List of Indian playback singers

This is a list of Indian playback singers. The list is alphabetized by first name.

Notes:

Contents

Female playback singers

Name Languages Years active Major awards Comments
Akriti Kakkar Hindi, Bengali 2006–Present
Alisha Chinai Hindi, Telugu, Kannada 1988–Present Filmfare Best Female Playback Award for the song "Kajra Re" from the film Bunty Aur Babli
Alka Yagnik Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Malayalam, Tamil, Oriya, Gujarati, Nepali, Assamese 1979–present Two National Awards, seven Filmfare Awards, two IIFA Awards, four Bollywood Movie Awards, one BJFA Award, one Sansui Award, three Zee Cine Awards, three Star Screen Awards, one GIFA Award, one MTV Award, two Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, one Videocon Award, BBC- Asia Pacific nomination Playback singer for over 800 films, with 20,000 songs to her credit. With Kavita Krishnamurthy, she ruled the 1990s and 2000s. She is known for her pristine voice and emotive singing.
Alka Ajith Malayalam, Tamil 2011–Present Debut as a playback singer with the song, "Chirakengu" in the movie "The Train" which stars Mammootty with music by Srinivas(singer cum composer).Now she seems to have sung 3songs as a playback singer both in tamil and malayalam movies....
Amirbai Karnataki Hindi, Urdu 1945–1961 One of the playback singers of the pre-independence era.
Andrea Jeremiah Tamil, English 2007–present Known for singing Western-style songs
Antara Mitra Hindi, Bengali, English 2007–present Worked with Pritam and Anu Malik (in Bollywood's "post-millennial" scene)
Anupama Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, French 1992–present Mostly western and electronic songs; also known as Chandralekha Anupama for her song "Chandralekha"
Anupama Deshpande Hindi, Telugu, English, Tamil, Oriya 1984–2002 One Filmfare Award Folk songs and regional songs. Won a Filmfare award for her Punjabi folk song "Sohni Chenab de Kinare" in the film Sohni Mahiwal
Anuradha Paudwal Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Oriya, Tamil, Nepali 1973–present four Filmfare Awards, one National Award First singer to pose a threat to Mangeshkar Monopoly in the Bollywood film music industry. Recorded in most of the Indian languages. A top singer in the 1980s and early 1990s. Recorded with Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Nadeem Shravan and others.
Anuradha Sriram Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam 1993–present ITFA for the Best Playback Singer for the movie Gemini (2002) South Indian and Bollywood films
Anushka Manchanda Hindi, Telugu, Tamil 2006–present Known for her pop-style funky songs
Anwesha Hindi,Tamil 2008–present Runner-up in a singing talent show in Zee TV. Now pursuing a playback singing career
Asha Bhosle Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, English, Russian, Czech, Nepali, Malay, Malayalam, Konkani, Oriya and other languages 1943–present. in 2011 October Guinness book has included her name for having maximum number of song recordings. Padma Vibhushan, two National Awards, seven Filmfare Award (plus Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award), two MTV Awards, Dadasaheb Phalke Award Wife of Rahul Dev Burman and younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar. Versatile singer with many achievements
Banumathi Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada 1941–2006 Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan
Bhavatharini Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada 1995–present National Award in 2001 for the song "Mayil Pola" from Bharathi Daughter of composer Ilayaraja
B. R. Chaya Kannada 1977–present two Karnataka State Awards Voice for 4,000 albums in Kannada
Bela Shende Marathi, Hindi, Tamil and Urdu 1999–present RAPA National Award, Raja Mantri Smruti Award, Nargis Dutt Award Singer of Marathi origin known for "Mann Mohana" in Jodhaa Akbar. Sings in Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi films
Bombay Jayashri Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada 1982–present Sangeeta Kalasarathy Award, Tamil Nadu State Award, Kalaimamani Award, M. S. Subbulakshmi Puraskar Award, Sangeeta Choodamani Award, Yuva Kala Bharathi Award Carnatic singer
Chaitra HG Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Konkani, English 2002–present State Award, Udaya Award, Rotary Young Achiever Award Only South Indian playback singer to have worked with Hollywood music composers. Hindustani classical and Western style. Known for "Huduga Huduga" from the movie Amruthadhare
Charulatha Mani Tamil, Kannada 2002–present Sang in Vettaikaaran (2009), Kaadalan Kaadali (2009), Buddhivantha (2008), Thanthiran (2008), Naan Avan Illai (2007)
Chinmayi Telugu, Tamil, Hindi 2002–present Two Tamil Nadu State Awards; Filmfare South, Vijay Award, two Thirai Isai Viruthugal awards Debuted in Kannathil Muthamittal: "Nenjil Jil Jil". Carnatic singer, disc jockey, television presenter, CEO of Blue Elephant
Chitra Singh Hindi-Urdu, Bengali 1965–present Wife of Jagjit Singh. Has recorded for films like Saath Saath. Sings Ghazals.
