For such memorable songs in the history of Indian cinema, the credit goes to the outstanding singers of Bollywood, music directors, lyrists, and music composers.
For many of you, this blog will bring a smile to your face as we take you through the journey of Bollywood’s famous male and female singers. Go ahead and read the interesting blog below to learn more about the best Bollywood playback singers in the Indian Film Industry.
Contents
Top Bollywood Female Singers
If someone asks who is the best female singer in India? People will have multiple answers. This shows our country is blessed with versatile and melodious voices. The number of female Hindi Bollywood singers has increased in the last few decades, and they are doing wonders.
If we talk about the 80s and 90s Hindi female singers who are the epitome of melody, we cannot miss naming some of the prominent singers listed below. Even though there were many more singers, we had to confine the Bollywood female singers’ name list and trust us, which was not easy.
1. Lata Mangeshkar
The world calls her Nightingale of India, Voice of the Nation, and Queen of Melody. She is the most loved Bollywood singer of all time; yes, we are talking about Lata Mangeshkar. She is one of the top singers in Bollywood. Even at the age of 91, her voice is unshakably melodious. And believe it or not, she said in one of her interviews that she never had ice cream in her life to protect her voice box.
She is a legend in Bollywood who has a long list of achievements and awards. On top of that, she has also been chosen to Member of the Rajya Sabha. With all her success, she has displayed humility and simplicity in life. Here we have created a snippet of her career journey.
One article is not enough if we talk about the songs she has sung. However, ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo’ is one of her famous patriotic songs, which is still played on Independence Day. Also, who can forget these epic songs Kora Kagaz tha ye dil mera, Hothon me aisi baat, Ajeeb Daastan Hai ye, and more in her voice? Indeed, she is the best singer in Bollywood ever.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •National Film Awards (1972, 1974, and 1990) •BFJA Awards(15 times) •Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer (1959, 1963, 1966 and 1970) •Filmfare Special Awards(1994 and 2004) •Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1993) |
| Honors | •Padma Bhushan (1969) •Dadasaheb Phalke Award(1989) •Padma Vibhushan (1999) •Bharat Ratna (2001) •Legion of Honour (2007) |
| Famous Songs | Ajeeb Daastan Hai ye, Kora Kagaz tha ye dil mera, Hothon me aisi baat, Aapki Nazron ne samjha, Aaj fir jeene ki tamana hai and more. |
| Languages | 36 languages (regional and foreign languages) |
2. Asha Bhosale
India has many acclaimed Hindi playback singers, and Asha Bhosale is one of them. She is the sister of Lata Mangeshkar but has carved her own path to reach the heights in the music industry that was unheard of. The audience knew her singing for soprano voice range, and as she stepped on each ladder of success, she showed the world that her extraordinary voice is not bound to one genre but versatile.
Asha Bhosle-Burman was born in 1933. She started to perform as a singer in 1948, and since then, she had successfully lead six decades of her singing career. She was married to the renowned music director RD Burman. Asha Bhosle is also a singer who has received the highest number of Filmfare Awards for the Best Female Playback Singer. Read the details below to know more about the achievements of one of the top singers in Bollywood.
Also read: Indian Idol Winners List of All Seasons
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •7 Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer •2 National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer |
| Honors | •Dadasaheb Phalke Award(2000) •Padma Vibhushan (2008) |
| Famous Songs | Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko, Dum maro dum, Piya tu ab to aaja, Do lafzon ki hai dil ki kahani, Piya tu ab toh aaja and more. |
| Languages | 20 languages (regional and foreign languages) |
3. Alka Yagnik
Born in a Gujrati family, Alka Yagnik became the shiny gem of the female singers in Bollywood. She is celebrated for her melodies voice that can touch your heart and kindle your emotions. She has recently sung thousands of songs, including Gazab ka hai din, Tumse Milna Baatein Karna, and many more.
She has received seven Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer in her singing career. There are only two Bollywood female singers who have won this award these many times. Along with that, she is also the most nominated singer in a single year. Her songs are not only in Hindi, but she has sung in more than 20 languages.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer (7 times) •National Film Award |
| Famous Songs | Gazab ka hai din, Kaho na pyaar, Chura ke dil mera, Tumse Milna, Aisa lagta hai, and more |
| Languages | 20 languages (regional and foreign languages) |
4. Usha Uthup
Do you know why we call the Indian Music Industry versatile and dynamic? It is because of singers like Usha Uthup, who introduced Indian pop, jazz, and a touch of western music to the industry. The most surprising fact about her is that she has never received formal music training, yet, she set the bar for future singers.
