Adharma is the Sanskrit antonym of Dharma. It means 'that which is not in accord with the law' - referring to both the human written law and the divinely given law of nature. Connotations include unnaturalness, wrongness, evil, immorality, wickedness, or vice.

See also

Anrita

References

Category:Sanskrit words and phrases

Name	Kumar Sanu
Background	solo_singer
Alias	Kedarnath Bhattacharya
Born	September 23, 1957 Kolkata, India
Instrument	Tabla
Genre	Playback singing
Occupation	Singer,Actor,Music Director,Film Producer
Years active	1984–present

Kumar Sanu (alias Kedarnath Bhattacharya (), born in Kolkata, is a leading Indian playback singer of Bollywood. He won the Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for five consecutive years. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2009.

Early life

Kumar Sanu's father Pashupati Bhattacharya was a vocalist and composer. He trained Sanu as a singer and tabla player. After getting a degree in commerce from Calcutta University, Sanu began performing publicly in 1979, singing at shows and restaurants around Calcutta. He modeled his singing style after Bollywood singer Kishore Kumar. Later he developed his own singing style.

Career

In 1987, music director and singer Jagjit Singh offered Sanu the chance to sing in the Hindi film Aandhiyan. Sanu then relocated to Mumbai, where Kalyanji-Anandji gave him chance to sing in the film Jaadugar. Kalyanji-Anandji suggested that he change his name from Kedar Nath Bhattacharya to Kumar Sanu.

Sanu started off singing Jagjit Singh's film songs, and went on to work with composers including Naushad, Ravindra Jain, Hridayanath Mangeshkar, Pt.R K Razdan, Kalyanji Anandji, and Usha Khanna.

For the 1990 film Aashiqui, music directors Nadeem-Shravan got Sanu to sing all but one of the songs which included 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. He won the first of his record five consecutive Filmfare awards as Best Male Playback Singer. His next Filmfare Awards came for songs in the movies Saajan (1991), Deewana (1992), Baazigar (1993), and (1994).

Sanu often collaborated with Nadeem-Shravan. Some of their collaborations include songs in movies like Aashiqi(1990), Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991),Sadak (1991), Saajan (1991), Deewana (1992), Dil Ka Kya Qusoor(1992),Kal Ki Awaz (1992), Shreeman Aashique (1993), Salami (1993), Damini: Lightning (1993), Dil Wale (1994), Agni Sakshi (1996) Raja Hindustani (1996), Jeet (1996) Pardes (1997), among others.

Sanu is often credited with having one of the leading voices among playback singers in India. In a career spanning two decades he has sung with numerous successful composers to name R.D. Burman, Anand-Milind, Anu Malik, Jatin-Lalit, Ismail Darbar, Kalyanji Anandji. Sanu has also worked with A. R. Rahman in Milgayee Milgayee from Kabhi Na Kabhi.

He has also turned his trade at making music for Indian films and also produced the Bollywood film, Utthaan.

Sanu was in 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) and on Zee Bangla TV in a music reality show called Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Vishwa Sera.

Hungama released a new single Lamhaa Ho Tum on Valentine's Day 2010 by Kumar Sanu, composed by Saikat Shankar and the song is written by Abhishek Brothers.

Awards

2009: Padma Shri: India's 4th highest civilian honour given by Government of India.

Filmfare

;Filmfare Best Male Playback Award

1990; Ab tere bin jeelenge hum - Aashiqui

1991: Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai - Saajan

1992: Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar - Deewana

1993: Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen - Baazigar

1994: Ek Ladki Ko Dekha -

Star Screen Award

;Star Screen Award for Best Male Playback

1994: Ek Ladki Ko Dekha - - Star Screen Award

Politics

He joined Bharatiya Janata party in 2004 in a ceremony headed by (party) president Venkiah Naidu.

References

External links

Category:Living people Category:Bengali musicians Category:Bengali people Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Indian film singers Category:Indian male singers Category:People from Kolkata Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri Category:University of Calcutta alumni

Name	Asha Bhosle
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Asha Mangeshkar
Born	September 08, 1933Sangli, Bombay Presidency, British India
Genre	Pop, folk, Indian classical music
Occupation	Singer, playback singer
Years active	1943–present

Asha Bhosle () (born September 8, 1933) is an Indian singer. She is one of the best-known and most highly regarded Hindi playback singers in India, although she has a much wider repertoire. Her career started in 1943 and has spanned over six decades. She has done playback singing for over 1000 Bollywood movies, and among other activities she has recorded many private albums and has participated in numerous concerts in India and abroad. Bhosle is the sister of playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Renowned for her voice range and often credited for her versatility, Bhosle's work includes film music, pop, ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian Classical music, folk songs, qawwalis, Rabindra Sangeets and Nazrul Geetis. She has sung in over 18 languages including Assamese, Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, English, Russian, Czech, Nepali, Malay and Malayalam.

In 2006, Asha Bhosle stated that she had sung over 12,000 songs, a figure repeated by several other sources. The World Records Academy, an international organization which certifies world records, recognized her as the "Most Recorded Artist" in the world, in September 2009.

Biography

Asha Bhosle was born in the small hamlet of Goar in Sangli, Bombay Presidency (now in Maharashtra), into the musical family of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar. Her father was a theater actor and classical singer. When she was nine years old, her father died. The family moved from Pune to Kolhapur and then to Mumbai. She and her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar began singing and acting in films to support their family. She sang her first film song Chala Chala Nav Bala for the Marathi movie Majha Bal (1943). The music for the film was composed by Datta Dawjekar. She made her Hindi film debut when she sang the song Saawan aaya for Hansraj Behl's Chunariya (1948). Her first solo Hindi film song was for the movie Raat Ki Raani (1949).

At the age of 16, she eloped with 31-year-old Ganpatrao Bhosle, marrying him against her family's wishes. Ganpatrao was sister Lata's personal secretary. The marriage failed miserably. Her husband and in-laws mistreated her. After a few years of marriage, Bhosle was turned out (around 1960) by a suspicious Ganpatrao and she went to her maternal home with two children and pregnant with her third child, Anand. She continued to sing in films to earn money.

At that time, prominent playback singers like Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum and Lata Mangeshkar (her sister) monopolized the singing for the "heroine" roles and the big films, whilst Asha Bhosle used to get the assignments they did not take: singing for the bad girls and vamps, or songs in the second-grade movies. In the 1950s, she sang more songs than most other playback singers in Bollywood (not counting Lata), yet most of these were in low budget B or C-grade films. Her earliest songs were composed by A R Qureshi, Sajjad Hussain and Ghulam Mohammed, most of which failed to do well. Some of the most popular Asha Bhosle-Helen numbers are Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan), O Haseena Zulfon Wali (Teesri Manzil), and Yeh Mera Dil (Don).

By the 1980s, Asha Bhosle had been stereotyped as a "cabaret singer" and a "pop crooner". In Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan, she proved her versatility by singing ghazals like Dil cheez kya hai, In aankhon ki masti ke, Ye kya jagah hai doston and Justju jiski thi. The music director Khayyam, had lowered her pitch by half a note. Asha herself was surprised that she could sing so differently. The ghazals won her the first National Award of her career. A few years later, she won another National Award for the song Mera Kuchh Saamaan from Ijaazat (1987).

In 1995, a 62-year-old Asha Bhosle did playback for young actress Urmila Matondkar in the movie Rangeela. The soundtrack featured songs like Tanha Tanha and Rangeela Re sung by her, and composed by music director A. R. Rahman, who went on to record many more songs with her.