Chitra Sivaraman (Chitra Iyer) Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada 2000–present
Deepa Mariam Tamil, Malayalam 2005–present Filmfare Award for "Kangal Irandaal" from Subramaniapuram
Dominique Cerejo Hindi, Tamil 2000–present
Falguni Pathak Hindi-Urdu, Gujarati 1988–present Her band, Ta Thaiya, sang in a few films but she had more success with her pop albums and dandiya nights
Gayatri Asokan Malayalam 1998–present Kerala State Film Award
Gayatri Iyer (Gayatri Ganjawala) Hindi, Telugu 1996–present Wife of singer Kunal Ganjawala. Sings pop songs
Geeta Dutt Hindi, Bengali 1946–1971 Regarded as one of the most successful singers of her time. Ruled the music scene with Lata in the 1950s and early 1960s. Recorded songs with O P Nayyar, S D Burman, Kanu Roy, and Hemant Kumar
Geetha Madhuri Telugu, Tamil 2006 –present Nandi Award, Maa TV Award, South Scope Award
Gopika Poornima Tamil, Telugu, Kannada 1998–present
Hamdhan Tamil, Telugu, Hindi 1999–present Previously "Kanchana". Sister of musician A. R. Rahman. Has recorded many songs as a harmony singer for Rahman
Harshdeep Kaur Hindi, Punjabi, English 2001– present Winner of Junoon Kuchh Kar Dikhane Ka, Mtv Video GaGa Contest and Big Star IMA Awards. Nominated for Oscar Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Gima Awards, Stardust Awards, AV Max Awards, Big Star IMA Awards Harshdeep is a young icon, known for her Sufi style of singing. Performed on AR Rahman's Journey Home World Tour
Hard Kaur Hindi 1995–present
Harini Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi 1995–present Two Tamil Nadu State Awards
Hema Sardesai Hindi 1989–present Achieved success with her song "Awara Bhawrey", but couldn't sustain her position in the industry. Sang in films like Gupt, Biwi No 1, and Chak De India
Hemlata Bengali, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Haryanvi, Rajasthani, Marwari, Brij Bhasha, Gujarati, Marathi, Sindhi, Oriya, Assamese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Konkani, Goanese, Dogri, Multani, Saraiki, Garhwali, Bundeli, Nepali, Arabi, Farsi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Prakrit, English, French, Mauritius, African, Italian, Zulu, Dutch 1968–present Filmfare Award Best known for her style of singing and her hindi song "Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se"
Ila Arun Hindi, Tamil, Telugu 1993–present Filmfare Award Folk singer
Jaspinder Narula Hindi, Punjabi Filmfare Award, Star Screen Award Won accolades and awards in the late 1990s but disappeared from the scene. Remembered for her title track from Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, which won her the Filmfare Award
Jency Anthony Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada 1966–present Has sung innumerable songs for Ilayaraja.
Jikki Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada 1964–2000
Jyotsna Radhakrishnan Malayalam 1998–present Lux-Asianet Film Award 
  [Kalpana Patowary /
  http://maa-e-ri.blogspot.com/]
Kalpana Telugu
KK-Krishnakumar Kunnath Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Tamil 1996–present Filmfare Awards, Screen Awards, ZEE Cine Awards, IIFA Awards, Apsara Awards. He got his Bollywood break with "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).
