakta, Ishq Hua Kaise Hua, Dekho Dekho Jaanam, Neendh Churai Meri, Chandni Aaya Hain Tera Deewana. Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Dil Dil Deewana, Dekhne Waalon Ne.

A.R Rahman – E Ajnabi, Taal Se Taal Mila, Radha Kaise Na Jale, Mitwa, Ghanan Ghanan, O Ri Chori, Yuhi Chala Chal, Yeh Tara, Woh Tara

Awards and Honours:

Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer

Papa Kehte Hai Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak – 1988
Mehndi Lagake Rakhna Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge – 1995
Pardesi Pardesi Raja Hindustani – 1996
Chand Chupa Badal Mein Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam – 1999

National & Filmfare Award – Mitwaa Lagaan – 2000

National Award – Yeh Tara Woh Tara Swades – 2005

National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer Mitwaa Lagaan – 2005

National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer Chhote Chhote Sapne Zindagi Khoobsurat Hai – 2003

National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Yeh Tara Swades 2005

Star Screen Award Best Male Playback – Aye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein Raja Hindustani 1996
Star Screen Award Best Male Playback Woh Chand Jaisi Ladki Devdas 1996
Zee Cine Awards Best Playback Male Singer – Chand Chupa Badal Mein Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam 2000
IIFA Award for Best Male Playback– Chand Chupa Badal Mein Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam 2000
Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu from Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in Nepal
Hits FM Music Awards 2004(Nepal)- Record of the Year for the song “Kahile Timro” and Album of the Year for the album “Upahaar”

24 November 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Papon Biography

Angarag Mahanta a.k.a Papon was born on November 24, 1975 in Guwahati, Assam. He was in Assam most of his childhood and was introduced to music at a very early age.

Family

His father Khagen Mahanta was a singer and composer of folk and traditional music of Assam. Khagen Mahanta was a notable person in Assamese folk music and known as the “King of Bihu“. His Bihu songs, Borgeet and other folk songs remain popular in Assam.

Papon’s Mother Archana Mahanta was a renowned folk singer from Assam. Archana Mahanta and her late husband Khagen Mahanta had an enormous contribution in popularizing and preserving Assamese folk music.

Papon got married to Shweta Mahanta.

Career

Papon was initially trained for Indian Classical music since his childhood and also in the devotional music and folk music in Assamese. He has learnt all his music and singing from Khol, Tabla, Guitar and Harmonium.

When he makes or produces any music it covers mostly Ambient Electronic, Acoustic Folk and new age Indian Classical music. It has been identified as having traces of pentatonic Mongoloid notes, local river song influences and ghazals. Although his first language is Assamese he has also sung in Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Marathi and Bengali.

Papon’s 2018 song “Baba Bolta Hain Bas Ho Gaya” from the movie Sanju, comments on differences between the real Sanju and the “reel” Sanju. A noted 2016 Bollywood song is “Labon ka karobar” from the film Befikre. In 2016, he sang “Bulleya” for the film Sultan.

In 2015, he sang “Moh moh ke dhage” by Anu Malik for the film ‘’Dum Laga Ke Haisha’’ and “Humnava” in Humari Adhuri Kahani (2015). In 2014, he sang “Lakeerein“.

Which is a poem by Gulzar, for the film “Kya Dilli Kya Lahore” and “Sun ri Bavli” for Nagesh Kukunoor’s film Lakshmi.

In 2014 only he also had sung two songs “Sun le re” and “Khudse” from the movie Madras Cafe (2013). He recorded a hit song “Kyon”

He has also sung the title song from Inkaar (2013). His first big song in Bollywood was “Jiyein kyun” from the movie Dum Maro Dum.

Papon released his first album, Junaki Raati in Assamese at the end of 2004, marking a new kind of regional sound. The second album he produced was Sinaaki Osinaaki, which was released in November, 2009.

Papon has also sung on a few other albums produced by various artists in Assam. His first folk music album was Rangphul a Bihu album, after which he produced Gomseng and subsequently, Phagunor Gaan an album representing the typical holi songs of Barpeta in West Assam.

He sang on a devotional Borgeet album called Chandamukhi and is working on a traditional folk album of Tokari songs. On the first edition of Coke Studio @ MTV, he performed on the popular Bihu song Pak Pak.

Hindi Songs of Papon

Banao
Naina Lagey
Angarag Mahanta
Maaru Amdavad
Janta Rocks
Na Ishq Kariyo Jhalle
Enne Unne
Kaun Mera

Assamese Songs

Rowd Hoi Aha Tumi
Nodi Mathu
Pawe Pari
Mathu Tumi
Kola Kola Endhare

Collaborations

Papon has been collaborated with many music composers and other singers as well. Before falling in the hands of controversies which bought a halt to his career but later all the allegations proved wrong and it was good.

Papon has performed with the Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale at various festivals around the world including the Paleo Music Festival in Switzerland, Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore and Oslo World Music Festival in Norway.

Aside from performing with them, Papon has co-written a couple of songs with the MIDIval Punditz that featured on their third album. Hello which ranked among the top three songs on Amazon. worldwide.

He collaborated with the Welling Jazz Band, in Wellington, New Zealand, for a project playing some of his music during Crossings festival held in Wellington, New Zealand in 2007. Also in the project was Rhian Sheehan, a popular electronic artist and producer from Wellington.

He also wrote a song with Karsh Kale for his new album Cinema. He is working on two international collaborations which were to be released in 2012

Television

Papon was successful enough in his career to judge someone on the basis of his experience and knowledge about his music and sense of judgement. He has been a judge on the reality television show called Voice of India Kids.

Collaboration

Pritam – Dum Maaro Dum (Jiyein Kyu), Kyon (Barfi), Sun Zara (Bhopal), Chaav Laga (Sui Dhaaga), Jeans Pant Aur Choli (Ishqeria), Yaadein (Ishqeria)

Anu Malik – Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), Prem’s Theme (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), Daana Paani (Qareeb Qareeb Single)

Amit Trivedi – Darbaan (Bombay Velvet), Jhuk Na Paunga (Raid), Vande Mataram (India’s Most Wanted).

Awards

Prag Cine Awards 2012 Best Playback Singer Male – Ramdhenu 2012.
GIMA Awards 2012 – The Story So far.
GIMA Awards 2015 – Best Pop Album Coke Studio at MTV Season 3
22nd Screen Awards – Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
8th Mirchi Award – Male Vocalist of the Year
Times OF India Film Awards 2016 – Best Playback Singer (Male)
GIMA Awards 2016 – Best Playback Singer (Male)
17th IIFA Awards – Best Playback Singer (Male)

23 November 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Legendary Singer Of India Geeta Dutt Biography

Geeta Dutt born on November 23, 1930, was one of the 10 children born to a wealthy Zamindar family in the village Idilpur presently Shariatpur District, Bangladesh. Was a prominent Indian playback singer and a famous Hindi and Bengali classical artist. She found particular prominence as a playback singer in Hindi cinema. She also sang many modern Bengali songs, both in the film and non-film genres.

K. Hanuman Prasad took Geeta under his patronage, trained and groomed her in singing, and later launched her into singing for movies. In 1946, she got the first break with an opportunity to sing in the mythological film Bhakta Prahlad for which Prasad was the music director. She was given two lines to sing for two songs. She was sixteen at that time.

She Married Actor-Director Guru Dutt in 1953.

And had 3 children Tarun Dutt, Geeta Dutt, and Arun Dutt.

