Music is food for the soul. The Indian Film Fraternity has produced some voices that are truly timeless and sure to remain etched in your mind for a long time to come. We bring to a compilation of such remarkable voices along with the best songs that they’ve sung.
Kishore Kumar
Arguably, one of the best voices of the film industry, Kishore Kumar achieved greater success as a singer than as an actor. In 1969, Aradhna got him much acclaim and popularity. His voice and style of singing is loved by all, irrespective of the factors of age, gender, geographical location and caste. The versatility in his voice made him win eight Filmfare awards, which is a record for any male playback singer. His voice became synonymous with Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.
Our favourites from his library
- Aanewala pal jaanewala hai (Golmaal)
- Tu pee aur jee (Des Pardes)
- Phoolon ke rang se (Prem Pujari)
- Dekha ek khwaab (Silsila)
Mohammad Rafi
With more than 26, 000 songs in his kitty, Mohammad Rafi ruled the golden era of Bollywood, the 1950’s and 60’s and his career spanned over 4 decades, making him one of the best playback voices in the country. He won 5 national and 6 Filmfare awards and worked with almost all the music directors of his time. He was awarded the Padma Shri Award in 1967.
Our favourites from his library
- Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya (Safar)
- Abhi na jao chhod kar (Hum dono)
- Janu meri jaan (shaan)
- Dheere dheere chal chand (Love Marriage)
- Such ke sab saathi (Gopi)
Mukesh
Mukesh aced sad songs with extreme finesse. His voice transported you to gloom and melancholy mode, and the bitter sweet taste of soulful music lingered on for long. He was the first recipient of best playback male singer of Filmfare and was awarded the national award in 1974 for the same category.
Our favourites from his library
- Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein (Kabhi kabhi)
- Kahin door jab din dhal jaaye (Anand)
- Chand si mehbooba ho meri (Himalaya ki god mein)
- Sab kuch seekha humne (Anari)
- Dil tadap tadap ke keh raha (Madhumati)
Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam’s beautiful, serene voice was made for romantic, soulful songs (remember Shah Rukh Khan romancing his heroines on his numbers). Nigam has proved his mettle time and again, and sings the most difficult songs with utmost ease. He is bagged a number of awards, including the Filmfare award, national film award, star screen award, zee cine award and IIFA.
Our favourites from his library
- Soniyo (Raaz)
- Title track (Kal ho na ho)
- Title track (Kabhi alvida na kehna)
- Main agar kahoon (Om shanti om)
- In lamhon ke daaman mein (Jodha Akbar)
Shafaqat Amanat Ali
The new voice that hits a chord with every heart is that of Shafaqat Amanat Ali. He seems to be everyone’s favourite because of his expressive, touching, poignant voice which is capable of bringing out every inch of emotion and passion of the lyrics. He is here to rule the roost.
Our favourites from his library
- Phir le aaya dil (Barfi)
- Tu hi mera (Jannat 2)
- Mitwa (Kabhi alvida na kehna)
- Tere naina (My name is khan)
- Kyun main jagoon (Patiala house)
BY HARSHVARDHAN SINGH.
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