Kavita Subramaniam (Kavita Krishnamurthy) Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya, Nepali, Gujarati 1980–present Padma Shri, four Filmfare Awards, Yesudas Award, Priyadarshini Award, Kishore Kumar Award, two Bollywood Awards, two Zee Cine Awards, one Star Screen Award Known for her emotive singing and classical acumen, she (along with Alka Yagnik) is one of the most successful singers of the 1990s and 2000s. Has sung for all major musicians, including R.D. Burman, Naushad, A.R. Rahman, and Ismail Darbar
K. S. Chitra (referred to as Chitra) Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Bengali, English, Russian, German, Arabic, Tulu, Sinhalese 1983–present Padma Shri, six National Awards, 15 Kerala State Awards, eight Andhra Pradesh State Awards, four Tamil Nadu State Awards, three Karnataka State Awards, four FilmFare Awards, Tamil Nadu government Kalaimamani Award, MTV Video Music Award, IMMIES (2003) for best playback singer in Hindi films. Bollywood Film Award for best playback singer (2004), Gamma Indian Music Award, Malaysia four times Most celebrated singer for her path breaking vocals in South Indian and Hindi films. Also a versatile classical singer, having recorded innumerable devotional songs and classical bhajans. Has recorded more than 20,000 songs. Her song "Kehna Hi Kya (Kannalane)" from the film Bombay (1995) was included in The Guardian's "1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear" list
Lata Mangeshkar Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Oriya, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannad, Gujrati, Panjabi, Assamese, Konkani, Urdu, Sanskrit, Rajsthani, Bhojpuri, English 1941–current Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Knight of the Legion of Honour, three National Awards, 15 Bengal Film Journalist Association Awards, seven Filmfare Awards, three Maharashtra State Awards, Maharashtra Bhushan Award, Maharashtra Ratna Award, Swarbharti Award, Noor Jahan Award, Hakim Khan Sur Award, NTR National Award, ANR Award, Forever Indian Award, Best Playback Singer of the Millennium Award, Raj Lakshmi Award, Pride of India – Kala Sarswati Award, Avadh Sanmaan, Lifetime Achievement Awards Received a platinum disc from EMI London. Citizen of three countries. Doctor of Literature. Sister of Usha Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.
L. R. Eswari Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi 1959–present Six Tamil Nadu State Awards, six Andhra Pradesh State Awards, four Karnataka state awards Career beginning with M.S. Viswanathan—Nallayidathu Sambandam (1959); Oru Kotta Ponnundallo (1964)
Madhushree Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali 2001–present Formerly known as Sujatha Bhattacharya
Mahalaxmi Iyer Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, English, Assamese, French, Marathi and other languages 1997–present Songs from Fanaa
Mahathi Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada 2003–present Kerala State Award for Classical Singing in Youth Festival; "Bala Bhaskara" Award from VDS Arts Academy, Chennai An ardent fan of K. S. Chitra
Malgudi Subha Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi 1988–present
Mamta Sharma Hindi 2010–present Two Annual Start Screen Award, one Apsara Award Sings in a high-pitched husky voice, mostly for "item songs"
Manjari Malayalam, Tamil 2004–present Kerala State Award Favorite singers are K. J. Yesudas and Swarnalatha
Minmini Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi 1988–present Remembered for "Chinna Chinna Asai" from Rahman's Roja
Mubarak Begum Hindi, Urdu 1955–1968 Remembered for "Hamari Yaad Aayegi", from a film of the same title, and her duet with Rafi in the title track of 1963 film Humrahi
Nihira Joshi Hindi, Marathi 2004–present Of Marathi origin. Reality show winner with her song "Socho ji Socho" in Salaam-E-Ishq
Nithyasree Mahadevan Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, Sinhalese, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu, Marathi 1997–present Yuva Kala Bharathi Award, Kalaimamani Award, Innisai Maamani Award by Tamil Nadu Government Carnatic singer. Granddaughter of vocalist D. K. Pattammal
Noor Jehan Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi 1930–1998 Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Malika-e-Tarannum Ruled the Indian music scene in the 1940s until she migrated to Pakistan in 1947
P. Leela Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Sinhalese 1949–2000 Kerala State Award; Kalaimamani title by Tamil Nadu government
P. Madhuri Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil 1965–present Two Kerala State Awards
P. Susheela Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, Oriya, Marathi, Sinhalese, Tulu, Sanskrit 1951–present Padma Bhushan, five National Awards, seven Andhra Pradesh State Awards, three Tamil Nadu State Awards, two Kerala State Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, Doctorate from Andhra University She had sung in as many as 12 languages. After leaving playback singing, she has been recording many private devotional albums
Pop Shalini (Shalini Singh) Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi 1995–present
Prashanthini Tamil, Telugu 2007–present Daughter of Malaysia Vasudevan
Priya Himesh Tamil, Telugu, Kannada 2007 – present Filmfare Award for "Ringa Ringa" from Aarya 2
Priyadarshini Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Sanskrit 2003–present Sang in Cheluvina Chithara, Juli, Rocky, News, Nanedeya Haadu, Seena, Thipparalli Tarlegalu, Chikkamagalura Chikka Mallige, Kusthi, Kadal Dot Com, Nandi, Simhaballudu, Manikyam 420, Giri
Rajesh Krishnan Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and in about 15 languages He has sung over 5000 songs in Kannada, 500 in Telugu, 250 plus in Tamil, Hindi. ‘YetuveLLi poyindi manasu’, a telugu song starring Nagarjuna fetched him the state award of Andhra Pradesh, Nandi Award. He has won the Karnataka State awards in 1999, 2000, 2002. He has also won the Aryabhata award.