This veteran female singer has won Filmfare Award for ‘Darling’ from the movie 7 Khoon Maaf. Along with that, she has been nominated four times in this award session. In 2017, she also received Mirchi Music Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her journey in music started with a stage performance when she was only 9 years old. She then continued singing in a nightclub in Chennai, and during such performances, she got an offer from Bollywood and Bombay Talkies, her career breakthrough. Ramba Ho, Ek Do Cha Cha, and Rama Hare Krishna are some excellent songs by her.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer •National Film Award |
| Famous Songs | Gazab ka hai din, Kaho na pyaar, Chura ke dil mera, Tumse Milna, Aisa lagta hai, and more |
| Languages | 21+ languages (Indian regional and foreign languages) |
5. Shreya Ghosal
Who says you have to spend years in the Film Industry to be recognized as a singer? Shreya Ghoshal is one of the Bollywood female singers in India who won Four National awards at the age of 26. Born in 1984, Ghoshal was a passionate vocalist, and as she recognized her gift of voice, she decided to become a singer at a young age. She sings in pop, ghazal, classical, bhajan, and electronic EDM.
She has won multiple awards, including Filmfare Awards, National Film Award, Filmfare Award South, and many more. She gave her voice to famous songs like ‘Deewani Mastani’ (Padmavati), Taare Ginn (Dil Bechara), and songs from other high grossing Indian movies. However, she is not restricted only to Hindi songs; she sings in more than 10 languages. Undoubtedly, she is one of the top singers in Bollywood.
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| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2019) •National Film Award (2002, 2005, 2007, and 2008) •Filmfare Awards South for Best Female Playback Singer (10 awards) |
| Famous Songs | Deewani Mastani, Agar tum mil jao, Teri Ore, Manwa lage, Char Kadam, Zoobi doobi and more. |
| Languages | 10+ languages |
6. Sunidhi Chauhan
Not many know that the music industry of India found Sunidhi Chauhan when she won the musical reality show ’Meri Awaz Suno.’ The audience was thrilled and excited to hear her fresh and powerful voice. Her breakthrough song was “Mehboob Mere” from the movie Fiza. This was also the song that put her on the Filmfare nomination list. She also receives the RD Burman Award for New Music Talent.
Her career as a female Bollywood singer has made her win multiple national and global awards for the songs like Chor Bazaari (Love Aaj Kal-2009), Dance Pe Chance (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi -2008), Udi (Guzaarish 2010), Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Mar Khan 2010) and more. Seeing the list of her successful songs, she is rightly titled “queen of item songs.”
Another interesting fact is that she is the only female singer of Bollywood who made her debut in international singing with Enrique, who has given many best English songs. Indeed, it was an achievement for the Bollywood music fraternity. Her magical voice still touches hearts; recently, she gave her voice to the song ‘Anjaan Jahaan’ in Hindi dubbed Frozen 2.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Annual Central European Bollywood Awards (“Mere Haath Mein” Fanna) •BIG Star Entertainment Awards “Sheila Ki Jawani” Tees Maar Khan •Filmfare (2007, 2011) •Global Indian Film Awards (2005) “Dhoom Machaale” •Global Indian Music Academy Awards- Best Female Playback Singer (2011) |
| Famous Songs | Bhaage re mann, Kamli, Sheila Ki jawani, Thoda thoda pyaar, Ruki ruki, Raat ke dhai baje, and more |
| Languages | 11+ languages |
7. Neha Kakkar
If you are listening to the song playlist for 2019 or 2023, we can assure you that around half of the songs will be sung by Neha Kakkar. Yes, she is that famous for new-age Bollywood female singers. Not only her magical voice but her cute smile has also made her very popular. With great work comes appreciation and awards. She has received a few awards, as mentioned below.