Story of Guru and Geeta Dutt:

The famous playback singer Geeta Roy was recording the song ‘Tadbeer Se Bigdi Huyi Taqdeer,‘ in the presence of the director of the movie, Guru Dutt, and the Music Director, SD Burman among others. Though her singing left every listener beseeching for more, Guru, in particular, was flabbergasted by how the singer, almost intuitively, Occidentalized a ghazal into a jazzy seductive song!

Amongst those enamored by her singing was Guru Dutt’s mother. Soon, Geeta Roy became a regular visitor of the Dutt. Though a huge star-singer with an awesome fan following, Geeta molded herself as part of Guru Dutt’s household as though she was born in it.

Even today everyone beguilingly recalls sweet temperament, her lack of artificiality, affection, and her complete candor. She would simply take down the harmonium from their shelf and sing Bengali songs.

It was only a matter of time before Guru Dutt fell head over heels in love with his regular visitor. They were married on May 26, 1953. Thus were born some of the most achingly romantic songs of the 50’s- those nuggets of love and its various facets which materialized because there was love in the air.

Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt formed a perfect team. He knew exactly how to use her voice and he used it in ways so that her inane generosity of spirit spilled over on the soundtrack in stunning romantic declarations.

Geeta dutt famous songs: ‘Hoon Abhi main jawan’, ‘Jaa Jaa Jaa bewafa’, ‘Babu Ji Dheere chalna’ and ‘Yeh lo main haari piya’ in Aar Paar (1954) were like a prolonged outburst of harmonious sensations. Even today Geeta Dutt explodes on the streamlined soundtrack with a velvety velocity.

Singing Career:

After getting married to Guru Durr on May 26, 1953. Thus were born some of the most achingly romantic songs of the 50’s- those nuggets of love and its various facets which materialized because there was love in the air.

Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt formed a perfect team. He knew exactly how to use her voice and he used it in ways, so that her inane generosity of spirit spilled over on the soundtrack in stunning romantic declarations.

Hoon Abhi Main Jawan
Jaa jaa jaa bewafa
Babu ji dheere chalna

Yeh Lo Main Haari Piya

Aar Paar (1954) were like prolonged outburst of harmonious sensations. Even today Geeta Dutt explodes on the streamlined soundtrack with a velvety velocity.

The mood of saucy romance the pervades the films Aar Paar (1954) or Mr. and Mrs. 55 (1955) owe as much to Geeta Dutt’s vibrant vocals which seize the soundtrack in ceaseless spells of splendor and sublimity, as their popularity to the legendary status that Guru Dutt’s cinema enjoyed, giving her songs far more air-space than other, possibly more deserving prospects which got eclipsed by them.

R.D. Burman heard Geeta ji’s voice and immediately decided to have her sing in Do Bhai.

Geeta ji had this unconventional way of singing. The time was when most singing styles had origins of ghazals. Geeta ji who had this innate talent, with no formal training in the singing of the type of songs that were in vogue at that time, introduced her own brand of the appealingly fresh and free-flowing style of singing.

Her singing was based on instincts and spontaneity, guts and feelings, and love and pensiveness that resulted in breathing life and emotion into each song she sang.
Geeta Dutt’s singing life was largely influenced by her personal life. During the romance and early years of her marriage she sang some of her best songs for pictures involved with Guru Dutt in one capacity or another.

Some of the most beautiful romantic songs Geeta ji sang were during these days and they were spilled and richly splashed with her youthfully exuberant voice.

Gujarati Songs:

After her debut in Hindi film music in the year 1946, Geeta started gaining popularity in a short period of time. The very next year she became the most sensational voice with the success of songs from Do Bhai (1947). This led the composers from the Gujrati film industry to approach her for singing in Gujarati films.

Avinash Vyas was one of the most prolific and talented composers of Gujrati film music. He was already working with Geeta Dutt for his Hindi films and thus Geeta became a natural choice for singing in his Gujrati film songs right from the year 1948.

A detailed discussion on her work in Gujarati films. Almost simultaneously, she was pulled in for Karyavar, with music by Ajit Merchant.

Vyas’ Nanand Bhojai and Vaarasdar

Even though for living 30 years in Bombay (Mumbai) Geeta Ji might not have a perfect accent, maybe that is the reason she did not receive much chance to sing Marathi songs in her career.

When she got all of those chances to sing the songs with great ease of rendition and a rare depth of feeling – both hallmarks of her singing in any case.

Some of the Marathi Songs –

Mukhya Manache Bol
Jaa Saang laxmanaa Saang
Ambabai cha Jogwa

Bengali Songs

Shachimata Go Char Juge Hai
Ekhan-O Dustar Lajja
Katha Achhe Tumi Aj Asbe

Singing in the tune of big Music Directors

S.D Burman

“Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya” (Do Bhai – 1947)

“Woh Sapne Waali Raat” (Pyaar – 1950)
“Tadbir Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer” (Baazi – 1951)
“Aan Milo Aan Milo” (Devdas – 1955)
O.P Nayyar
Zara Saamne Aa (Baaz – 1953)
Babuji Dhire Chalna (Aar Paar – 1954)
Thandi Hawa Kali Ghata (Mr. & Mrs. ’55 – 1955)

Hemant Kumars

Kaise Rokoge Aaise Toofan ko

Na Jaao Saiyaan Chod Ke Saiyaan

Jai Jagdish Hare

Government Recognition

Looking for her contribution to the Indian Cinema Indian Government had introduced Postal Stamps in her name in 2013 and 2016.

Collaboration:

S.D Burman – Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya (Do Bhai), Woh Sapne Waali Raat (Pyaar), Tadbir Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer (Baazi) ,Aan Milo Aan Milo (Devdas) , Jane kya tune kahi (Pyaasa) ,Hum Aap Ke Aankhon Main (Pyaasa)
Hawa Dhire Aana (Sujata).

O.P Nayyar – Zara Saamne Aa (Baaz), Babuji Dhire Chalna (Aar Paar), Thandi Hawa Kali Ghata (Mr. & Mrs), Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya Ji (Mr. & Mrs) , Jab Badal Lehraya (Chhoomantar), Mere Zindagi Ke Humsafar (Shrimati 420), Jaata Kahan Hai” (CID – 1956).

Hemant Kumar – Na Jao Saiyaan Chhuda Ke Baiyaan (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam), Kaise Roko Ge Aise Toofan Ko (Anandmath), Madbhari Hain Pyar Ki Palken (Fashion), Na Yeh Chand Ho Ga (Shart), Piya Aiso Jiya Mein Samaye Gayo (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam) , Chale Aao Chale Aao (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam)

Madan Mohan – Aye Dil Mujhe Bata De (Bhai Bhai)

4 August 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Kishore Kumar Biography

The Voice of the Nation Kishore Kumar was born on August 4^th 1929. Kishore Kumar was born in a Bengali Brahmin Ganguly family in Khandwa, Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh) as Abhas Kumar Ganguly. His father, Kunjalal Ganguly (Gangopadhyay) was a lawyer and his mother, Gouri Devi came from a wealthy Bengali family and was a home-maker.

Kunjalal Gangopadhyaya was invited by the Kamavisadar Gokhale family of Khandwa to be their personal lawyer. Kishore was the youngest of four siblings, the older three being Ashok (the eldest), Sati Devi, and Anoop.

Family

Kishore Kumar got married 4 times in his entire lifetime. The very first time he got married was when he in his 30s and he was married to Ruma Guha Thakurta and their marriage lasted for only 8 years.

