Tuesday, 20 October 2026

Alka Yagnik

Playback singer

Alka Yagnik is an Indian playback singer who is one of the most prolific female voices in Hindi cinema. She is often called the Melody Queen and is among the most-streamed artists on YouTube. She won two National Film Awards and multiple Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.

Profession
Playback singer
Known for
Hindi film playback singing, including Taal, Dhadkan and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Date of birth
1966-03-20
Birthplace
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Nationality
Indian

Quick facts

Born20 March 1966
BirthplaceKolkata, West Bengal, India
ProfessionPlayback singer
Lata Mangeshkar Award2013
Padma Bhushan2026, as reported

Early career

She began singing for All India Radio in Calcutta in 1972, at the age of six. Later she moved to Mumbai, where she was advised to wait for a later break as a singer.

Notable songs

Her well-known songs include Ek Do Teen from Tezaab (1988), Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai from Khalnayak (1993), and Ghoongat Ki Aad Se from Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993). In 1998 she sang Kuch Kuch Hota Hai from the film of the same name, and Zara Tasveer Se Tu from Pardes.

In the 2000s she sang Taal Se Taal from Taal (2000), Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se from Dhadkan (2001), and O Re Chhori from Lagaan (2002).

Awards and recognition

She won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer twice, for Ghoongat Ki Aad Se in 1993 and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998. She has won several Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, and two Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards. She received the Lata Mangeshkar Award in 2013.

NXT QUICK TAKE ✨ AI Summary
  • Ascended as the definitive "Melody Queen" of Bollywood, capturing the nation's heart with iconic 90s chartbusters like "Ek Do Teen" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai."
  • Cemented her legendary status with two National Film Awards, multiple Filmfare accolades, the prestigious Lata Mangeshkar Award, and recognition as one of YouTube's most-streamed global artists.
  • Transitioned seamlessly into television as a star-studded reality show judge while continuing to inspire millions, despite facing a 2024 battle with sensorineural hearing loss.

Later activities

She has judged several television singing shows, including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs on Zee TV, and has appeared as a guest on Indian Idol. In 2024 she was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss.

Net worth

Not publicly estimated.

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