As late as 2005, 72-year-old Asha Bhosle's numbers for the Tamil film Chandramukhi and the pop song Lucky Lips for Salman Khan-starrer were chartbusters. Some of the other popular Tamil songs sung by Bhosle are Oh! Butterfly, September Maadham and Vennila Vennila.

In October 2004, The Very Best of Asha Bhosle, The Queen of Bollywood, a compilation album of songs recorded by Bhosle for albums and Bollywood films that were released during 1966-2003, was released.

Partnership with music directors

;O.P. Nayyar

Music director O. P. Nayyar's association with Asha Bhosle is part of Bollywood lore. He was the composer who first gave Asha her own distinct identity. Many people have speculated about a romantic relationship between the two.

Nayyar first met Asha in 1952, at the music recording of Chham Chhama Chham. He first called her for a film called Mangu (1954), and gave her a big break in CID (1956). However, it was the success of Naya Daur (1957), that made the duo very popular. After 1959, she was emotionally and professionally involved with Nayyar.

The team of O.P. Nayyar and Asha Bhosle is best remembered for their breezy and sometimes sirenish songs. Some good examples of their sensuous numbers are Aaiye meherbaan picturised on Madhubala (Howrah Bridge, 1958) and Yeh hai reshmi zulfon ka andhera picturised on Mumtaz (Mere Sanam, 1965). They recorded songs for many hit movies like Naya Daur (1957), Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Howrah Bridge (1958), Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), etc. Some of their most popular songs include Aao huzur tumko (Kismat), Jaaiye aap kahan (Mere Sanam) etc. O.P. Nayyar used the Asha Bhosle-Mohammad Rafi duo for his most popular duets. some of these songs include Ude jab jab zulfein teri (Naya Daur). Main pyaar ka rahi hoon (Ek Musafir Ek Haseena), Deewana Hua Baadal, Ishaaron hi isharon mein (Kashmir Ki Kali) etc.

Asha recorded her last song for O.P. Nayyar in the movie Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974). The solo number Chain se got many awards, but it was not included in the movie.

They split on August 5, 1972. It is not clear what made them part their ways. On being asked the reason for their parting, O P Nayyar once said, "I know astrology very well. I knew that one day I had to part with her. Something also happened, that upset me, so I left her." She gives the credit for her first big break to B. R. Chopra, the producer of Naya Daur.

;Khayyam Another music director who recognized Bhosle's talent early was Khayyam. His partnership with Asha Bhosle dates back to his first movie Biwi (1948). Khayyam gave her some good assignments in the 1950s, including Dard and Phir Subah Hogi. But the team is chiefly remembered for the songs of Umrao Jaan.

;Ravi Music composer Ravi considered Asha one of his favorite singers. She sang for his first movie Vachan (1955). The melodious lullaby from the movie, Chandamama door ke became an overnight hit among young mothers in India. Ravi got her to sing bhajans for the movies Gharana, Grihasti, Kajal and Phool Aur Patthar, at a time when most of the composers remembered her only when they needed to record B-grade songs picturized on the vamps or the side-heroines. Ravi and Asha Bhosle recorded a variety of songs, including the popular funny duet with Kishore Kumar - C A T...Cat maane billi (Dilli Ka Thug). The bhajan Tora man darpan (Kajal) is considered one of Asha Bhosle's best songs.

They also recorded songs for many popular movies like Waqt, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Gumrah, Bahu Beti, China Town, Aadmi Aur Insaan, Dhund, Humraaz, and Kajal with her. For Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Ravi wanted Geeta Dutt (the wife of producer Guru Dutt) to sing the songs. But when she backed out, Guru Dutt insisted that Asha Bhosle sing the songs. During this period, S D Burman used Asha Bhosle as his lead female voice. She and S D Burman gave many hit songs in movies such as Kaala Pani, Kaala Bazaar, Insaan Jaag Utha, Lajwanti, Sujata and Teen Deviyaan (1965). They recorded many songs together after 1962 as well. Most famous of these songs were Asha Bhosle's duets with Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. The song Ab ke baras in Bimal Roy's Bandini (1963) consolidated her position as a lead singer. The seductive song Raat Akeli Hai from Jewel Thief (1967), picturised on Tanuja, became very popular.

;Rahul Dev Burman (Pancham) Asha first met Rahul Dev Burman (a.k.a. "Pancham") when she was a mother of two and he was in 10th grade having dropped out to pursue music. Their partnership was first noticed in Teesri Manzil (1966). She went on to record a variety of songs with him - cabarets, rock, disco, ghazals, Indian classical music and many more.

In the 1970s, Asha Bhosle and Pancham's youthful, Western songs took Bollywood music by storm - the raunchy cabaret Piya tu ab to aaja (Caravan, 1971, picturized on Helen), the rebellious Dum Maro Dum ( Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1971), the sexy Duniya mein (Apna Desh, 1972), the romantic Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973). Pancham also recorded many hit duets with Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar - Jaane jaan, dhoondhta phir raha (Jawani Diwani), Bhali bhali si ek soorat (Buddha Mil Gaya) etc.

In 1980s, Pancham and Asha Bhosle recorded subtle numbers for films like Ijaazat (1987)- Mera kuch saaman, Khaali haath shaam aayi hai, Katra Katra. They also recorded the popular duet O Maria (Saagar). Mera Kuchch saamaan, the R.D. Burman composition for Gulzar's Ijaazat won her the National Award for Best Singer.

Asha Bhosle used to call R D Burman "Bubs". She married him in 1980. Their partnership lasted until his death.

RD Burman made her sing some of the most legendary songs in Bengali language as well, namely Mohuyae Jomechhe Aaj mou go,Chokhe Chokhe kotha bolo Chokhhe naame brishti(Bengali version of Jaane Kya Baat hai), Baanshi sune ki ghore thaka jaye,Sondhya Belae tumi aami,Aaj Gungun gun gunje amar (Bengali version of Pyaar Deewana hota hai),etc.

;Ilaiyaraaja The prolific south Indian film composer Ilaiyaraaja began employing Asha Bhosle's vocals in the early 1980s, their earliest collaboration being for the film Moondram Pirai (1982) (or Sadma, its Hindi remake in 1983). Their association continued, mostly through the latter half of the 1980s and early 1990s. Some of their notable songs from this period include Shenbagamae (Enga Ooru Paattukkaaran, 1987, Tamil). In 2000, Asha sung Ilaiyaraaja's theme song for Kamal Haasan's political film Hey Ram. The song, Janmon Ki Jwala (or Aparna's Theme), was a duet with ghazal singer Hariharan.

;A. R. Rahman A. R. Rahman is given the credit for Asha Bhosle's 'comeback' with Rangeela (1994). Songs like Tanha Tanha and Rangeela Re were chartbusters. She and Rahman went on to record more hits like Mujhe Rang De (Thakshak), Radha Kaise Na Jale (Lagaan, duet with Udit Narayan), Kahin Aag Lage (Taal), O Bhanware (Daud, duet with K. J. Yesudas), Venilla Venilla (Iruvar,1999), Dhuan Dhuan (Meenaxi,2004). Naushad, later in his life, also admitted that he has been unfair to Asha Bhonsle. Asha has also worked with other noted Bollywood composers like Jatin Lalit, Bappi Lahiri, Kalyanji Anandji, Usha Khanna, Chitragupt, and Roshan.

