A legendary figure in Indian music, who won our hearts every time we hear her sing and left an indelible mark on the industry is none other than Alka Yagnik. Born on March 20, 1966, in Kolkata, she grew up in a middle-class Gujarati family. From an early age, her passion for music was evident, and she began her singing career at just six years old, performing bhajans.
One key moment in her journey came from a decision made by her mother, who recognised her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. This support played a crucial role in shaping Yagnik’s career, allowing her to explore opportunities that ultimately led to her success.
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Alka's voice quickly became a defining feature of Indian cinema. Over her career, she has lent her voice to over 1,114 films and we are grateful for all the songs! With a staggering total of 2,486 songs to her credit, she holds a world record in playback singing.
In the 1990s, Alka Yagnik rose to fame as a main singer in Hindi films, winning audiences' hearts with her emotional depth and powerful vocal delivery. Her ability to convey a range of emotions through her music has made her a beloved figure among fans and filmmakers alike. She holds the record for the third most solo performances by a female artist in Bollywood.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her career, including the ever-changing dynamics of the music industry, she has remained resilient. On June 18, 2024, well-known playback singer Alka Yagnik shared the heartbreaking news to the world that she had been diagnosed with a rare hearing disorder.
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Taking to her Instagram handle, she wrote, "To all my fans, friends, followers and well-wishers. A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything. Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well-wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action. It has been diagnosed by my doctors as a rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack."
She surpassed Taylor Swift and BTS to become the 'most-streamed' singer on YouTube. Today, Alka Yagnik continues to inspire aspiring singers with her remarkable talent and unwavering dedication. She will always be our queen of playback singing!