Kishore Da’s 2^nd wife was the most beautiful actress Bollywood had ever seen was Madhubala (Mumtaz Jahaan Begum Dehlavi) who had worked with him in many films including his home production Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and Jhumroo (1961).

When Kumar proposed to her, Madhubala was ill and was planning to go to London for treatment.

She had a ventricular septal defect (hole in the heart), and he was still married to Ruma. After his divorce, the couple had a civil wedding in 1960 and Kumar converted to Islam and reportedly changed his name to Karim Abdul.

His parents refused to attend the ceremony. The couple also had a Hindu ceremony to please Kumar’s parents, but Madhubala was never truly accepted as his wife. Within a month of their wedding, she moved back to her bungalow in Bandra because of tension in the Kumar household.

They remained married, but under great strain for the remainder of Madhubala’s life. Their marriage ended with Madhubala’s death on 23 February 1969.

Kishore Kumar’s 3^rd wife was Yogeeta Bali and lasted from 1976 to 4 August 1978. Kishore was married to Leena Chandavarkar from 1980 until his death. He had two sons, Amit Kumar with Ruma, and Sumit Kumar with Leena Chandavarkar.

Career

Kishore Kumar’s elder brother was a star already settled in the Bollywood cinema world he had already been working in the film industry.

Later in the years Abhas Kumar changed his name to Kishore Kumar to launch himself in the industry as a chorus singer.

Kumar’s first film appearance was in Shikari (1946), in which his brother, Ashok played the lead role. Music director Khemchand Prakash gave Kumar a chance to sing “Marne Ki Duayen Kyon Mangu” for the film Ziddi (1948).

After this, Kishore Kumar was offered many other assignments, but he was not very serious about a film career. In 1949, he settled in Bombay. Kumar played the lead in the Bombay Talkies film Andolan (1951), directed by Phani Majumdar.

Although he got some acting assignments with the help of his brother, he was more interested in becoming a singer. But Ashok wanted Kumar to be an actor like him.

Between 1946 and 1955, Kumar appeared in 22 films of which 16 were flops and since he was disinterested in taking up acting as a career, he would find ways to be in the bad books of the director or producer, so that they throw him from their films.

It was only after the success of films such as Ladki, Naukari, Miss Malaysia, Char Paise and Baap Re Baap that Kumar developed an interest in acting seriously, which resulted in him having successful films as the lead actor between 1955 and 1966.

At the time of his acting career he was deeply influenced and inspired by the K.L Saigai and he tried to intimate his style of singing in some of his early films he had a respect from Rabindranath Tagore.

Kumar employed yodeling in many of his songs including; Tum bin jaaon kahan, Zindagi ek safar hai suhana, and Chala jata hoon. The style eventually became an essential feature of his singing and was inspired by Jimmie Rodgers and Tex Morton.

Kishore Kumar acted in Bimal Roy’s Naukari (1954) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s directorial debut Musafir (1957). Salil Chowdhury, the music director for Naukari, was initially dismissive of Kumar as a singer when he found that Kumar had no formal training in music.

However, after hearing his voice, Chowdhury gave him the song Chhota Sa Ghar Hoga, which was supposed to be sung by Hemant Kumar. Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), his home production, had the three Ganguly brothers and Madhubala in main roles.

Kumar played a car mechanic who has a romance with a city girl (Madhubala) with a subplot involving the brothers.
In the movie Half Ticket, for one of the songs – “Aake Seedhi Lagi Dil Pe” – the music director Salil Chowdhary had a duet in mind and wanted Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar to sing the song.

However, since Lata Mangeshkar was not in town and Salil Chowdhury had to record that song before she could return, Kumar solved the problem by singing both the male and female parts of the song himself.

The duet is actually for Pran and Kishore Kumar on the screen dressed as a woman. It just turned out to be fine as he did admirably well singing both in male and female voices.

As a Director

Kishore Kumar had also produced many movies in his and also directed some of the movies in the late 1970s and early 1980s Pyar Zindagi Hai, Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi (1978), Sabaash Daddy, Zindagi (1981), Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin (1980) and Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi (1982) which was his last appearance as an actor. Kishore Kumar’s son Amit Kumar became a Bollywood singer in the 1974 with the song “Apne Bas Ki Baat Nahi“, composed by Kumar for the film Badthi Ka Naam Daadi.

Amit Kumar became popular with success of the song “Bade Achche Lagte Hai“.

Kishore continued singing for several actors even in 1980s. Kishore Kumar performed stage shows right from 1969 to earn money to pay his income tax arrears.

Kumar stopped singing for Amitabh Bachchan in the year 1981, after Bachchan refused to appear as a guest in the film Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, which Kishore Kumar produced.

Kishore declined to give voice for Amitabh in Naseeb, Coolie, Mard and Desh Premee. Kishore said he would give his voice to Randhir Kapoor in the film Pukar. Since Kishore shared good rapport with R. D. Burman, he agreed to sing in Mahaan, Shakti and Bemisal.

Later, Kishore called a truce by singing for Amitabh in a solo song in Shahenshah and later in Toofan. Kishore sang the song “Mera Geet Adhura Hai” for his production Mamta Ki Chaon Mein and pictured the song on Rajesh Khanna.

Music Directors working with Kishore Da

S.D (Sachin Dev) Burman

S.D Burman being an excellent music director in his time started using Kishore Kumar’s voice for the films. Some of the very famous songs include:

Phoolon Ke Rang Se
Shokhiyon Mein Ghula Jaaye’’ from Prem Pujari.
Pal Bhar Ke Liye – Johnny Mera Naam.
Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaaye Re – Sharmilee
Khilte Hain Gul Yahaan – Sharmilee
O Meri Sharmilee – Sharmilee
Meet Na Mila – Abhimaan
Jeevan Ki Bagiya Mehkegi – Tere Mere Sapne
Badi Sooni Sooni Hain – Mili

R.D (Rahul Dev) Burman

O Manjhi Re – Khushboo
Ye Shaam Mastani – Kati Patang
Ye Jo Mohobbat Hain – Kati Patang
Raat Kali Ek Khwaab Me Aayi – Buddha Mil Gaya
Chingari Koi Bhadke – Amar Prem
Kuch Toh Log Kahenga – Amar Prem
Zindagi Ke Safar Me Jo Guzarjate Hain Jo Makam – Aap Ki Kasam
Aane Wala Pal – Golmaal
Hume Aur Jeene Ki Chaahat Na Hoti – Agar Tume Na Hote
Raha Pe Rehte Hain – Namkeen

Laxmikant – Pyaarelal

Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi – Mr. X in Bombay
Mere Naseeb Mein Aye Dost – Do Raaste
Yeh Jeevan Hai – Piya Ka Ghar
Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai – Daag
Nahi Mai Nahi Dekh Sakta – Majboor
Mere Diwanepan Ki Bhi – Mehboob Ki Mehndi
Naach Meri Bulbul – Roti
Chal Chal Chal Mere Haathi – Haathi Mere Saathi
Tu Kitne Baras Ki – Karz.