Her career in Bollywood started with Meerabai Not Out, where she sang as a chorus singer. She was also a contestant in Indian Idol 2, who was eliminated soon. However, one could not hide her talent for a long time, and the audience applauded her for her song, Second Hand Jawani, from the movie Cocktail. Following this, she has given her voice to dozens of songs for famous Bollywood songs like Dilbar, sunny sunny, Lamborghini, and many more. One of her very popular song Hindi wedding songs is London Thumkda from the movie Queen, and you would agree that this song has become a must for Mehendi and sangeet night.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Zee Cine Awards Viewer’s Choice Song Of The Year (2019) •Mirchi Awards- Social Media Icon (2020) •Favorite Judge Award (2017) |
| Famous Songs | Mile ho tum, Dilbar, Mai Tera Boyfriend, Coca Cola, London Thumkda, O Saki Saki, Sunny sunny, Gali gali, Lamborghini, and more. |
| Languages | 11+ languages |
8. Palak Muchhal
Singing sensation Palak Muchhal is one of the known Bollywood singers names for female vocalists. As an interesting fact, her first album ‘Child for Children’ was released when she was only nine years old, and then she never looked back. What distinguishes her from other singers is that she avoids being a public figure even after singing in hundreds of well-known movies.
She was born in 1992, and at this young age, she has also used her talent to help the needy. She and her brother performed in the country and abroad to raise funds for treating patients suffering from heart diseases. This social work was recognized worldwide, and she received the Limca Book of World Records and the Guinness Book of World Records.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | • Screen Award (2017) • Stardust Award (2016) |
| Honors | •Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (2000) •Guinness Book of World Records •Limca Book of World Records |
| Famous Songs | Kaun Tujhe, Chaahun Main Ya Naa, Dhokha Dhadi, Teri Meri Kahaani, Panchhi Bole, Dekha Hazaro Dafaa, Kaabil Hoon, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, Ik Mulaqaat, etc. |
| Languages | 17+ languages |
Best Bollywood Male Singers of All Ages
It was significant male singers who brought Indian music to mainstream Bollywood. We have witnessed many male Bollywood singers who have given some famous songs that we cherish till date. It is rightly said some voices are meant to stay with us for life. Here we have mentioned some of the best Indian male singers who are undoubtedly among most popular Bollywood singers name list.
9. Krishnakumar Kunnath – KK
Playback singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, better known as KK, was born in India on August 23, 1968, and he died on May 31, 2022. Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Tamil are just a few of the languages in which he has created music. KK started off singing television jingles before debuting in a movie in 1996 on an A. R. Rahman soundtrack.
He released his self-titled debut album in 1999. The songs “Pal” and “Yaaron” from the CD gained popularity and are currently played during graduations. A few examples include the Tamil songs “Apadi Podu, Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), “Aankhon Mein Teri” from Om Shanti Om (2007), “Dola Re Dola” from Devdas (2002), “Khuda Jane” from Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Piya Aaye Na from Aashiqui 2 (2013), Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai” from Woh Lamhe… (2006), Mat Aazma Re from Murder 3, Happy New Year (2014), and Tu Jo Mila from Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) are just a few examples
For “Khuda Jaane,” from the movie Bachna Ae Haseeno, he won the 2009 Best Playback Singer – Male Screen Award. Six Filmfare Award nominations were made for KK.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Mirchi Music Award (2022) •Goldie Film Award (2012) •Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer (2009) •Big Start Entertainment Award (2010) •Zee Cine Award (2011) |
| Famous Songs | Bachna Ae Haseeno, Aankhon Mein Teri, Tadap Tadap, Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai, Khuda Jane, and more. |
| Languages | 11 languages (regional and foreign languages) |
10. A. R. Rahman
Initially, Rahman composed music for a number of documentaries as well as jingles for advertising and Indian television networks. The jingles for a selection of watches that Allwyn produced in 1987 were written by Rahman, who was still known by his stage name Dileep at the time. He also wrote the jingles for many ads that went on to achieve great fame. One such ad included a melody from Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 and was for Titan Watches.
Rahman first wrote music for several documentaries and jingles for advertising and Indian television networks. Additionally, he created the jingles for numerous commercials that went on to become very well-known. One such commercial was for Titan Watches, and it featured a theme from Mozart’s Symphony No. 25.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Global Icon Of Inspiration (2019) •CNN-IBN Global Indian of the Year (2008) •Academy Award (2009) •Golden Globe Awards (2009) •National Film Award (2017) |
| Honors | •Padma Shri (2000) •Padma Bhushan (2010) •Awadh Samman (2001) •National Lata Mangeshkar Award (2004) •Kalaimamani (1995) |
| Famous Songs | Maa Tujhe Salaam, Jai Ho, Kun Faya Kun, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Khwaja Mere Khwaja, Chaiyya Chaiyya, and more. |
| Languages | 145 languages (regional and foreign languages) |
11. Kishore Kumar
Undoubtedly, Kishore Kumar is one of the best male singers in Bollywood; rather, we can call him a legend. He was a renowned Indian playback singer, actor, music director, producer, screenwriter, and he took on many other roles. He is the gem of the industry, and everyone loved him profoundly.