Rajkumari Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi 1949–1977 Singer in the 1950s and 1960s with a bass voice
Ramakrishna V. Telugu 1960–1980
Reena Bhardwaj Tamil, Telugu, Hindi 2003–present
Rekha Bhardwaj Hindi 1997–present Filmfare Award for "Gendha Phool" from Delhi-6. Wife of composer and film maker Vishal Bhardwaj
Richa Sharma Hindi 2000–present Bollywood Movie Award Versatile voice, singing folk and pop songs in films like Kaante, Baghban, and others
Rimy Tomy Malayalam, Telugu 2000–present
Ruma Guha Thakurta Bengali, Hindi 1944–present Bharat Nirman, Soviet Land Nehru Peace Award. Wife of Kishore Kumar and mother of Amit Kumar. Recorded many patriotic songs with her choir
S. Janaki Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Oriya, Tulu, Saurashtra, English, Japanese, Baduga, German, Simhala, Bengali, Sanskrit, others 1957–present Four National Awards, 13 Kerala State Awards, 14 Andhra Pradesh State Awards, seven Tamil Nadu State Awards, four Karnataka State Awards, one Orissa State Award. Doctorate from Mysore University. Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for morethan 6 times, silver lotus award, Sur Singer fellowship, Kalaimaamani Award from Tamil Nadu, Cinema Achiever Award from Karnataka, Sangeetha Ganga Gayana Award, Sangeetha Rathna by Sangeetha Kalavedika, Singer of the Century Award, Bharathidas Award, Madhavapeddi Sathyam Award, Special Jury Swaralaya K J Yesudas Award, Geeta Dutt Award from Andhra Pradesh, Lifetime Achievement Award from Kerala, Vijay award (2007) Record holder of combined state government awards.Only female singer to get most number of state awards from Tamil and Telugu.She is now recording devotional songs about Sai Baba and Lord Krishna.
S. P. Sailaja Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam 1968–2002 Also an actress: Sagara Sangamam, Salangai Oli; a dubbing artist; and a classical dancer. Younger sister of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Sadhana Sargam Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, Punjabi, Oriya, Urdu, Nepali 1991–present National Award, two Maharashtra State Awards, three Filmfare South Awards, one Zee Cine Award, one Star Screen Award, one Chitrapati V.Shantaram Award, three Maharashtra Times Sanman, one Zee Marathi Gaurav, one Vitusco Award, one Dinakaran Award, two Sanskruti KalaDarpan Awards, Known for her Hindi film songs and regional songs in Telugu, Tamil, Malyalam, Kannada, and many other languages. Has sung for major musicians like A R Rahman, Illayraja, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Kalyanji-Aanadji, Bhaskar Chandavarkar, Ashok Patki and Sriniwas Khale
Santha P. Nair Malayalam 1951–1967
Saindhavi Tamil, Telugu, Kannada 2001–present
Shohail Chinai Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Nepali, Oriya 1985–present one Filmfare Award Mostly known for her Western style of singing. Also for private pop albums
Sanjeevani Belande Hindi 1999–present Nominated for Filmfare award in 1999 Her successful song was "Chori Chori Jab Nazarein" from Kareeb. Disappeared from the music scene after her limited success. Has performed live for more than 1,000 shows across the globe.