Khayyam

Hazaar Raahein and Ankhon Mein Humne – Thodisi Bewafaii
Chandni Raat Mein – Dil-E-Nadaan
Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main – Mashaal

Kalyanji – Anandji

Jeevan Se Bhari – Safar
O Saathi Re – Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas – Blackmail
Neele Neele Ambar Par – Kalaakaar

Bappi Lahiri

Pag Ghunghroo Bandh – Namak Halaal
Manzilen Apni Jagah Hai – Sharaabi
Chalate Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yad Rakhana – Chalte Chalte, Saason Se Nahi Kadmose Nahi – Mohabbat
Albela Mausam and Pyar Ka Tohfa – Tohfa

Rajesh Roshan

Bhool Gaya Sab Kuchh (duet with Lata Mangeshkar)
Dil Kya Kare Jab Kisise – Julie
Yaadon Mein Woh – Swami
Chhookar Mere Man Ko Kiya Toone Kya Ishaara – Yaarana
Kaha Tak Ye Manko Andher Chalenge – Baton Baton Mein
O Yara Tu Yaro Se Hai Pyar,Laharon Ki Tarah – Yaadien
Kahiye, Suniye (duet with Asha Bhosle) – Baton Baton Mein.

Awards and Recognitions

FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Roop Tera Mastana – Aradhana.
FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Dil Aaisa Kisine Mera – Amanush.
FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Khaike Paan Banaras Wala – Don.
FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Hazaar Rahein Mudke Dekhe – Thodisi Bewafai.
FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Pag Ghonghroo Band – Namak Halaal.
FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Agar Tum Na Hote – Agar Tum Na Hote.
FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Manzilein Apni Jagah Hain – Sharaabi.
FilmFare Award for Best Playback Singer – Saagar Kinaare – Saagar.
Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards – Best Playback Singer – Aradhana 1971
Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards – Best Playback Singer – Andaz 1972
Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards – Best Playback Singer – Hare Ram Hare Krishna 1973
Bengal Film Journalists Association Awards – Best Playback Singer – Kora Kagaz 1975

14 June 2021 | Indian Music Director

Pritam Biography

Pritam Chakraborty a.k.a Pritam was born on June 14, 1971 in a Bengali family to Anuradha and Prabodh Chakraborty. Pritam Chakraborty since his childhood got his training from his father, and he had started learning guitar when he was still in school.

Since then he developed an interest in music composing songs. He got married to Smita Bhattacharya and have a daughter.

Career

After finishing his schooling at St. James’ School and graduating in Geology in 1992 from Presidency College, Pritam Chakraborty dropped out of his M.Sc. classes in 1993 to chart a career of his own choice from FTII, Pune, where he took up Sound Recording and Engineering in 1994. Amid this time, he was offered an opportunity to create background music for a film by the Hungarian filmmaker Istvan Gaal.

Pritam Chakraborty joined a Bangla band, Chandrabindoo. Before that, he formed another band with his Presidency batchmates, called “Jotugriher Pakhi” for which, he used to play the Guitar.

They even have a cassette tape released to their credit at that time.

He went to St. James’ School and has a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Presidency College. Pritam joined FTII, Pune where he took up Sound Recording and Engineering in 1994. During this time, he was offered a chance to compose background music for a film by the Hungarian filmmaker Istvan Gaal.

Pritam Chakraborty formed a band with his Presidency batch mates, called “Jotugriher Pakhi” for which, he used to play the guitar.[8] They even have a cassette released to their credit at that time. Pritam joined a Bangla band, Chandrabindoo. Later Pritam started band Metro with James, Suhail, Soham and Eric during his film called Life in a… Metro.

After completing his sound engineering course from FTII Pune, Pritam came to Mumbai in 1997. He started composing ad jingles where he met other budding artists such as Shantanu Moitra, Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Gadhvi and Jeet Gannguli.

Pritam Chakraborty composed renowned jingles for brands like Santro, Emami, McDonald’s, Head & Shoulders, Thums Up, Limca, Complan and composed title tracks for TV serials such as Astitva, Kkavyanjali, Ye Meri Life Hai, Remix, Kashmeer, Miilee, and Dil Kya Kare.

Jeet-Pritam

Pritam got his first break for Tere Liye (released December 2001) though the music was well-received, the film missed the mark. In 2002, The Jeet-Pritam duo once again composed music for Yash Raj Films’ Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai. All the songs from that movie were chartbusters. Soon after, over some misunderstanding, Jeet decided to split and the partners went their separate ways.

Pritam gave a biggest hit of his life with Dhoom movie’s music. It became an instant hit all across the world. He followed this up with compositions for films like Jannat, Gangster and Dhoom 2. His compositions for Anurag Basu’s Life in a… Metro garnered him very positive reviews.

He formed a band called Metro with Suhail Kaul, Soham Chakraborty, Eric Pillai and Bangladeshi singer James for the movie.

He won his second Zee Cine Award for Best Track of the Year for the song “Mauja hi Mauja” from Jab We Met by Imtiaz Ali.

Jab We Met won him his first Apsara Award for Best Music Director. He composed for two more Imtiaz Ali films, Love Aaj Kal and Cocktail which were critically and commercially successful.

His Sufi songs for the 2010 movie Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai were immensely popular with the masses and songs like “Pee loon“”Tum Jo Aaye” were declared chartbusters.

He teamed up again with Mahesh Bhatt and Vishesh Films for music of Crook of which the song “Mere Bina” got instant recognition with public.

His foot-tapping numbers for Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 3 were also equally successful. In 2011, he got to work for Salman Khan’s Ready and Bodyguard.

He recreated the famous 1971 song, “Dum Maro Dum” for Ramesh Sippy’s 2011 movie of the same name.

He then composed for the romance Mausam which had a strong influence of Punjabi. The songs were phenomenal hits in Northern India with “Rabba Main to Mar Gaya Oye” being a rage among people.

In 2012, he composed several successful songs for films like Players, Agent Vinod, Jannat 2 and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Ferrari Ki Sawaari, where he finally got to work with him and Rajkumar Hirani. Later that year, he scored music for Barfi! Which won him two Filmfare Awards. Barfi is considered to be one of the most critically acclaimed soundtrack album of his career.

By 2013, his list included Race 2, Murder 3, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Dhoom 3 and Once Upon at Time in Mumbai Dobaara which was his 100th movie as a Music Director in Bollywood. He started 2014 with compositions for Yaariyan, Shaadi Ke Side Effects & Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. He then took a break in 2014

He marked his return with three successful albums in 2015: Kabir Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan & Phantom and Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale for which he was nominated for Filmfare awards.

The Song, “Gerua” from Dilwale directly opened at the No. 1 position on the Radio Mirchi charts and became the first Bollywood song to cross 100 million views on YouTube in the shortest duration ever.

It also ranked in the top slot in places like Malaysia, Oman, Sri Lanka and Bahrain. In 2016, he appeared as a guest composer and composed the song “Itni Si Baat Hai” for Azhar the albums other composers were Amaal Mallik and Dj Chetas.

He also composed the whole soundtracks of Dishoom, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Dangal. In 2017, he composed the soundtracks of Jagga Jasoos, Raabta along with Sohrabuddin, Sourav Roy and JAM8, Tubelight and Jab Harry Met Sejal along with Diplo.

In 2019, he composed songs for Kalank and will produce the music for Brahmastra. 83- The Film is lined up for 2020.

JAM8

For the budding musicians of our country, there are very less options for them to try and make a career, with an immense talent people in India who have dream to be a singer or music directors in their life Pritam Chakraborty hs made it simple for them he has opened a music incubation platform founded by music composer Pritam in 2016 for budding musicians.

Being associated with Prime Focus Ltd, a media service powerhouse and KWAN, a talent management company, JAM8 uses high-quality technology and infrastructure to offer solutions to music across all segments covering movies, advertisements and the OTT space, providing the best in quality music output.

JAM8 has over a brief period given music for brands like Duracell, Maruti Suzuki, Close Up, Nerolac amongst other prominent brands.