Non-Bollywood music

Private albums

In a rare feat, noted lyricist, Gulzar, music director, R.D. Burman and Asha Bhosle, came together in 1987, to create a double album, titled, Dil Padosi Hai, which was released on September 8, 1987, Asha Bhosle's birthday. In 1995, Asha underwent the gatha bandan (thread-tying) ceremony with Hindustani classical music maestro Ali Akbar Khan to learn a classical repertoire held within the Maihar gharana (stylistic school of Indian classical music), as handed down to Khan by his father Allauddin Khan (the guru of Ravi Shankar). Later, Asha and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan recorded eleven fixed compositions (or bandishes) in California for Legacy, a private album that won them a Grammy Award nomination.

In 1990s, Asha experimented with the remixed R D Burman songs. She was criticized by many, including Khayyam for tampering with old melodies. Nevertheless, albums like Rahul And I became quite popular. In 1997, Asha did a private Indipop album Janam Samjha Karo with Leslie Lewis. The album was hugely popular and won her many awards including the 1997 MTV Award.

Asha had been once asked by the director B R Ishaara to compose music for one of his films, but she had politely declined. In 2002, she turned music composer with the album Aap Ki Asha, an eight-song music and video album. The lyrics were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri (his last lyrics) and the music was composed by Asha herself. The album was released by Sachin Tendulkar on May 21, 2001 at a lavish party in Mumbai. The album received mixed reviews.

Asha had spotted Pakistani singer Adnan Sami's talent when he was about 10 years old. At that time was performing in London, with R D Burman. It was she who had asked him to pursue his interests in music seriously. When Adnan grew up and became a professional musician, Asha sang the title duet with him for his best-selling album Kabhi to nazar milao. The two came together again in the album Barse Badal. The album comprises eight songs, based on Indian Classical music. She contributed the song Yun Na Thi to the recording Womad Talking Book Volume Four: An Introduction to Asia 1 on Womad Records.

Asha has sung ghazals for many albums like Meraj-E-Ghazal, Aabshar-E-Ghazal and Kashish. In 2005, Asha released a self-title album (Asha), a tribute to the four ghazal maestros - Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Farida Khanum and Jagjit Singh. The album features eight of her favorite ghazals like Farida Khanum’s Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo, Ghulam Ali’s Chupke Chupke, Aawargi and Dil Mein Ek Lahar, Jagjit Singh’s Ahista Ahista and Mehdi Hassan’s Ranjish Hi Sahi, Rafta Rafta and Mujhe Tum Nazar Se. These classic ghazals were recreated with modern sounds by the musician Pandit Somesh Mathur. The album was aimed at the younger generation, who, according to Asha, are "turned off" by the traditional sounds of tabla and sarangi.

Numerous compilations of Asha's songs have been released as well. To commemorate her 60th birthday, in 1993 EMI India released three cassettes: Bala Main Bairagan Hoongi (devotional songs), The Golden Collection: Memorable Ghazals (non-film ghazals by composers such as Ghulam Ali, R D Burman and Nazar Hussain), and The Golden Collection: The Ever Versatile Asha Bhosle (44 popular film songs).

In 2006, she recorded an album Asha and Friends, singing duets, with film actors Sanjay Dutt and Urmila Matondkar and famous cricket player Brett Lee, with whom she sang, You're the One for Me (Haan Main Tumhara Hoon). All these songs composed by Shamir Tandon were shot on video by journalist turned director S Ramachandran.

Concerts and collaborations with foreign artists

In 1980s and 1990s, Asha went globe-trotting, staging concerts in Canada, Dubai, UK, U.S. and many other countries. In 1989, during a world tour, she performed in 13 US cities in 20 days. Immediately after this, she had an already sold-out concert scheduled in Stockholm, Sweden. Due to the stressful schedule, Asha suffered a massive attack of colitis, together with fever, cough and weakness. In Stockholm, a pre-concert crisis meeting was called, attended by Asha's son (and manager) Anand and the sponsors. It was decided that the orchestra will play many instrumental tracks, the accompanying singers like Suresh Wadkar will shoulder the load, and Asha will make a small appearance. But Asha rejected all such proposals, and sang at the concert with great difficulty, in a not-so-good voice. Her first set of six Bollywood songs did not receive any response from the audience, which consisted mostly of Indian and Pakistani expats. Before the start of the second set of songs, a fan in the crowd requested her to sing a Marathi song. Asha obliged and sang Naach-naachuni ati mi damale ("I'm very tired of this endless dancing"). When the song ended, the auditorium erupted with claps and the encores started. After the concert, Asha was in bed for a month, recuperating from overexertion. In October 2002, she did a concert with Sudesh Bhosle and others, in London, for "Help the Aged" to help raise funds for older people in India. In 2007 she toured the USA, Canada, and West Indies in a tour called "The Incredibles". In this tour, she was accompanied by singers Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher. This tour went on to hold more than 20 concerts and was originally scheduled for only 12.

In the mid-1980s, Asha sang with Boy George (Bow down mister) and Stephen Lauscombe. In 1997, she sang a love song with the boy band Code Red, at the age of 64. She also recorded the song The Way you Dream (One Giant Leap, ) with Michael Stipe that was used in the English movie, Bulletproof Monk. The song was also released on the self-titled album 1 Giant Leap for 2002.

In 1997, the British band Cornershop paid tribute to Asha with their song Brimful of Asha, an international hit which was later remixed by Fatboy Slim. In 2001, the CD single of Nelly Furtado's "I'm Like A Bird" included a "Nellie vs. Asha Remix" created by Digital Cutup Lounge.

In 2003, British opera pop singer Sarah Brightman sampled her song "Dil Cheez Kya Hai" on her album Harem. It was used as the intro for her song "You Take My Breath Away".

In 2005, American string quartet Kronos Quartet re-recorded the R D Burman compositions like Chura Liya, Piya Tu, Mera Kuchh Saaman among others and got Asha to sing them. Despite her age (she had crossed 70), she recorded three to four songs in a day, leaving the quartet members stupefied. On August 23, 2005, You've stolen my heart - Songs From R D Burman's Bollywood was released in US. The album was nominated for Grammy Awards 2006 in the category of "Best Contemporary World Music Album". Earlier, in 1990s, a friend had introduced David Harrington of Kronos Quartet to the song Aaj ki raat. Harrington was mesmerised, and the song ended up on the album Kronos Caravan.

Also in 2005, The Black Eyed Peas sampled her songs "Ae Naujawan Sab Kuchh Yahan" (Apradh, 1972) and "Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Diwana" (Don, 1978) in their hit single "Don't Phunk with My Heart". In late 2006, Asha collaborated with Australian test cricket star, Brett Lee. The single, You're the One for Me debuted at number 4 on the charts and reached a peak position of number 2.

In 2006 Asha Bhosle recorded one song for the soundtrack of Pakistani movie Mein Ek Din Laut Kay Aaaonga. singing the song Dil Key Taar Bajey with famous Pakistani pop singer Jawad Ahmed. The song was aired as the part of the film's promotional campaign and became very popular, featuring on top music charts.

Personal life

Asha's house is situated in Prabhukunj Apt on Peddar Road area of South Mumbai. She has three children and five grandchildren. The eldest of her three children is Hemant Bhosle (named after Hemant Kumar), spent most of his early years as a pilot and quit to have a brief career as a music director. Asha's daughter Varsha, who is younger than Hemant, worked as a columnist for The Sunday Observer and Rediff. The youngest child is Anand Bhosle, who has studied business and film direction. He manages Asha's career. Her grandson, Chaitanya (Chintu) Bhosle (Hemant's son) also ventured in the world of music, as a member of a successful boy band, "Band of Boys". Her sisters Lata and Usha Mangeshkar are playback singers. The other two siblings, sister Meena Mangeshkar and brother Hridayanath Mangeshkar are music directors.