Shamshad Begum Hindi, Urdu, Panjabi 1941–1968
Sapna Mukherjee Hindi 1985–present 1 Filmfare Award Achieved success with "Oye Oye in Tridev", which won her the Filmfare Award
Shamshad Begum Hindi, Urdu, Panjabi 1941–1968 Singer of the 1940s and 1950s. Did some work with S D Burman and O P Nayyar
Sharda Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarathi 1965–1986 Two Filmfare Awards, one Gujarat State Award Debut song "Titli Udi". Sang mostly for Shankar Jaikishan.
Shilpa Rao Hindi, Tamil 2003–present Star Screen Award (2008) Noted for her duet "Khuda Jane" from Bachna Ae Haseeno
Sharda Sinha Hindi, Bhojpuri, Mithila, Angika 1952–present Recipient of the Padma Shri for her contribution to music Folk Singer from Bihar who sang in Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun
Shreya Ghoshal Hindi, Angika, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Urdu, Oriya, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Assamese, Nepali, Gujarati, Konkani 2002–present Four National Awards, six Filmfare Awards, seven Filmfare South Award, three Zee Cine Awards, four IIFA Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Awards, five Kerala State Awards Governor of the US State of Ohio Ted Strickland declared that June 26, 2010, was "Shreya Ghoshal Day" in the state of Ohio in recognition of Shreya's musical contribution. Seen recently in Anjaana Anjaani
Shruti Pathak Hindi, Urdu 2004–present Nominated for Filmfare Awards and Star Screen Awards
Shubha Mudgal Hindi, Tamil 1996–present Bass voice; folk-based songs. Sang in Raincoat and 1920
Shweta Mohan Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada 1999–present Kerala State Award, Filmfare Award, Asianet Film Award, Vanitha Film Award, Film Critics Award, Sunfeast Isai Aruvi Award Daughter of singer Sujatha Mohan
Shweta Pandit Hindi 1999–present Grandniece of Pandit Jasraj and niece of Jatin Lalit/Sulakshana Pandit
Sowmya Raoh Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi 1993–present
Srilekha Parthasarathy Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam 2002–present
Sudha Malhotra Hindi 1954–1982 Sang in the 1950s and 1960s. Was last heard in Raj Kapoor's Premrog, in the song "Yeh Pyar Tha Ya Kuch Aur Yha"
Sujatha Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada 1977–present Three Tamil Nadu State Awards, three Kerala State Awards, Swaralaya Yesudas Award (2009), Film Critics Award 11 times, two Asianet Film Awards, Dinakaran Award, Cinema Express Award, Vanitha Award, Mathrubhoomi Award, Raju Pilakkad Film Award, Best female singer award in Gulf Malayalam Music Awards (2008) A singer from age of six, known for her soulful melodies in Tamil and Malayalam
Sulakshana Pandit Hindi 1967–1998 Filmfare Award Also an actress. Niece of Pandit Jasraj and sister of Jatin-Lalit. Sang and acted in films of the 1970s and 1980s. Recorded with major music directors like Kishore Kumar, Laxmi Pyare, and Shankar Jaikishan
Suman Kalyanpur Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi, Urdu 1954–1981 Also sang for Marathi films. Was extensively used for duets with Mohd Rafi during the Rafi-Lata tiff from 1962–1967
Sumangali Telugu, Tamil
Sunita Telugu, Tamil, Kannada 1995–present Six Andhra Pradesh State Awards, one Filmfare Award South Also a Dubbing artist
Sunitha Sarathy Tamil, Telugu, Hindi 2002–present
Sunidhi Chauhan Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Urdu, Punjabi, Marathi, Bengali, Oriya 2000–present Two Filmfare Awards, one Filmfare R. D. Burman Award, one Zee Cine Award, two IIFA Awards, two Star Screen Awards, Bigstar Entertainment Singer of the Decade Award, Global Indian Music Award Powerful, husky voice; sings pop songs
Suraiya Hindi, Urdu about 1942–1965 Also an actress. Velvety voice and glamorous looks. She did not sing for other heroines
Suvi Suresh Tamil, Hindi, Kannada
Suzanne D'Mello Tamil, Telugu, Hindi 1994–present
Swarnalatha Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Badaga, Bengali, Oriya , Nepali , Marathi 1987–2010 One National Award, two Tamil Nadu state Awards, six Filmfare Awards, one Andhra Pradesh Nandhi Award, Tamil Nadu Government Kalaimamani Award, Cinema Express Awards, Dinakaran Awards, Vijay TV Awards She sings all types of songs. Rakkama Kaiya Thattu from the movie Thalapathi (1991) topped a BBC World Top Ten music poll. She was died in 2010.