Some of their film work consists of songs like Zaalima, Saason Ke, Dhingaana from Raees, Main Hoon Sath Tere from Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Sajan Bade Senti from Badhaai Ho, the whole album of Bhangra Paa Le movie.

Television

Pritam Chakraborty has judged many Television shows such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2009, Chhote Ustad on Zee Tv, He was also a guest judge for the X factor and Zee Bangla’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012–13.

He also composed the title track for Hrithik Roshan’s TV series Just Dance for Star TV which was sung by KK. Pritam Chakraborty sang some of his top hits on the popular show MTV Unplugged on 13 February 2016.

Pritam is the mentor and judge of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2016 alongside Mika Singh and Sajid–Wajid He was also a part of Star plus’ show Dil Hai Hindustani as a judge alongside Sunidhi Chauhan and Badshah in 2018.

Collaborations

Stumped – K.K, Shaan, Anjan Srivastava
Naksha – K.K
Life In A…Metro – Soham Chakraborty, Suhail Kaul
Race – Monai Thakur, Neeraj Sridhar
Toh Baat Pakki – Rana Mazumder, Soham Chakraborty
Agent Vinod – Mika Singh, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Nakash Aziz.
Barfi – Amitabh Bhattacharya, Vishal Dadhlani, Mohit Chauhan.

Awards

FilmFare Awards For Best Music Director – Barfi!, Ae Dil Hain Mushkil, Jagga Jasoos, Jagga Jasoos.
Mirchi Music Awards – Music Composers Of The Year – Dilwale, Ae Dil Hain Mushkil, Jab Harry Met Sejal.
Indian Television Academy Award – ITA Award for Best Title Music/Song Track
Annual Central European Bollywood Awards
Global Indian Music Awards.

10 June 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Mika Singh Biography

Amrik Singh a.k.a Mika Singh was born on June 10, 1977 in Durgapur city in West Bengal. Mika Singh is the youngest of 6 brothers. His elder brother Daler Mehdi is a well-known Bhangra and Bollywood singer. Daler Mehendi is known to popularize Bhangra and Punjabi music to all over the world.

Mika and his brother found the inspiration from his father Shri Ajmer Singh Chandan, Mika cannot stop from thanking his father in his recent Instagram post, where he mentioned that his father was his only inspiration to the music, his fathers a Punjabi classical singer and would always use to Singh in the Gurudwara the holy song in Patna Sahib Gurudwara.

There is where Mika and Daler Mehendi got inspiration and decided to be a singer. Mika Singh has the most versatile voice and has a very energetic voice among all others.

Career

Mika Singh started playing Tabla when he was mere 8 Years old later after 4 years he learned to play harmonium and often used to go to Gurudwara alongside his father and big brother to perform. After two years of learning Tabla and Harmonium he learnt Guitar and started composing his own songs.

His interest in the folk music got developing during his visits to the Gurudwara and also he was very much keen towards the Punjabi music tradition.

Mika Singh entered into Bollywood with his smash hit song “Saawan me Lag Gayi Aag” and got immense fame from there.

He has also sang for the movie of Riteish Deshmukh and multi starrer Apna Sapna Money Money which was a hit movie at that time and the song was the party songs and were played at various public gathering and other social and religious events. It was basically considered as a party song and after party song. ‘Dil Mein Baji Guitar’ from the movie ‘’Apna Sapna Money Money”.

Mostly songs sung by Mika was played at the end the movie which is called as party anthem of that particular movie. He had also done many other movie songs and in many different languages.

Mika Singh can sing in many different languages as Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Odia, Urdu and Hindi.

Mika Singh Songs List

Telugu Songs

Pila Naa Valla Kaadu
Pathikella Chinnadi
Yahoon Yahoon

Kannada Song

Nidde Bandilla
Vone Vone
A Darling Darling
Selfie

Bengali Songs

Paglu
Paglu 2
Hobe Re Hoichoi

Odia Song

Aaila re Aaila

Urdu Songs

Khul Jaaye Botal
Imagine
Ishq Brandy
Gabru
Maahi Kehan De
Mast Kalandar
Super Girl from China
Billo

Movies and Television

Mika Singh has also tried his luck in the movies without any prior acting lessons or studies. He has worked in two Punjabi movies Mitti (2010) & Loot (2011).

He had been a mentor, a judge as well as a team captain for the team called ‘Mika’s Blasters’ in the reality show called ‘Music Ka Maha Muqabla’, hosted on STAR Plus.

Divine Touch (NGO run by Mika Singh)

Mika Singh founded Divine Touch Foundation with an aim to provide education, healthcare, direction to earn a livelihood for the underprivileged society and empowering women. The objective of the Not-for-Profit Foundation is to wipe out poverty in the nation, by facilitating education along with soft skill development to the deprived people, focusing on children and women. Its objective is to set in pursuit of imparting the power of knowledge and education and to encourage them to employ that in earning their livelihood.

The Not-for-Profit Foundation targets to hold the hands of the people of the low-income community, to facilitate them a better education and to augment their innate potentials to change their lives.

They have a belief that, “Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach them how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime” Various Programs Carried out by the organization:-

Livelihood Project

Earning livelihood is the spine of a man and supporting a family is his pride. Under the Livelihood Project of Divine Touch Foundation, we are focused to educate people through training and skill development classes and make them aware of the employment opportunities to increase their earning capacities.

The main aim of this Foundation is to provide education to the underprivileged part of society which cannot afford studies and other expenses.

Healthcare and Women Empowerment.

They are very keen in providing hygiene and free healthcare benefits to the weaker section of the society. So that they can have a better future for their family and their upcoming generations. Works beyond the caste, creed, religious barriers and targets to empower women from all sections of the society to help them earn resources and respect for themselves.

Awards and Recognitions

Indian Television Academy Award for Best Singer – 2015.
Indian Telly Award Best Judge On a T.V – 2015.
Mirchi Music Award Listner’s Choice Album of the Year – 2019.

6 June 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Neha Kakkar Biography

Neha Kakkar was born on June 6, 1988 in Rishikesh city of Utrakhand. She is one of the Kakkar siblings. That is she is younger sister of Sonu Kakkar and Tony Kakkar. Neha belongs to a normal middle class family where her father Mr Rishikesh Kakkar use to sell samosa outside a college in order to make the ends meet and her mother Mrs Niti Kakkar was a home maker.

They used to live in a rented flat and the house was so small that they have to make it into a kitchen but putting a wooden table.

Neha Kakkar alongside her brother Tony Kakkar would do stage shows and bhajan in order to earn living for their family.

In the early 1990s Neha Kakkar alongside her family shifted to Delhi, in order to make their life better, at the mere age of 4 Neha started singing at the local gathering from the age 4 to the age 16 Neha Kakkar had only sang bhajans she later realized since she is born in the house of singers she did not require any professional training in singing.

Neha Kakkar got married to her boyfriend Rohanpreet Singh who is a Punjabi music artists and also won sever award in the field of music.

Career

In the starting of the year 2006 Neha Kakkar tried her luck by participating in Indian Idol season 2. Being the youngest participant she can recollect the memories of pampering and how everybody used to treat her like a kid, although without any prior training in singing Neha Kakkar got eliminated from the show.

but she did not feel disheartened or sad about the fact infect, she worked on her pace and tone of her voice and made It better for her further opportunities.

Anyway, shad mentioned that the participation in Indian idol gave her a clear idea about her singing and it also fuel her confident in the field of singing. She alongside her brother Tony Kakkar was associated by Indian Idol.