Asha is an excellent cook and cooking is her favorite hobby. She often gets flooded with requests by Bollywood celebrities for kadai ghosht and biryani and has rarely turned down a request. In fact, her paya curry, Goan fish curry and dal are very popular with the Kapoor family of Bollywood. Once, when asked in a Times of India interview, what if her singing career had not taken off, she said "I would have become a cook. I'd have cooked in four houses and made money."

Asha is a successful restaurateur and runs restaurants in Dubai and Kuwait, called Asha's. Asha's offers traditional north-western Indian cuisine. It has a presence in the Wafi City development in Dubai, as well as three restaurants in Kuwait, at The Avenues Mall, the Marina Mall and a brand new third outlet at the Spoons Complex. Other restaurants can be found in Abu Dhabi's Khaldiya Mall, Doha's Villagio and Bahrain's City Center Mall, with future outposts planned for Dubai's Mall of the Emirates and Cairo, Egypt. Asha Bhosle has a 20% stake in the business. Asha is not involved in day-to-day running of the restaurant which is looked after by the Wafi Group. She takes care of the kitchen and the décor. She personally trained the chefs for almost six months. According to a December 2004 report in the Menu Magazine, Russell Scott, a former head of Harry Ramsden's (the fish and chips chain), secured the UK rights to the Asha's brand and planned to open up to 40 restaurants over the next five years. As part of her chain of restaurants, Asha's, Ashatai has recently opened a new restaurant in Birmingham, UK.

Asha's fashion statement is white sarees with sparkling embroidery, pearls around her neck and diamonds. Harrington of Kronos Quartet said "The first time I met Ashaji she was dressed in the most beautiful sari with diamonds and looked very regal. Then I looked down and saw that she was wearing tennis shoes! I thought I love this woman."

Asha is a good mimicry artist as well. At a concert at World Trade Center in Dubai on April 22, 2004, she mimicked the song Kabhi To Nazar Milaao in the voices of Noor Jehan, Lata Mangeshkar and Ghulam Ali.

Nowadays, apart from singing and her restaurant, Asha is also working on her autobiography.

Rivalry with Lata Mangeshkar

Asha's sibling rivalry with her sister Lata Mangeshkar is often talked about, in spite of their insistence that these are just tales.

Lata considered Asha's act of eloping with her lover as irresponsible, leaving her alone to sing and earn for the family. This led to tensions among them. Asha herself accepted in an interview Asha said about the movie — "To have two women in long plaits, take a couple of incidents and exaggerate them into a 3-hour film is such a waste of time." She won her first two awards in 1967 and 1968, when Lata Mangeshkar still used to accept the award (Mangeshkar asked not to be considered for the award nominations after 1969 to promote new talent). After receiving the award in 1979, Bhosle emulated her elder sister and requested that her name not be considered for the nominations hereafter. Despite this, Bhosle is the most frequent winner of this award to date, tying with Alka Yagnik. She was later given a Special Award for Rangeela in 1996, and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. Following is the list of her Filmfare Awards:

Filmfare Best Female Playback Award:

1968: "Garibon ki Suno" (Dus Lakh, 1966)

1969: "Parde Mein Rehne Do" (Shikar, 1968)

1972: "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja" (Caravan, 1971)

1973: "Dum Maro Dum" (Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1972)

1974: "Hone Lagi Hain Raat" (Naina, 1973)

1975: "Chain Se Humko Kabhi" (Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye, 1974)

1979: "Yeh Mera Dil" (Don, 1978)

Other Awards:

1996 - Special Award (Rangeela, 1995)

2001 - Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

;National Film Awards Asha has won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer twice:

1981: Dil Cheez Kya Hai (Umrao Jaan)

1986: Mera Kuch Samaan (Ijaazat)

;Other awards Asha has won numerous other awards, some of which include: 1987: Nightingale Of Asia Award (from the Indo–Pak Association, UK).

1999: Lata Mangeshkar Award (Government of Maharashtra)

2000: Singer of the Millennium (Dubai).

2000: Zee Gold Bollywood Award (for Mujhe Rang De from Thakshak).

2001: MTV Award (for Kambakht Ishq).

2002: BBC Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair).

2002: Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer - Female (for Radha Kaise Na Jale from Lagaan).

2002: Zee Cine Special Award for Hall of Fame.

2002: Screen Videocon Award (for Radha Kaise Na Jale from Lagaan).

2002: Sansui Movie Award (for Radha Kaise Na Jale from Lagaan).

2003: Swaralaya Yesudas Award for outstanding contributions to Indian music. 2005: MTV Immies, Best Female Pop Act for Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo. 2005: Most Stylish People in Music.

;Honours and recognitions

In 1997, Asha became the first Indian singer to be nominated for the Grammy Award, for Legacy, an album with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

She has received seventeen Maharashtra State Awards.

She received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

She holds honorary doctorates from the University of Amravati and University of Jalgaon in Literature.

She has received The Freddie Mercury Award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts.

The Birmingham Film Festival paid her a special tribute in November 2002.

She was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India.

She was among top 20 music icons of the past 50 years by CNN.

Footnotes and references

Further reading

External links

Asha Bhosle: The Voice Of Bollywood And More - audio report by NPR

Category:1933 births Category:Living people Category:Bengali-language singers Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients Category:English-language singers Category:Female guitarists Category:Gujarati-language singers Category:Hindi-language singers Category:Indian female singers Category:Indian film singers Category:Indian guitarists Category:Kollywood playback singers Category:Marathi-language singers Category:Marathi playback singers Category:Nepali-language singers Category:People from Maharashtra Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan Category:Russian-language singers Category:Tamil-language singers

Name	Zubeen Garg
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Jiban Borthakur
Alias	Goldie
Born	November 18, 1972Assam, India
Instrument	Vocalist, guitar,tabla
Genre	Playback singing, Bihu, Indian pop, rock
Occupation	Singer, composer, actor
Years active	1992–present
Label	Various
Spouse	Garima Saikia Garg
Url	http://www.zubeen.com

Zubeen Garg (, born 18 November 1972) is a singer and composer from Assam, India, in the Bollywood and Assamese music scene. He plays dhols, guitar, dotora, mandolin, keyboard and various percussion instruments.

Background

Zubeen Garg hails from Jorhat, a developed city in upper Assam. His birth name is Zubeen Borthakur. He was named after the great composer Zubin Mehta and used their Gotra as his surname. Zubeen was born to Mr. Mohini. M. Borthakur, a famous lyricist and poet (who uses the pseudo name Kapil Thakur), and late Mrs. Ily Borthakur. However, because of transliteration discrepancies he is sometimes credited as Zubin Garg, Jubin Garg, or simply Zubin, Zubeen or Jubin and various combinations of the above mentioned.

The Borthakur family had its roots in Janji, Sivasagar. Mr. Borthakur was a magistrate and moved often during his early years along with little Zubeen. Zubeen's mother was a good dancer, an actress and a singer. However, she never turned these talents into a professional career. Instead, she decided to teach them to little Zubeen at home. Zubeen considers his mother to be his first guru and mentor. Zubeen's younger sister Jonkie Borthakur was a well known singer and actress who died in a car accident in 2002. Zubeen's other sister Palme, is a good bharat natyam dancer, presently living in Guwahati.

Feeling indebted to his loyal fans from Assam, Zubeen became involved in various charitable organizations dealing with AIDS and brain cancer. He plans on opening an institute in the near future to help those that are mentally challenged as well.

Zubeen lives with his wife Garima, a fashion designer, in his flat, which is a part of his music studio called Sound & Silence, located at 165/1, Sher-E-Punjab. Andheri East. Mumbai, India.

He is also working on a script for a Hindi film which was announced in August 2006. Zubeen has opened a chain of beauty parlors across the northeast India called Zubeen's Veda.

Entering the music scene

Zubeen started learning tabla from Guru Robin Banarjee, and then continued learning Assamese folk music form Guru Romoni Rai. He attended J.B. College in Jorhat, and then moved to B. Barooah College, where he was pursuing Bachelor of Science after his family moved permanently to Guwahati. But he did not complete his baccalaureate studies as he jumped in to the music scene. Zubeen's life had a turning point when he received the gold medal for his western solo performance in the youth festival held in 1992. This is where he got his first taste of success and confidence as vocalist. Apart from playing dhols, dotara, mandolin, percussions, Zubeen is an accomplished keyboard player. He broke into professional music scene in 1992, releasing his first album - Anamika. This unusual album, became an instant hit in entire northeast India and re-defined Assamese musical landscape for the coming 21st century. After that, there was no looking back for Zubeen. With about 40 albums to his name, Zubeen continues his musical career directing music to over 24 Assamese movies including a few Hindi and bangla movies as well. He received the best Music Award in 2005, for the Bangla movie Shudhu Tumi. Zubeen considers himself to be a musician having sung more than 9000 songs in various languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Oriya, Bengali, Marathi, Nepali, English, Bodo and many others. The song Ya Ali from the movie Gangster became a superhit in mainland India, the Middle East, and across South Asia. Following the success an Album titled 'Ya Ali Remix Blast' containing remix by DJ Suketu & Aks were released.

In 2000, Zubeen wrote, directed and acted (also watched) in his own Assamese film Tumi Mor Matho Mor. He acted, co-produced and scored music in another Assamese film Dinabandhu, for which received a national award in 2005. Zubeen had done music for Strings - Bound By Faith, a Hindi film, directed by Sanjay Jha was released in 2006. Mukha and Uronia Mon are the latest solo Assamese albums of Zubeen released in the year of 2007 under the N.K. Production banner. Currently he is working on his new Hindi album Chakra. Zubeen came up with his own Hindi album 'Zindagi'in 2007, which received good appreciation.

He has completed a video album "Rumal" which was released in 2008. Zubeen has mentioned that the video album will be released in Bengali version in Kolkata.

2010, Zubeen released his new album "Baahi" comprising some beautiful tracks.

List of Zubeen's albums

Assamese albums

{| |- | valign="top" |

Anamika

Sopunor Sokhi

Meghor Boron

Zubeenor Gaan

Mukti(added by saranga)

Hiya mon

Zubeenor Gaan

Shapoon

Xabda (Sobdo)

Paakhi(2000)

| valign="top" |

Snigdha Jonak

Shishu(2002)

Maya

Chinaki Mon

Akou Hiya mon

Niribili Godhuli

Lajuki mon

Jantra(2004)

Raang

Rangdhali

Mor Priyo Geet(remake)

Chinaki Sur(Remake)

Rongmaanguunu

Mukha(2006)

Rumal(2008)

Abujan Mon(2010)

Bahi(2010)

|}

List of Hindi album

Chandini Raat

Yuhi Kabhi

Zindagi

Music director in Assamese films

Barud

Bidhata

Daag

Dinobondhu

Rong

Hiya Diya Niya

Jeevan Nadir Duti Paar

Jumon Sumon

Jown Jwole Kopalot

Prem aaru Prem

Priya Milan

Kanyadaan

Mon Jai

Nayak

Tumi Mor Matho Mor

Ekhan nedekha nodir Sipare

Awards

Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) (2006)- Best playback singer (Male) for the song "Ya Ali".

Max Stardust Awards (2007)- New Musical Sensation (Male) for the song "Ya Ali".

Nominated for Film Fare Awards (2007)- Best Play Back Singer.

National Award (Rajat Kamal) (2009) for Best music director (non-feature film category) for his work on film 'Echoes of Silence'(English-Khasi)

Music Direction in Hindi movies & albums

Strings - bound by faith (14 July 2006)

Dhanyabad-Prashant Tamang 2007 (Indian idol 3)

As The River Flows 2010 (upcoming)

Zubeen Garg's songs

Zubeen Garg - Life, Music, Movies

Notes

Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:Assamese playback singers Category:Bollywood Category:Indian film singers Category:Musicians of Assam Category:People from Jorhat Category:Playback singers

Name	Vinod Rathod
Background	solo_singer
Born	Mumbai, India
Genre	Playback singing
Occupation	Singer
Years active	1987–present
Url	http://www.vinodrathod.com

Vinod Rathod, the son of singer Pandit Chhaturbhuj Rathod, is a Bollywood playback singer. He has sung in numerous popular Bollywood films including Chal Mere Bhai, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Mission Kashmir and Baazigar.

Rathod sang the song "Baa Bahu Aur Baby" in the Baa Bahu Aur Baby serial. His guru's name is Aksh Bhardwaj, son of Mr. Tarsem Lal Bhardwaj his father used to be in an Indian Air Force and his mother is a hostess.

Early life

Vinod Rathod was born to the late learned classical musician, Pandit Chaturbhuj Rathod. His father knew that Vinod is very talented and interested in music. Vinod could grasp the essentials of music and has shown a distinct flair for singing. Hence his father gave him basic training.

Career in Music

His career started when Usha Khanna [after listening to his voice in a cassette] called him on April 1986, to sing a qawwali, “Mere Dil Main Hai Andhera, Koi Shamma To Jala De” in Bedaag. Mohammed Aziz was his co-singer. Vinod recorded no less than 40 songs for the composer, and also sang for composers like Ajay Swami and Surinder Kohli in his struggle phase. His TV serial title song, “Yeh Jeevan Hai Akash Ganga” for the serial Akash Ganga proved very successful amongst viewers.

He entered the big films league when composers Shiv-Hari called him to record “Baadal Pe Chalke Aa” with Lata Mangeshkar and Suresh Wadekar which proved popular and “Zindagi Har Janam Pyar Ki Dastan” with Lata Mangeshkar in Yash Chopra's Vijay in 1988 proved to be a greater success. Vinod was the voice of Rishi Kapoor in this multi-starer film. He then sang for Rishi-Yash-Shiv-Hari again in Chandni in 1989. This song, “Parbat Se Kaali Ghata Takrai” with Asha Bhosle also proved a hit along with “Sheharon Mein Ek Shehar Suna” with Lata Mangeshkar.

However, he got his real break in 1992 when Laxmikant Pyarelal offered him “Romeo Naam Mera” for Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. It has proven to be one of the biggest hit of 1992. Laxmikant Pyarelal rapidly called him for more films, which instilled confidence for Vinod among the other composers like Anu Malik, Bappi Lahiri and Anand-Milind. As luck would have it, Nadeem-Shravan [Shravan is Vinod's elder brother] were at the crest of popularity, and though Nadeem favored Kumar Sanu, he gave Vinod Rathod the onus of being the voice of Shah Rukh Khan in Deewana. “Aisi Deewangi” with Alka Yagnik proved a rage and “Koi Na Koi Chahiye Pyar Karne Wala” too proved popular. This film was also released in 1992.