Tanvi Shah Tamil, Telugu, Hindi 2004–present Grammy Awards winner for the soundtrack Jai Ho
Tulsi Kumar Hindi Sings mostly in films produced by her production house, T-Series.
Uma Devi Hindi 1923–2003 Also known as Tuntun
Usha Telugu 1999–present Three Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Awards
Usha Khanna Hindi, Urdu, Oriya 1960–present Better known as a music director. Sang occasionally in films like Johnny Mera Naam
Usha Mangeshkar Marathi, Hindi, Assamese, Gujrati, Bengali, Nepali, Oriya 1954–present Maharashtra State Award, Bengal Film Journalist Association Award Sister of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Known for her songs in the Dada Kondke films
Usha Uthup Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Assamese, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, English, Russian, Czech, Nepali, Malay, Malayalam, Kannada, Oriya 1966–present Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Purashkar Award, Mahila Shiromoni Purashkar Award, Channel V Award, The People's Support Award Husky voice and western style of singing. Sang mostly for RD Burman & Bappi Lahiri
Vaishali Samant Marathi, Hindi 2000–present Rapa Award for Aika Dajiba, MTV Asia Music Awards (Singapore), Sangeetkar Ram Kadam Award (2005), Alpha Gaurav Puraskar, Kalabhushan Puraskar, Mata Sanmaan Puraskar (2007 and 2008), Zee Talkies Award (2009)
Vani Jayaram Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Hindi, Kannada, Oriya, Urdu 1971–1999 Three National Awards Faced a big controversy against Lata Mangeshkar in 1971. Eventually shifted base to the South. Remembered for her debut song in Hindi: "Bole Re Papeehara" in Guddi (1971)
Vasundhara Das Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada 1994–present Also an actress. Debuted in Tamil in Hey Raam, with Kamal Hasan. Sang in the South and in Hindi films such as Nayak, Kal Ho Na Ho, and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

Actresses who have done playback singing

Male playback singers

Name Languages Years active Major awards Comments
Adnan Sami Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada 1990–Present Nigar Award A pop singer turned film playback singer
Akshaya Mohanty Oriya, Bengali 1957–2002 Jayadeva Award Singer, music director, actor
A. M. Rajah Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi 1951–1975 Madras Film Fans Association award for Best Music Director (1959) One of the Leading singer of the South in the 1950s. Also a composer. His first film was Samsaram, in Tamil. He sang for all the major heroes of the South, like M.G.R, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, N.T.Rama Rao, A.Nageswara Rao , Jaggiah, Sathyan, Prem Nazir, and Raj Kumar. He was mainly identified with Gemini Ganesan. Rajah was married to playback singer Jikki.
Amal Antony.M Malayalam, English, Tamil 2008–present National winner for light vocal in university youth festivals (2008) Films include Laptop; the song "Maymasame". He is also a music director.
Anuj Gurwara Telugu, Hindi 2009–present Filmfare Award 2009, Maa Tv CineMaa Award, Mirchi Music Award, BigFm Ugadi Music Award, Southscope Cinema Award, Alapana Music Award Despite being North-Indian, his debut song, Panchadara Bomma, from the telugu film, Magadheera. A singer, live peformer and actor, he is also a Master of Ceremonies, Theatre Actor, Voice Artist and former Radio Jockey. Acted in Hyderabad Blues II, Anand, Maryada Ramanna.
Anutosh Mazumdar Hindi, Urdu, Kannada, Chhattishgari, Telugu,Bangla 2007–present Chhattishgarh Idol ( 2007) Also composed songs for films, including reworked Chhattishgari folk songs.
Amit Kumar Bollywood and regional film playback in Hindi, Bengali, Oriya 1965–present Filmfare Best Male Playback for "Yaad Aa Rah Hai", Love Story (1981) Also worked as an actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter, and scriptwriter. Many songs to his name since 1970s. Produced and sung many non-film albums.