After getting out of Indian Idol she struggled for nearly 5 years and did not get any work from the Bollywood side, as she did not much plead any director or music director for work according to her and in the meanwhile she got busy with her international tours and other stage shows.

And during that 5 years people started recognizing her talent and her voice and she started getting offers from the industry.

People would normally call her ‘Jai Mata Di’ girl as she had a record of singing many bhajans in her childhood for more than 10 years.

As Neha Kakkar started getting confidence Neha, in 2010 launched her own album ‘’Neha The Rockstar’’ alongside music duo Meet Bros in which she performed some of the romantic songs which were very melodious to listen.

During the time, she recorded for a music album, Romeo Juliet composed by her brother, Tony Kakkar. The song “Mohabbat Hai” from the album received limited recognition from the listeners which resulted in the offer to render her first Kotak Mahindra jingle, “Mera Jaisa Koi Mere Zindagi Main Aaye”.

After making albums and many singles Neha Kakkar finally got a call from Sandesh Sandilya who was looking for a new voice to record the song “Hai Rama” from Meerabai Not Out (2008).

Neha got lucky because following that year, she was featured in an A.R. Rahman’s composition, the theme song of Blue (2009) where she provided the chorus vocals for the song. She then lent her voice for the title track of the Hindi-language soap opera Na Aana Is Des Laado (2009) which holds a special place in her heart, as the “song was a touching experience since it focused on women”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdwxFVLAPsI

One of the most successful A.R Rahman also help Neha to feature in one of his composition theme song of the movie ‘’Blue” where she had sang a song alongside other artists she sang a chorus track.

Bollywood Movie Debut

Neha also thought of trying her luck into acting and he was approached by the very talented and one of the most famous movie director on Bollywood Sooraj Barjatya. In the year 2010 he made a film called Isi Life Mein.

She portrayed a role of a college student. Neha Kakkar gave a nice performance but the film failed to impress people in India and in box office. Sooraj Barjatya was not able to impress much as he is known as main stream cinema director he was not very much happy about his production.

Then Neha realized that her luck is not going to work in movies so she decided to stick to the music and singing industry.

She had also made her debut with Kannada and Telugu music industry by performing 4 tracks for Sandeep Chowta.

Nodu Baare
Neeve an neeve na
Jaaniya Jaane
Woh Ek Pal

Television

Neha Kakkar was has been on episodes of ‘’Comedy Circus ke Tansen” alongside the king of comedy in India Kapil Sharma and his colleague Ali Asgar.

Recollecting the memories she had on the comedy circus Neha would say that she was always very much fascinated and very much happy about the atmosphere the team of comedy circus would keep.

She was always laughing with Kapil there was always jokes which was said around, in an interview Neha Kakkar revealed that ‘’Atmosphere on the sets was positive and the jokes had us all cracking up. I particularly enjoyed it since I am bubbly and always smiling”.

Neha has also been a judge on a very famous and one of the oldest singing reality T.V show in India ‘’Indian Idol’’ which acts as a platform for many singers in India and abroad Anu Malik being the judge on the show for the most time.

Neha Kakkar alongside Vishal Dadhlani and Anu Malik are judging the show since the year 2018 till present.

Neha is known to be very emotional kind of a person so, whenever a contestant comes who has a very sad past or a sad story to tell Neha usually break down and try to control her feelings and make sure she doesn’t not judge then on the grounds of their story but their singing talent.

Collaboration with various Music directors and Singers

Pritam

Neha had collaborated alongside pritam for various songs, pritam happened to be a kick-start for Neha’s Bollywood career as he gave her a big opportunity to work with his legacy in the industry.

Second Hand Jawani
Dhating Naach
Tutur Tutur
Naina

Pritam invited iconic DJ Marshmello to Jam8 for his first visit to a recording studio, in India on February 14th. The duo recently collaborated on the song Biba.

During this special visit they were jamming and sharing notes on music. Pritam also introduced Marshmello to the stalwarts of the Music Industry such as Baadshah, Neha Kakkar, Armaan Malik, Arijit Singh and the singer whose vocals are on BIBA-Dev Negi.

In true tradition of Indian hospitality, Pritam gifted Marshmello a personalized jacket with their song name and logo that was curated by ace at leisure designer Narendra Kumar. Warmed by the gesture, Marshmello instantly put it on and posed for pictures.

Yo Yo Honey Singh

Manali Trance
Sunny Sunny
Aao Raja

Taniskh Bagchi

Kudiya Sheher Dia
Aashiq Banaya Apne
Dilbar
Morni Banke
Aankh Maare
Kala Chashma

Included in the list of the most viewed Bollywood songs on YouTube, “Kala Chashma” was admired by the critics for its use of “dub-step, hip-hop beats, and a very groovy bass” for which Surabhi Redkar from Koimoi applauded Kakkar’s “powerful vocals” in the song.

She worked with Epic Bhangra for the film Sanam Re, where they released the song “Humne Pee Rakhi Hai“, a mix of club and EDM which was deemed as an “unnecessary addition to the album” and Kakkar vocals were noted to be “awfully shrill”.

She also provided her vocals for an additional song in the album, “Akkad Bakkad“, a rap song performed along with Baadshah to celebrate the music of the film.

Apart from lending her vocals to the party song, “Kar Gayi Chull” from Kapoor & Sons, which was a remake of the Haryanvi track “Chull” and her first recording for Dharma Productions

Kakkar performed several other recreated songs during the year including, “Maahi Ve”–a remake of the song “Maahi Ve” from Kaante (2002) and “O Janiya”–a remake of the song “Kaante Nahi Kat Te” from Mr. India (1987) for Wajah Tum Ho and Force 2 respectively.

Joginder Tuteja a critic from Bollywood Hungama opined that Kakkar’s rendition in the former is “decent but not as good as the original” while he noted that “Kakkar, the young woman is just the right follow up to Alisha Chinai as her voice comes with the right mix of naughtiness and seduction” in the latter.

Inspiration for Neha Kakkar

Every one of us in our lives at some point of time need to get inspired from somebody, it could either out friend, teacher or any big person who we adore very much. Many a times in the music industry mainstream singers always find their magic of learning and inspiration from the past legendary singers or the current legendary singers.

But mostly it is from our own family members Neha Kakkar has said that her own elder sister Sonu Kakkar was always her inspiration and always will be, and her brother Tony Kakkar is a pillar for her career.

Apart from her siblings, Kakkar mentioned Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan as her favorite music artists. “Like, there have been singers like Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar who have defined music and left their legacies, I believe they fit in the same league”.

Also inspired by Sonu Nigam’s versatility, she “hopes” that she will be able to sing diverse kinds of music. In spite of the musical artists, she called Govinda an “inspiration” and a “role model” to her.

“I have been following him since an age where we ourselves do not have an understanding about life” said Neha Kakkar in an Interview.

Collaborations

Yo Yo Honey Singh – Sunny Sunny, Manali Trance, Aao Raja, Chhote Chhote Peg, Moscow Suka
Pritam – Tukur Tukur, Dhating Nach, Second Hand Jawani,
A.R Rahman – Blue Theme
Amit Trivedi – Halka Halka, London Thumakda,
Tony Kakkar – Ek, Do, Teen , Chaar, Mile Ho TUm Hamko, Dheeme Dheeme.

Awards

PTC Punjabi Music Awards – 2017
Zee Rishtey Awards – Favourite Judge Award 2017.
Brit Asia TV Music Awards – 2018.
15^th Mirchi Music Award – 2020.

