Quick facts
| Born | 1 December 1955 |
| Birthplace | Baisi village, Supaul district, Bihar, India |
| Full name | Udit Narayan Jha |
| Profession | Playback singer; also an actor in Nepali cinema |
| Padma Shri | 2009 |
| Padma Bhushan | 2016 |
Career
He made his debut in 1980 in the film Unees-Bees, in a duet with Mohammed Rafi. He broke through in 1988 with Papa Kehte Hain from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, sung with Alka Yagnik.
His notable songs include Mendi Laga Ke Rakhna from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Chand Chhupa Badal Mein from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Mitwa from Lagaan (2001), Jaane Kyon Log from Dil Chahta Hai (2001), and Yeh Taara Woh Taara from Swades (2004).
Awards and honours
He has won several National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards. He received the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. In 2001 the Government of Nepal awarded him the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu.
- Became a legendary Bollywood playback singer through his massive 1988 breakthrough hit "Papa Kehte Hain" from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, defining the golden era of Indian film music with iconic tracks for blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Lagaan.
- Cemented his status as a musical titan by earning multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards, alongside prestigious civilian honors including the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016.
- Maintains an active global touring schedule, engages fans via his digital channels, and expanded his industry footprint by producing the National Film Award-winning Bhojpuri feature Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar.
Later activities
He has an active YouTube channel and continues to perform concerts. He also produced the Bhojpuri film Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar, which won a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri.
Net worth
Not publicly estimated.