His expressive songs like ‘Mere samne wale khidki me’ from the movie Padosan, Yeh Shaam Mastaani, and many more has actually made our musical memories lovely. During his time, awards were not the trend; however, his record number of Filmfare awards remains unbroken.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Filmfare Award (1970, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986) •Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards (1971, 1972, 1973, 1975) |
| Famous Songs | Pal Bhar Ke Liye, Yeh Shaam Mastaani, Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai, Hume Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti, Humein Tum Se Pyaar Kitna, etc. |
| Languages | 9+ languages |
12. Mohd. Rafi
From a wanderer in his village to the strong pillar of Bollywood singers, Rafi Sahab has achieved great heights in Hindi Cinema. Even today, he is one of Bollywood’s most prolific male singers, who has sung over 28,000 songs that warms our hearts.
Because of his great contribution, even modern-age singers consider him a great role model. His songs like Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, Ye Reshmi Zulfein, kya Hua tera vada, Khush Rahe Tu Sada, Chaudhavin ka Chand, Baharo Phool Barsao are among the timeless songs.
He has received multiple Filmfare awards and National Awards. Mohd. Rafi has also been honored with Padma Shri Award in 1967. You can read more of his achievements in the table given below.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •National Film Award 1977 •Filmfare Award (1960-1966) (1968-1970) (1973, 1974) (1977-1980) •Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards ( 1957, 1965, 1966) •Sur Singer Award- 1964 |
| Honors | •Received a silver medal from the first Indian Prime Minister (1948) (1967) and Hero Honda (2001) •Padma Shri •Best Singer of the Millennium by Stardust magazine •Won CNN-IBN poll for the Greatest Voice in Hindi Cinema (2013) |
| Famous Songs | Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho, Baharo Phool Barsao, Kya Hua Tera Wada and more. |
| Languages | 13 + languages |
13. Mukesh
Mukesh Chand Mathur, commonly known as Mukesh, comes from a humble background and could make his name as an acclaimed Indian playback singer in Bollywood. He was famously known as the voice of Bollywood actors Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, and others.
Some of his award-winning songs are Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai, Sab Kuch Seekha Humne, Sabse Bada Naadan Wahi Hai, and Jai Bolo Beimaan Ki made him such a name in Bollywood singers that is hard to replace.
In the 1970s, a series of Mukesh‘s songs with Kalyanji Anandji as music director. Their duo was hit and delivered many memorable songs still alive in our memories among Bollywood old singers.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •National Film Award (1974) •Filmfare Award ( 1959. 1970, 1972, 1976) •Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards ( 1967, 1968, 1970) |
| Famous Songs | Dum dum diga diga, Awaara Hoon, Mera Joota Hai Japani, Chhodo Kal Ki Baaten and more. |
| Languages | 9+ languages |
14. Udit Narayan
Udit Narayan is a renowned Indian playback singer in Bollywood with an infectious cute smile. He was the singer of 90s Bollywood and the early 2000s and gave his voice to tremendous songs like Pehle Nasha, Tumse Milna, Mai yahaan hoon, Papa kehte hai, Raja ko rani se, and many more.
He is an evergreen best Bollywood singer who has grabbed the prestigious National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and IIFA Awards four times. All of these award-winning songs were in the romantic song genre that has given great options to the love birds of all generations.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •National Film Award ( 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 ) •Filmfare Award (1989 and 1993-2005) •IIFA Awards (2000-2005) |
| Honors | •Padma Bhushan (2006) •Padma Shri (2009) •National Bravery Award from Maharashtra(2016) •Maharashtra Ratna (2011) |
| Famous Songs | Pehla Nasha, Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se, Mitwa, Main Kahin Bhi Rahoon, Aisa Des Hai Mera, Deewangi Deewangi |
| Languages | 9+ languages |
15. Kumar Sanu
If you are listening to the best song playlist of the 1990s, you will surely have the songs in Kumar Sanu’s voice. He is an acclaimed best Bollywood singer greatly inspired by Kishore Kumar. Several old songs he recreated in his voice made the audience relive those precious songs.