13 May 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Benny Dayal Biography

Benny Dayal was born on 13th May, 1984 in the city of Kollam, Kerala, India. He did his initial schooling from Abu Dhabi, UAE and later went to Madras Christian College to complete his graduation in B.Com. After he completed his graduation from MCC, he did a diploma in Journalism from the same college.

Benny got married to his long time model girlfriend Catherine Thangam in a close-knit ceremony in Bengaluru.

Career

Benny Dayal was born and brought up in Abu-Dhabi, Dubai. He completed his schooling from Abu Dhabi Indian School in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. He went on to complete his B. Com and Masters in Journalism from Madras Christian College.

Dayal worked as an Event Coordinator with RR Donnelley. He quit his job in BPO to accomplish his career with music.

After getting his interests in music he form his own band named S5 Band.

S5 Band

Benny Dayal had formed a band named S5 is an Indian pop band formed in 2004. The members of the band are Benny Dayal, Anaitha Nair, Suvi Suresh, Bhargavi Pillai and Arjun Sasi. They were the winners of the first SS Music voice hunt competition.

The band’s only album “Isai” (English: “music”) with 8 songs in Tamil language composed by Praveen Mani was released in March, 2005.

They later sung and performed all songs for the Malayalam movie By the People. They also recorded a song “Vaa endru koopidum” as a band for composer Yuvan Shankar Raja for a movie named “Vyuham”, but it was never released.

After one year the contract came to an end and the band split. Since then, all of them are pursuing their own careers. Benny Dayal has become a famous playback singer, Suvi Suresh has sung many hit songs in Tamil and Bhargavi Pillai in Telugu, while Anaitha Nair has become a Bollywood actress.

Acting Debut

He made his acting debut in the Malayalam movie ‘By The People‘ and showed his acting skills and impressed the director as well as audience along with his ‘S5 Partners’. The film was a suspense thriller and all the songs were sung by S5 members and it was during that time when A.R. Rahman noticed him, took an audition and as they say rest is history.

Benny Dayal has got many more upcoming projects in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages as far as his singing is concerned. After churning out some hit numbers of A.R. Rahman, he is well on his way to become a permanent singer to be featured in his upcoming films as well and it’s a momentary achievement.

Live Performances

Benny Dayal, like every other artists he has also played in front of audiences and gave a remarkable performance.

After getting successfully launched in Bollywood film industry after the recognition of A.R Rahman, Benny had piled up a few live performances in his career.

He had performed live in many cities and countries all over the world. With his melodious voice and soulful songs like.

Rehna tu – from Delhi 6
Lat Lag gayi – Race 2
Rootha – TE3N
Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi – Gajini.

He brings so much of joy and emotion in his voice that listeners just get along with him and follows him in his rhythmic songs.

Following is the list of places where Benny Dayal had performed till now –

IIT jodhpur, on 23 February 2020
Riviera 2020, VIT Vellore, on 13 February 2020
Imperium 2019, Management Development Institute, Gurgaon
Festember 2019, National Institute of technology, Tiruchirapalli
At Bacardi NH7 Weekender, Pune on 7 December 2018.
Redbull Music festival, Kochi, 24 November 2018
At Goa (Royal Enfield Raider Maniya) Live in concert on 19 November 2017.

Manipal Institute of Technology on 11 March 2017 as part of Revels, the annual cultural festival of MIT.
At IIT Hyderabad (ELAN- NVISION) Live in Concert on 21 January 2017
At PBWA Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav—Live in Concert on 21 October 2015
Spirit of Wipro Run 2015 – Wipro Limited, Bangalore on 20 September 2015
Zephyr 2013, the annual cultural festival of Orissa Engineering College in Bhubaneswar
2013 – Annual Cultural Fest, Siliguri Institute of Technology, Siliguri, West Bengal.
SSN College of Engineering on 5 March 2010, with Stephen Devassy and others
Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy, Tanjore as a part of the cult fest Kuruksastra in 2009
NIT Calicut on 26 March 2009 as part of the cultural festival Ragam ’09

Songs in other languages

Apart from Hindi language songs Benny Dayal has also sang songs in many different languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malyalam, Gujarati, Marathi and Bengali.

Benny Dayal has been highly recognized not only in Hindi language films but with different languages films as well. His tone of voice and style of singing has given him so much of talent and face around the globe.

Following are some of his famous songs in

Tamil Language

Balleilakka
O Nenje
Chikku Bukku
Step Step
Sirikkalam Parakkalam

Telugu Songs

Gum Gum Yeyo
Bhoome Gundranga
Vegam Vegam
Sugar Honey

Malyalam Songs

Aaramam nirangal
Chalaname
By the People

Bengali Songs

O Modhu I Love You
Party All Night
Bonny

Hindi Songs

Badtameez Dil
Locha-E-Ulfat
Pepsi ki Kasam
Naach Meri Jaan
Lucky Tu Lucky Mein
Ude Dil Befikre

Collaboration

A.R Rahman – Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, Yuvraaj, Love Aaj Kal 2, Baba(Tamil), Sivaji(Balleilakka), Azhagiya Tamil Magan, Sakkarakatti (Tamil).
Salim- Sulaiman – Rocketsingh , Pyaar Impossible, Tarkeebein, Band Baja Baraat, Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, Jodi Breakers, Heroine, Chakravyuh.
Pritam – Golmaal Returns(Vacancy), Badmaash Company (Badmaash Company), Always Kabhie Kabhie, Cocktain, Lat Lag Gayi, Ye Jawani Hain Deewani, Phata Poster NIkla Hero.
Vishal – Shekhar – Hasee Toh Phasee, Bang Bang, Befikre, War,

Awards

Filmfare Award – RD Burman Award for New Music Talent – Kaise Mujhe (Gajini)
Stardust Award – New Musical Sensation – Pappu Can’t Dance Sala (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
Ananda vikadan Cinema Awards – Best playback singer – male.

25 April 2021 | Bollywood Singer

Arijit Singh Biography

Arijit Singh was born in West Bengal to a Punjabi father and a Bengali mother. He hails from a family of musicians with his maternal grandmother being a singer, maternal aunt being trained in Indian classical music, maternal uncle playing the tabla, and his mother being a singer and a tabla player, imparting music to this artist since his childhood.

He studied at Raja Bijay Singh High School and Sripat Singh College. He learnt Indian classical music from Rajendra Prasad Hazari and trained in playing the tabla under Dhirendra Prasad Hazari. He trained for Rabindra Sangeet and pop music under Birendra Prasad Hazari.

Arijit Singh first married one of his co-contestants Koyal Singh from a reality show, but got divorced. The singer then married his childhood friend Koel Roy in Tarapith temple, West Bengal in 2014. Koel was also previously married and has a daughter from her first wedding.

Career

Arijit Singh’s musical career began when his guru Rajendra Prasad Hazari, who felt that “Indian classical music was a dying tradition“, insisted he leave his hometown and participate in the reality show Fame Gurukul (2005) at the age of 18. Arijit Singh was eliminated by audience polling, finishing in sixth place.

During the show, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recognized his talent and had him sing “Yun Shabnami” a song scheduled to be used in his upcoming film Saawariya. During production, the script changed and the song was no longer required. It was never released. After the Fame Gurukul, Kumar Taurani, the head of Tips, signed him for an album which was never released.

Arijit Singh participated in another reality show 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil and won. He chose to move to Mumbai in 2006 to freelance, staying in a rented room in the Lokhandwala area of the city. He invested the prize money of ₹1 million from 10 ke 10 Le Gaye Dil to build his recording studio. He became a music producer and began composing music and singing pieces for advertisements, news channels and radio stations.

