Alka Yagnik: Bollywood’s Golden Songbird
If you’ve ever enjoyed a romantic song in a Bollywood movie, the chances are Alka Yagnik is behind it. Alka Yagnik is not just a singer but the voice of a generation. Be it a heavy-duty romantic ballad or a peppy dance number, her songs have punctuated all our life moments. She is one of the most praised and adored playback singers in India with a career spanning almost 40 years.
Born to Sing.
Alka Yagnik was born on March 20, 1966, in Kolkata in a musical family. Being raised in a supporting family, Alka was raised with music, due to her mother being a classical singer. She performed bhajans at the age of six on All India Radio, making her a child prodigy. Alka Yagnik's parents recognized her singing talent and early on brought her to Mumbai.
The Song That Changed Everything.
Breaking into Bollywood may not be easy, but Alka’s talent was hard to miss. Alka Yagnik got her first break with Mere Angne Mein from Laawaris (1981). Actually, Ek Do Teen from Tezaab (1988) made her an overnight popular star. The song was picturized on popular actor Madhuri Dixit. It became an anthem of the decade. The song became unforgettable due to Alka's powerful yet playful vocals. Through this song, she won her maiden Filmfare Award, after which started an illustrious career.
Ruling the 90s and Beyond.
If the 90s had a voice, it would be Alka Yagnik’s. Alka’s songs had that kind of magic which made her feel it like no other. She was everywhere for a good reason. Some of her all-time classics include.
Taal Se Taal Mila was a 1999 song from the film Taal and sends chills.
Choli Ke Peeche is bold, controversial and certainly very addictive.
The song Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se from Dhadkan is heart-touching song.
The song ‘Agar Tum Saath Ho’ by Alka Yagnik from Tamasha proves her voice still has emotions.
The song that sparked the romance of the 90s. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai - symphony and love storm.
Bollywoods biggest heroines have their songs sung by Alka. Alka Yagnik sang for Madhuri, Kajol, Rani Mukerji and Aishwarya were all her patients.
Awards? She’s Got Plenty!
Alka Yagnik isn’t just a singer; she’s a record-breaker. She has many awards to her name, but just a few here.
7 Filmfare Awards (and trust us, she deserves every single one of them!).
She has received 2 National Film Awards for Ghoongat Ki Aad Se and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
She is one of the most streamed women to have received a Guinness World Record Award.
Did You Know?
Alka Yagnik has sung a Bollywood song more than any other female playback singer.
For several years now, she has been the most streamed female artist on YouTube across the world!
She turned down songs that she felt were not right for her so one must always be oneself.
She has sung in numerous Indian tongues confirming that she is definitely pan-Indian.
Still a Fan Favourite.
Alka Yagnik’s songs are still popular at weddings, long drives and any place where people gather to party. Even today, she inspires many singers and is still etched in our hearts. The songs she sings give an emotion to take back along with a memory to love.
What’s Your Alka Yagnik Anthem?
What song by Alka Yagnik reminds you of a memorable moment in your life?
Share your favorites in the comments!
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