By 1993, Vinod Rathod was a busy man. Laxmikant Pyarelal gave him excellent songs in several films like Bedardi, Dilbar and many other films, and decided that he would be the major voice of Rishi Kapoor in the R K film Prem Granth. Their hits with him included “Jab Se Main Jara Sa Badnam Ho Gaya’ - Gumrah and “Nayak Nahin Khalnayak Hoon Main” - Khal-Nayak. Anu Malik swept aside Nadeem-Shravan by late 1993-94 and Vinod Rathod was very much there in hits like “Ae Mere Humsafar”, “Kitabein Bahut Si”, “Samajhkar Chand Jisko” and “Chupana Bhi Nahin Aata’ - Baazigar. Followed Ladla, Elaan, Agnisakshi, Muhabbat Ki Arzoo, Chahoonga Main Tujhe, Gambler, Parampara, The Gentleman, Zamana Deewana, Shreemaan Aashique, Maidan-E-Jung, Policewala Gunda, Hum Sab Chor Hain, Chaahat, Vastav and the hits “Duniya Ye Duniya Very Good Very Good” - Trimurti and “Dil Dene Ki Rut Aayi” – Prem Granth.

Vinod had a triumph of sorts in the Zee Telefilm, Mr. Shrimati, in which he sang “Aashiq Ki Hai Baraat”. His other hits include his songs from Deewana Mastana, Army, Hero No. 1 and Dulhe Raja, Tere Mere Sapne, and his latest chartbuster, “Dholi Taro Dhol Baje” - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, “Chalak Chalak” – Devdas, “M Bole To” - Munna Bhai MBBS which has given his career a new boost after 1999. His songs from Chal Mere Bhai have proved popular too.

“Main Hoon Number Ek Gawaiya” from Dulhe Raja proved his classical excellence which he has incorporated from his father. He has sung for all the leading composers and his list also includes Jatin-Lalit, Ravindra Jain, Bappi Lahiri, Viju Shah, Rajesh Roshan, Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen, Shantanu Moitra and A.R.Rahman.

His voice is flexible and suits from Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Nana Patekar, Govinda, Jackie Shroff, to Shahrukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan.

An unabashed Kishore Kumar fan, Vinod's singing replicates the punch, energy and throw of Kishore Kumar. His great voice and strong classical learnings has impressed mentors like Laxmikant Pyarelal. His regret is that could never sing for Rajesh Khanna, despite getting his first big film Vijay, whose cast was headed by the ex-superstar.

Vinod has worked for almost all reputed production houses of India. To mention a few : R K Films, Yash Raj Productions, Factory, Ramesh Sippy Productions, K C Bokadia Productions, Boney Kapoor Productions, Manmohan Desai Productions, Rajshree Productions, Mukta Arts, Bhansali Productions, Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions etc.

Not only a huge list of production houses Vinod has sung more than 3500 songs in various languages such as Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Sindhi, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya, Tamil, Kannad, Telgu, Rajasthani, Bhojpuri and Persian.

Personal life

Vinod is happily married to Prerna who is his lifelong inspiration. He is the brother of singer Roop Kumar Rathod and music director Shravan Rathod.

Filmography

Munnabhai Chale Amerika (2011)

Zamaanat (2008)

Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (2007)

Traffic Signal (2007)

Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)

Meri Majboori... (2006)

Vissfoth... (2005)

Pandit... Ek Yodha (2005)

Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

Baazigar (1993)

For complete list of his films check out http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711757/

International Performances

Grand Diwali concert at Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, 420-450 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale, CA, USA, on Saturday, October 25, 2008 was attended by thousands of fans, lovers of Vinod Rathod, a unique experience for the devotees, visitors of the temple.

Vinod Rathod is a rare person with his own style, the unique stylish entrance in the concert hall touched all his fans, greeting and reaching more hearts than anyone ever. Second performance on Sunday, October 26, 2008 was again enjoyed with same enthusiasm by everyone.

Vinod Rathod performed packed, successful solo concerts in Dallas and Houston. During this solo tour new round started at Deepawali festival in the largest temple in Bay Area, he will be reaching millions of his fans during various concerts in US and Canada.

References

Amarjit Oct 26, 2008 Our Digital Vision

Renu Oct 27, 2008 UPANA

External links

Diwali 2008 Sunnyvale, US concert updates at UPANA

US, Canada 2008 Tour updates at Our Digital Vision

Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:Indian singers

Name	Udit Narayan
Background	solo_singer
Born	He won three National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards. In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Name	Narayan, Udit
Date of birth	1955

Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Hindi-language singers Category:Idol series judges Category:Indian film singers Category:Indian people of Nepalese descent Category:Kollywood playback singers Category:Mithila Category:Nepalese singers Category:Nepali-language singers Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri Category:Telugu playback singers

Name	Sonu Nigam
Background	solo_singer
Born	July 30, 1973Faridabad, Haryana, India
Instrument	Vocals
Genre	Pop, playback singing
Occupation	Singer, Actor, Music Director, Television presenter, Radio Jockey
Years active	1985 – present
Url	sonuniigaam.in

Sonu Nigam (; ; born 30 July 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India) is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Kannada movies. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films. He has changed the spelling of his last name from 'Nigam' to 'Niigaam' in accordance with numerology, but not getting desired results, he returned to the old spelling 'Nigam'.

Career

Early years and playback singing

Sonu Nigam began his singing career at the age of three, when he joined his father on stage to sing Mohammad Rafi's "Kya Hua Tera Vaada, Wo Kasam Wo Irada." From then on Sonu accompanied his father on his singing appearances at weddings and parties. In his teenage years he participated in several music competitions successfully. He moved to Mumbai with his father to begin his Bollywood singing career at the age of 19.

His initial years in Mumbai proved to be a struggle, beginning by singing covers of Mohammad Rafi songs, mainly for a number of "Rafi Ki Yaadein" albums released by T-Series. T-Series promoter Gulshan Kumar played a key role in identifying Sonu's talent by giving him a chance to reach a larger audience. These albums contributed to T-Series for some years although Sonu's singing style was regarded by some to be like that of a "Rafi clone". Nigam's first movie song as a playback singer was in the film Janam (1990), which was never officially released. Sonu also got a break in several radio commercials until he appeared on the popular TV show Sa Re Ga Ma, after which there was no turning back. He was trained by Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, a very fine classical singer.

Sonu started hosting Sa Re Ga Ma in 1995 with the first episode airing on the 1st of May 1995. Sa Re Ga Ma, television singing talent competition, soon became one of the most popular shows on Indian television. The format of that show gave Sonu a chance to showcase his singing skills as well as his natural charm and audience appeal. Soon after, he sang "Accha Sila Diya" on the album Bewafa Sanam (1995), which was very successful. He has also released several devotional albums, both Hindu and Islamic ones, as well as albums of Mohammad Rafi's songs. These are from the "Rafi Ki Yaadein" collection in his early years, which have been re-released in September 2007 as a 6-disc collection of 100 songs , titled "Kal Aaj Aur Kal", in Mohammad Rafi's memory. In 2008, soon after releasing "Classically Mild", he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please", and "Rafi Resurrected", a 2-disc collection of Mohammad Rafi songs with music by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He has contributed to the lyrics of several of his album songs and directed the music for his album Chanda Ki Doli himself. His last album was Neene Bari Neene in Kannada.

He released a single titled "Punjabi Please" in 2008. After the untimely death of Micheal Jackson, of whom Sonu Nigam is a huge fan and who has considerably influenced his singing as is evident in his rendition of "Dil Deewana" in Pardes, Sonu released a tribute song to Micheal in collaboration with his fans on facebook. The song made it to an 18-song global compilation of tribute songs CD titled "The Beat of Our Hearts". Sonu Nigam is currently working on a new CD with famed Producer Rene van Verseveld at Future Sound Studios in Hollywood.

Over the years. Sonu has given concert performances in many countries, including United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, West Indies, Suriname, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa. In May/June 2007, he participated in a star-studded show in North America called "The Incredibles" in which famed Asha Bhonsle and recent singing sensations, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher, participated. In September and October, respectively, of the same year, he gave solo concerts titled, "Simply Sonu", in Canada and Germany, (becoming the first Indian singer to perform in the latter country). In April 2008, he did a marathon of concerts in various cities in India, promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".

In November 2007, at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, Sonu sang with the Harvard College Sangeet the late Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, " Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye".

In July 2008, he participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing numerous famous Mohammad Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This followed the release of these songs by the CBSO and the Indian music company Sa Re Ga Ma in a historic album entitled "Rafi Resurrected".

Amongst several other concerts, he notably participated in a US tour with Sunidhi Chauhan in 2009 called "The Explosion 2009" tour and in a UK tour titled "All Izz Well" in November 2010.

Television, radio and acting

Besides "Sa Re Ga Ma," Sonu Nigam also hosted the TV show "Kisme Kitna Hai Dum" and has appeared as a celebrity talent judge on the show Indian Idol (aired on Sony Entertainment Television) seasons 1 and 2. Sonu returned to Indian Idol in its third and fourth seasons as a judge. He was also a celebrity judge on Amul Star Voice of India in August 2007 in season 1 and in December 2008 in season 2. In October 2007, Sonu returned to the sets of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (formerly called Sa Re Ga Ma and again hosted by himself) in a historical moment of sorts, this time as a judge along with Suresh Wadkar. This was for the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International, a children's singing competition part of the show.

Sonu's acting career started as a child artist in a number of films including 1983's Betaab. As an adult, Sonu has acted in a few more films, namely alongside Sunny Deol, Manisha Koirala and Akshay Kumar as well as other actors; Kash Aap Hamare Hote, where he plays the male lead opposite Juhi Babbar, daughter of Raj Babbar; and most recently, Love in Nepal with Flora Saini and Sweta Keswani, where he again plays a leading role. However it is to be said that all three films have not done well at the box-office. although his acting was much better appreciated in his last venture. He has not taken up acting since his last venture Love in Nepal, but has recently been said to be involved in another film as a lead actor. The film, called Ankhon Ankhon Mein is supposedly about a blind singer.

Future projects

Sonu Nigam has a new album in the pipeline. His future projects also include an English album called Spirit Unfolding. He may be acting in a new film called Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein, about a blind singer, although he has not officially signed it yet.

He is working on a unique project called Time Travel, wherein his voice will be aligned with erstwhile singers in yesteryear Hindi songs.

Popularity in Karnataka

Sonu Nigam is immensely popular in South India, particularly in Karnataka due to his Kannada songs. He sang his first Kannada song in 1999 for the movie Snehaloka. But in 2006,his songs from the movie Mungaru Male became chart-busters and Sonu became an overnight star. In the subsequent years he has won Filmfare Awards South for his songs in Milana and Mussanjemaatu.

In August 2009, he released his first Kannada album Neene Bari Neene composed by ace music director Mano Murthy with lyrics by Jayant Kaikini.

Personal life and voluntary work

Sonu Nigam comes from a singing family. Born to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam on 30 July 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India, he attended the J.D. Tytler School. He has two sisters, Meenal and Neekita. In the last few years his father has released several hit albums including "Bewafaai" and "Phir Bewafaai" and, more recently, "Bewafaai ka Aalam". Neekita is also an up and coming singer and has several songs and awards to her name, both in Hindi and Kannada. Sonu married Madhurima on 15 February 2002. They have a son, Nevaan, born in 2007. Nevaan is also very interested in music and has recently recorded a song with Lata Mangeshkar.

Sonu Nigam practices fitness and yoga exercises, and has trained in taekwondo.

Nigam has done work for various charities all over India as well as abroad for Dignity Foundation, various cancer organizations, leprosy organizations, blindness organizations, women's welfare organizations, kargil war affected families, earthquake affected families. He also sponsors a child from the organization “Crayon”.

National Film Awards

* 2004 - Won - National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

Filmfare Awards

* 1997 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border (with Roop Kumar Rathod)

* 1999 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Ishq Bina" - Taal

* 2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tu Fiza Hain" - Fiza

* 2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee

* 2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

* 2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

* 2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

* 2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Do Pal" - Veer-Zaara

* 2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

* 2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tumse Milke Dil Ka" - Main Hoon Na

* 2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli

* 2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta

* 2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

* 2007 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om

* 2008 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke" - Jodhaa Akbar

* 2009 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Shukran Allah" - Kurbaan (with Salim Merchant)

Filmfare Awards South

* 2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannda) - "Ninnindale Ninnindale" - Milana

* 2009 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannda) - "Eenagali Mundhe Saagu" - Mussanjemaatu

* 2009 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannda) - "Mayavagide Manasu" - Haage Summane

Star Screen Award

* 1998 - Won - Best Male Pop Artist

* 2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee

* 2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tanhayee" - Dil Chahta Hai

* 2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Is Pyaar Ko Main Kya Naam Doon" - Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai

* 2003 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

* 2004 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tumse Milke Dil Ka" - Main Hoon Na

* 2005 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli

* 2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Baawri Piya Ki" - Baabul

International Indian Film Academy Awards

* 2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee

* 2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

* 2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "You Are My Soniya" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

* 2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

* 2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

* 2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

* 2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta

* 2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

* 2009 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "All Izz Well" - 3 Idiots

Zee Cine Awards

* 1997 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border ^†

* 2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer – Male - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

* 2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tanhayee" - Dil Chahta Hai

* 2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

* 2003 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

* 2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

* 2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta

* 2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli

* 2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

* 2007 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om

Bollywood Movie Awards

* 2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

* 2001 - Won - Best Pop Singer for the album Yaad

* 2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

* 2006 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

MTV Immies

* 2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

* 2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

* 2004 - Won - Best Pop Album - Chanda Ki Doli

MTV Style Awards

* 2003 - Style Icon 2003

* 2005 - Style Icon 2005

Anandalok Awards

2004 - Best Male Playback Singer - Bandhan

* 2005 - Best Pop Album - Chanda Ki Doli

Annual Central European Bollywood Awards

* 2007 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om

* 2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Me" - Jodha Akbar

Lions Gold Award

* 2005 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

* 2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Me" - Jodha Akbar

Indian Television Academy Award

* 2005 - Best Male Singer - Miliee

* 2008 - Best Male Singer - Amber Dhara

* 2009 - Best Male Singer - Dill Mill Gayye

Other Awards

* 1997 - Ashirwad Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border

* 1997 - Sansui Viewers' Choice Award for Best Male Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border

* 2003 - Apsara Film Producers' Guild Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

* 2005 - Swaralaya Yesudas Award, for his outstanding performance in Music

* 2005 - Teachers' Achievement Award

* 2006 - Nominated - Global Indian Film Awards - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

* 2008 - GPBA (German Public Bollywood Award) for Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om

2010 - GIMA (Global Indian Music Award) for Best Live Performer (Male)

† - Refused on the ethical ground of co-singer Roop Kumar Rathod not being nominated.