Arijit Singh spent a part of his early musical career as a music programmer and music producer for music directors such as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Vishal-Shekhar, Mithoon, Monty Sharma and Pritam. While working with other composers he supervised the vocals, and the chorus sections, but it was while working with Pritam, that he began to produce and program music by himself.

Arijit Singh started working with Pritam on three films—Golmaal 3, Crook and Action Replayy. He started with singing scratches in the Telugu Film Industry with the 2010 film Kedi with the song “Neeve Na Neeve Na” composed by Sandeep Chowta.

Bollywood Debut

Arijit Singh made his Bollywood musical debut with the Mithoon composition, “Phir Mohabbat” from Murder 2, which though he recorded it in 2009 was released in 2011.

The same year, when he was programming for the song “Raabta” from Agent Vinod (2012)

Pritam asked him to sing as well. The part was retained in all four versions of the song, and he was made to sing the entire composition in one of the versions. Apart from Agent Vinod, Arijit Singh dubbed for Pritam in three, other films released during the year: Players, Cocktail and, Barfi! He also sang for Chirantan Bhatt in 1920: Evil Returns for the song Uska Hi Banana.

Glamsham in its review of the song “Uska Hi Banana” wrote that Arijit had sung the song intensely, emotionally and passionately and at a very high pitch.

Arijit Singh sang on Vishal–Shekhar’s composition “Duaa” in the film Shanghai.

It won Arijit Singh the Mirchi Music Award for Upcoming Male Playback Singer award. He was nominated in the same category for Phir Le Aya Dil from Barfi!

Arijit Singh breakthrough came in Aashiqui 2 where he was a lead and key vocalist and came to prominence with the release of the song “Tum Hi Ho” from the movie.

The song won him several awards and nominations including Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer. Arijit continued to work with Pritam, singing

Dilliwaali Girlfriend
Kabira
Ilahi for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Balam Pichkari
Main Rang Sharbaton Ka
Dhoka Dhadi
Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari
Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse
Laal Ishq

Working With Sajid-Wajid and A. R Rahman

Arijit Singh got the chance to work with two of his favourite music directors, Sajid–Wajid and A. R. Rahman. Arijit Singh’s performed two tracks on Main Tera Hero and the song Raat Bhar from Heropanti for Sajid-Wajid

Medhuvaagathaan
Samjhawan
Aaj Phir
Mast Magan
Jiya
Jaise Mera Tu
Hai Dil Ye Mera
Manwa Laage
Sajde

Recent Works

In the starting of the year 2020, 10 of his songs were released. Out of these, two songs are chartbusters Shayad

Haan Main Galat
Khulne Do
Sab Jhulas Gaya
Dua Karo
Chal Ghar Chalen
Azaadi Ke Liye

He has also sang a song in a Bengali film, Love Aaj Kal Porshu.
On 18 July 2020, Singh announced his upcoming venture in making non-film music under the banner “Oriyon Music”.

He made an appearance in a music video from Sunny M.R.’s new single “Lifafe” on 31 July 2020.

Singh released his first single “Rihaa” under his banner Oriyon Music on 4th October, 2020; along with the Bengali version “Mukto Kore Dao” on 10th October, 2020 with the Hindi lyrics written by Shloke Lal and the Bengali lyrics written by Singh himself.

Arijit’s Inspiration

Arijit has shared his fondness for Kishore Kumar, while citing Mohit Chauhan and Atif Aslam as inspirations with whom he is often compared. Though he has been inspired by many artists, Singh named KK as his favorite singer along with Ayushmann Khurrana. He named Pritam Chakraborty, Vishal–Shekhar, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Amit Trivedi, Mithoon and A. R. Rahman as his favorite music directors. Singh has idolized Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan.

In an interview with Filmbeat in April 2013, he declared that he is the biggest fan of singer Krishnakumar Kunnath (KK). His desire to sing for Aamir Khan came to reality in 2016 with the song “Naina” from Dangal. In an interview with The Indian Express, Singh stated that he loves the work of Shalmali Kholgade, Shefali Alvares, and Irfan. He also mentioned that his “current favorite” singer is Chinmayi.

In 2016 he appeared on the popular chat and comedy show The Kapil Sharma Show aired on Sony TV India. The show’s host Kapil Sharma explained the difficulties he had bringing Singh on the show due to his shy nature.

Singh has often been portrayed by the Indian media as a “small-town boy who made it big”. He had also been trolled on social media to which he replied “I use my social media sparingly for things that are close to my heart. I don’t read the comments. My team filters out the comments for me, I don’t involve myself a lot into paying attention to criticism on social media. I speak what I want to speak and my team lets me know the needful.

Arijit Singh’s Hobbies

Apart from being a singer Arijit Singh, he is a badminton player, a writer, a movie freak and a documentary maker. He also likes cricket, football and his favorite sportsmen are Sachin Tendulkar, Lance Klusener, Sourav Ganguly, and Jonty Rhodes. He is an ardent football fan, and a self-proclaimed Manchester United fan. He has also expressed a wish to sing the anthem for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In badminton, he likes Saina Nehwal.

Arijit enjoys listening to retro songs by Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi and the classical and ghazal songs along with the music of Coldplay. He expressed his desire to work with artist Norah Jones someday as he loves her music. He says he is uncomfortable with all the attention that fame has brought.

In an interview given to Mid-day.com in the December 2016, Arijit said “Independent music in India needs to be redefined” and he is working on some “independent music projects” but he believes that Bollywood music overpowers independent music, and there is a lack of infrastructure and platform for independent music in India, and it is difficult to produce it in India.

Collaboration

Pritam – Players, Agent Vinod, Cocktail, Barfi!, Shanghai, Phata Poster Nikla Hero, R…Rajkumar, Yaariyan, Shaadi Ke Side Effects.
Jeet Ganguly – Aashiqui 2, Youngistaan, Citylights, Singham Returns, Khamoshiyan, Mr. X, Hamari Adhuri Kahani, Boss, Rangbaaz
Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy – Kuda Na Khasta (One By Two), Mast Magan (2 States), Sajde (KillDill), Ghayal Once Again, Raazi, Chhapaak,
Amit Trivedi – Aaj se Teri (Padman), Woh Ladki, Dooba Dooba (Andhadhun), Kedarnath.
Indraadip Das Gupta – Proloy, Mishawr Rawhoshyo, Hanuman.com, Chander Pahar.

Awards

Bollywood Hungama Surfers Choice Music Awards – Aashiqui 2 & Dilwale – 2013, 2016
Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Aashiqui 2, Dilwale , Roy , Ae Dil Hain Mushkil, Raazi and Kalank – 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 & 2020.
Gaana User’s Choice Icons – Favorite Male Artist – 2016.
GIMA Award for Best Male Playback Singer
Star Guild Award for Best Male Playback Singer
IIFA Award for Best Male Playback Singer
Music Mirchi Awards
Mirchi Music Awards Bangla
National Film Awards
RMIM Puraskaar
Screen Award for Best Male Playback
South Indian International Movie Awards
Stardust Awards
Tele Cine Awards
West Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards

Remembering Late Mohammed Rafi on his 96th Birthday

Mohammed Rafi biography:

Family of Mohammed Rafi:

Mohammed Rafi Career:

Life in Bombay (present day – Mumbai)

Working with Notable Music Directors:

Mohammed Rafi Other Contemporary Singers:

Mohammed Rafi Saab’s Legacy:

Mohammed Rafi Academy:

Collaboration:

Awards and Nominations:

Honors: