Alka Yagnik

Indian music industry is blessed with several amazing musical talents. Different eras have given us numerous gems that have made public cry and laugh with them. The old generation still can’t think of any other singers than the likes of Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar or Mukesh etc. current generation has its own choices. But one singer who has continued to hold sway with her extremely melodious voice is Alka Yagnik. She is present in the industry for more than two decades and continues to enchant us with her wonderful voice.

Who can forget songs like Saanwariya Saanwariya, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Tumhi Dekho Na, Kuch to Hua Hai, Salaam, Pooch Rahe Hain, Mere Mehboob Mera Sanam, Ek Do Teen, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tum, Laal Dupatta, Oodhni, Tauba, Kitni Bechain Hoke, Jaana Kyon, Badi Mushkil, Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Dil Se, Mehndi Hai Rachnewali, Chand Chupa and Taal Se etc.

Alka Yagnik belongs to a family of musicians. She showed her talents at an early age and even sang Bhajans for the Calcutta Radio at a tender age of six years. She got her first break in the movie Payal Ki Jhankaar in 1979. But her real moment of truth came with blockbuster song ‘Ek Do Teen’ from the film Tezaab 1988. Since then she never looked back and kept giving one hit after another. She has also sung in several other languages like Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Punjabi. Alka Yagnik has won several Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards, Zee Cine Awards, Star Screen Awards, International Indian Film Academy and MTV Asia Viewers Choice Award.

Arrival of Female Playback Singers

As we know India is primarily a male dominated society. This factor was so evident in Indian music industry as well. The initial burst of acting was already handled by Devika Rani who mesmerized the whole of India with her performance in ‘Achhot Kanya’. In female singers, Begum Akhtar and Shamshaad Begum had started to make waves. These two were classically trained singers. Along with them, Noorjahan also made public go gaga over her divine voice. Late 30s and whole of 1940s were dominated by these singers. The mix of classical element and typically different mellowed down film music was getting quite popular. Another facet was distinctly low usage of instruments.

That period was devoided of any great techno and gadgets instruments. Songs were primarily driven by lyrics. These lyrics used to be very meaningful. Soon, the concept of females not working in bollywood was breaking down. During the process, one did not witness silent arrival of a singer who was later known as ‘Nightingale of India’. Lata Mangeshkar came at a very early age. She did not become an instant superstar however she did not have to struggle that hard. Her talent was distinctly recognized by music composers and when she got a chance to sing for movie ‘Mahal’, all the records were rewritten. The song ‘Aayega aayega, aayega aanewala’ was a huge hit and she rose to stardom. Her melodious voice later became the voice of India. It was also a beginning of new dawn for Indian music.