The first song which mapped him in the industry was from the movie Hero Hiralal, Jashn hai Mohabbat ka. Following that, Ek Sanam chahiye Aashiqui ke liye, Yeh kaali kaali ankhen, Jo haal dil ka, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na, and more songs added to the bucket of famous songs of Kumar Sanu. He has won Filmfare Award for five consecutive years along with BJFA Awards, Mirchi Music Awards, and Screen Award for Best Male Playback.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Filmfare Award (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994) •BJFA Award (1996, 1997) •Mirchi Music Awards (2010, 2011, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017) •Screen Award for Best Male Playback (1995) |
| Honors | •Padma Shri (2009) •Maharashtraratna Awards (2014) •Dr. Ambedkar Awards ( 2012) |
| Famous Songs | Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhe, Dil Ka Aalam, Dil Ka Rishta, Jeeye Toh Jeeya Kyse, O Dil Tod Ke Hasti Ho Mera, Is Tarah aashiqui ka |
| Languages | 14+ languages |
16. Sonu Nigam
The Modern Rafi or Elvis Presley of India is Sonu Nigam. He gave his first stage performance at age 3, and his journey continues today. He is one of the most versatile singers we have got in the country and also among the richest singer in Bollywood. His melodious songs have gained him millions of fans in the country and across the globe.
His first Bollywood song was ‘O Aasman Wale’, and he became one of the youngest male singers in Bollywood. Following it, he sang Bole chudiya, Mujhse Shadi karogi, Tumse Milke Dil ka hai jo, Dil dooba, and more amazing songs. He has sung not only in Hindi and Kannada but also in other 10 languages.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •National Film Award (2004) •Filmfare Award (2003, 2004) •IIFA Awards (2001-2003) |
| Famous Songs | Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, Achcha Sila Diya Tune Mere Pyar Ka, Humein Jab Se Mohabbat, Yeh Dil Deewana, Aal Izz Well |
| Languages | 12 + Indian languages |
17. Atif Aslam
Known for his vocal belting technique, Atif Aslam is a record-breaker singer with most chart-topping songs. Even though he is a Pakistani singer, his voice has touched the hearts of the Indian audience. His music career started with his first album Jal Pari realized, in 2004, and later, his album Doorie was released in 2006, which made him famous among Hindi-based audiences across the globe.
His super hit song, ‘Tera hone laga hua’ is an amazing love song from the movie Ajab Prem ki Gazab Kahani that is still in our memory. He also bagged many awards. No doubt, he is also one of the top singers in Bollywood.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Filmfare Award (2006, 2007, 2010, 2016, 2017) •IIFA Awards (2006, 2009, 2010) •Star Screen Awards (2009, 2019) |
| Famous Songs | Pehli Nazar Mein, Jeena Jeena, Tere Sang Yaara, Kaise Bataye, Dil Diyan Gallan, Dil Meri Na Sune, |
| Languages | 3 languages |
18. Arijit Singh
Arijit is one of the leading male singers of Bollywood whose voice dribbles like honey. His warm voice is capable of bringing the soul to any song. Tum he ho, Agar tum sath ho, Zalima, and songs like this have added a new dimension of emotions to this entire generation of music lovers. His songs are soulful and heart-touching, which can connect to your feelings.
This fantastic singer has been showered with many awards on various platforms. He has won four Filmfare Awards, IIFA Awards, and a series of Mirchi Music Awards. He is among the new male singers of Bollywood who is here to stay.
| Achievements | Details |
| Awards | •Filmfare Award (2010, 2011, 2012, 2017) •IIFA Awards (2006, 2010, 2011, 2012) •Mirchi Music Awards (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) |
| Famous Songs | Tum Hi Ho, Chahun Main Ya Naa, Duaa, Kabira, Main Rang Sharbaton ka, Har Kisiko, Kabhi Jo Badal Barse and more. |
| Languages | 2 languages (Hindi, Bengali) |
Conclusion
Bollywood is blessed to have versatile singers who make the songs soulful melodies and pump up our energy. Be it party songs, sad love songs, romantic songs, gazal, or rap, we have various singers with different voice modulation. Here we have listed top female and male singers who have crooned hundreds of songs. We hope this list will help you know more about your favorite singers.
Raj Kumar Prasad is a movie buff with a zest for travel and a passion for food. He enjoys sharing his adventures and insights at festalks.com. Whether he’s exploring new destinations, savoring different cuisines, or catching the latest flicks, Raj loves to engage with his readers and spark lively conversations. Dive into his world and discover fresh perspectives on all things fun and flavorful.