Discography

Filmography

{| class="wikitable sortable" |- !Film Title !!Character !!Year |- |Pyaara Dushman ||Tika Singh (credited as Master Sonu) || 1980 |- |Kaamchor ||Sonu (Rakesh Roshan's nephew), (credited as Master Sonu) || 1982 |- |Ustaadi Ustaad Se ||Raju (Young Mithun Chakraborty), (credited as Master Sonu) || 1982 |- |Betaab ||Sunny (Young Sunny Deol), (credited as Master Sonu) || 1983 |- |Hum se hai zamana ||Shiva (Young Mithun Chakraborty), (credited as Master Sonu) || 1983 |- |Taqdeer ||Shiva (Young Shatrughan Sinha), (credited as Master Sonu) || 1983 |- | ||Vivek Saxena || 2002 |- |Kash Aap Hamare Hote ||Jai Kumar || 2003 |- |Love in Nepal ||Abby || 2004 |- |Navra Maajha Navsacha (Marathi)||Guest appearance as himself in a song sequence || 2005 |}

References

External links

Official site

Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:Kayastha Category:Indian singers Category:Indian film singers Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Kannada playback singers Category:Indian film score composers Category:Indian pop singers Category:Indian male singers Category:Indian television presenters Category:Hindi film actors Category:Indian child actors Category:Indian actors Category:Indian film actors Category:Performers of Hindu music Category:People from Faridabad Category:Idol series judges Category:Sa Re Ga Ma Pa participants Category:Indian Hindus Category:People from Haryana

Name	Anuradha Paudwal
Background	solo_singer
Born	October 27, 1954
Instrument	Vocalist
Genre	playback singing, bhajans
Occupation	Singer
Years active	1973–present

Anuradha Paudwal () is a popular playback singer in Bollywood in India. She has sung songs in Hindi and Marathi.

Biography

She studied at Xavier's College in Mumbai (Bombay). She was married to the late Arun Paudwal, who worked with music director S. D. Burman as his assistant. Her singing career started in 1973 with the movie, Abhimaan, (starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan) in which she sang a Shloka (a Sanskrit verse). In the same year she also made her Marathi film debut with "Yashoda" (music by Datta Davjekar). In 1974, she brought out a record of Non-film Marathi songs or "bhav geeten" which became very popular.

In 1976, she got her break as a playback singer in Hindi films with Kalicharan(starring Shatrugan Sinha and Reena Roy). Her first solo was in the movie, Aap Beeti, (starring Hema Malini and Shashi Kapoor). Laxmikant-Pyarelal were the music-composer duo for that movie. She also occasionally sang songs for composers Rajesh Roshan (Des Pardes), Jaidev (Dooriyan, Laila Majnu), Kalyanji-Anandji (Kalaakar, Vidhataa), and Usha Khanna (Souten, Sajan Bina Suhagan).

Anuradha sang in a number of Marathi movies including the memorable "Disate Majalaa" (Ashtavinayak), "Raja Lalakaari", and "Kaalyaa Maatita Maatitaa". Most of these movies had music by the duo of Anil-Arun, Arun being her husband, who collaborated with Anil Mohile to form a pair.

Anuradha apparently never received any formal training in classical music, stating in an interview, "I have not received any formal training in classical music. I have tried many times, but it has never worked out. I learnt a little here and a little there, but ultimately, I just practiced for many hours listening to Lataji".

Anuradha gained recognition with her popular numbers for the movie, Hero, for composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Her collaboration with Laxmikant Pyarelal produced more success with songs for "Meri Jung"(O mere Kwabon ke), "Batwara" (Thaare Vaaste Re Dola-Tu Maaro Kaun Lage),"Nagina" and many more. "Ram Lakhan" saw Laxmikant Pyarelal giving three major hit songs to Anuradha. Their association ended with "Tezaab" where she sang two good numbers for them- "Kehdo ki tum" and "Hum tumko Dilbar Kyon mane".

Following this she collaborated with movie producer, Gulshan Kumar, and began a success streak with the movies, Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka, Tezaab, Aashiqui, and Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin. She along with Gulshan Kumar were instrumental in getting many unknown playback singers to the fore, including Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet, Sonu Nigam. New Music directors, including her husband Arun Paudwal, were introduced to the music world. Nadeem-Shravan, Anu Malik, Anand-Milind, Nikhil Vinay and Amar Utpal all collaborated with T-Series (Gulshan Kumar's music label) and started a new era of melody in Bollywood.She has sung maximum duets with Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu. Her other notable songs were also for the famous duo Shiv-Hari, Shivakumar Sharma and HariPrasad Chaurasia for the movie "Sahebaan". She has also sung for RD BUrman in her intial days and actually convinced him to make songs for Gulshan Kumar's label in his last days and the song "Aja Meri Jaan" set to one of the background score of R.D.Burman from "Saagar" is still popular. Anuradha also sang beautiful duets with her co-singers from the south, notably S.P.Balasubrahmanyam and K.J. Yesudas.

Anuradha has had her share of controversies as well. She was one of the rare singers to bloom during the reign of the Mangeshkar sisters in the Bollywood music industry. The death of her husband triggered sensational marriage and affair with Gulshan Kumar. She was also under much controversy when she dubbed the songs of Alka Yagnik in the film "Dil". This also caused rifts between Anand-Milind and Alka Yagnik, thereby causing them to not collaborate for 2 years. Later in 1998, Anuradha Paudwal dubbed the songs of Alka Yagnik once again for the film Itihaas, this time under the music direction of Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen. However, Alka Yagnik, protested, to which the music company, T-Series was forced to include both versions of the same song, one in the voice of Alka Yagnik and the other in the voice of Anuradha Paudwal. She further went to dub Lata Mangeshkar's song in "Radha Ka Sangam" citing that her voice suited the heroine better. Anu Malik, a smaller name then, who had composed the soundtrack of Radha Ka Sangam, protested against this move.

At her peak, Anuradha announced that henceforth she would sing exclusively for "T-Series", and concentrated on devotional songs and "cover-version" albums. T-Series used her attractive and pleasing looks to good effect in numerous Bhajan and promotional videos. She was the first playback singer whose face featured on music covers more than the film's actors. She sang for T-series for some time and then went into a sabbatical. After about five years, she restarted her playback career. She sang a few hit songs for her old music directors but the reception for her comeback was mild.

Although Anuradha has significantly cutback in singing for films, she has continued on with her popularity for singing devotional songs and creating devotional albums, which ultimately remains her forte. She has collaborated with Pandit Jasraj on his "Geet Govind , many devotional albums with Anup Jalota. Her voice is well suited on devotional numbers

In marathi Anuradha has sung for music directors like her husband Arun Paudwal, Anil-Arun (i.e. Anil Mohile and Arun Paudwal duo), Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Shridhar Phadke

Awards and recognition

1986: Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback category for the song Mere Mann Bajaa Mridang in the movie, Utsav.

1990: National Film Award for female playback for the song He Ek Reshami in the Marathi film Kalat Nakalat

1991: Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback category for the song Nazar Ke Saamne in the movie, Aashiqui.

1992: Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback category for the song Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi in the movie, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin.

1993: Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback category for Dhak dhak in the movie, Beta.

References

External links

IMDb entry

List of Hindi movies with songs by Anuradha Paudwal

Bio at HindiLyrix.com

Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Indian female singers Category:Marathi playback singers Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Place of birth missing (living people) Category:Marathi-language singers