Afsal Malayalam, Tamil 2002–present
Anupam Roy Bengali 2010-present
Anwar Hindi, Urdu 1979–present
A. P. Udayabhanu Malayalam, Tamil 1958–2008
Bhupen Hazarika Assamese, Hindi,Bengali,Oriya, English 1942–2011 Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Sangeet-Natak Academy Ratna, Assam Ratna Singer and music director from Assam. Also a composer
Bhupinder Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Oriya 1964–2000 Also a guitarist
Bhal Singh Haryanvi 1980–present Four awards, including Most Popular Haryanvi Singer and Voice of Haryana Also a writer, composer, and musician
Babbu Mann Hindi, Punjabi 1998–present
Biju Narayanan Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu 1993–present
C. H. Atma Hindi, Urdu
Devan Ekambaram Tamil, Telugu, Kannada 1999–present Also a music director and actor
Dhanush Tamil, Telugu, Hindi 2011–present Also a actor
Ghantasala

Full name - Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao

 Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi 1922–1974 Padmashri, AP State awards - best playback singer every year for nearly 3 decades of his entire career as playback singer. Introduced the technique of changing the voice pitch and diction to suit the onscreen actor's performance. Singer in the southern film music in 50's amd 60's. Was a carnatic musician, versatile playback singer & music composer, melodious voice and range. His private rendition "Bhagavad Gita" is daily played in the Tirumala Temple, AP. The only playback singer whose numerous statues have been installed across Andhra Pradesh, India.
G. Venugopal Malayalam 1986–present Three Kerala State Awards, two Kerala Film Critics Award
Gurdas Maan Punjabi, Hindi 1983–present Also a songwriter, choreographer, and actor
Gautam Keswani Hindi, English 2010–present Has won the battle of the bands for three years in a row. He was judged the 9th-best singer in Mtv Rock On. He is a composer, recording artist, and sings all kinds of Bollywood numbers. Specialises in Sufi Gharana. He topped his course in Music Production and Direction, under the tutelage of Rajendra Gandhi, and has received several honours from Marwah Studios and S.Kalyani Studios in New Delhi. He is part of Sangeet Samridhi.
Hariharan Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam 1977–present Padma Shri, two National Awards Sang in several languages, and has recorded many songs, mainly with A.R. Rahman. He is also a notable ghazal singer, with many best-selling albums like Colonial Cousins, Kaash, and Hazir.
Harish Moyal Hindi 2001–present Indian Idol finalist
Hemant Kumar Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Oriya 1937–1989 Filmfare best singer (1954)
Himesh Reshammiya Hindi, Tamil 2000–present Won best playback singer in Filmfare awards (2005), Zee Cine Awards (2005), IIFA Awards Dubai (2006) Debut song was "Aashiq Banaya Aapne"
Jagjit Singh Hindi, Urdu 1981–2011 Padma Bhushan Married to Chitra Singh
Jassie Gift Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu 2004–present Also a film music composer
Jayachandran Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu 1967–present One National Award, four Kerala State Awards, one Tamil Nadu State Award
Jolly Abraham Tamil, Malayalam
Kailash Kher Hindi, Urdu, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu 2003–present Also composed songs for films
Kamukara Purushothaman Malayalam 1957–1995
Karthik Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada 2002–present Three Filmfare South Awards
Kishore Kumar Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Oriya and other languages 1946–1987 Eight Filmfare Awards, seven Bengali Film Journalists Awards Holds the most Filmfare Awards for playback singing. He was a singer in the Hindi film music industry between 1969 and 1987 till his death. He was versatile. Also worked as an actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter, and scriptwriter. he is known for yodeling and singing with enthusiasm and for deep philosophical songs.
K. J. Yesudas Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Tulu, English, French, German, Russian, Arabic 1960–present Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, seven National Film Awards, 24 Kerala State Film Awards, eight Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, six Andhra Pradesh State Film Awards, five Karnataka State Film Awards, one West Bengal state Award, Sangeet Natak Academy Award, honorary award from UNESCO, and Filmfare Awards for both Bollywood and South Indian films. Multilingual singer and master of Carnatic music. He is the official singer of Kerala state.
Kozhikode Abdul Kader Malayalam 1951–1973
K. P. Brahmanandan Malayalam 1969–2004 All-India Radio Award
Kishore Babu (KB) Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam 1996–present Two Star Screen Awards Also a successful Indipop singer
Krishnakumar Kunnath (KK)/(Kay Kay) Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, English etc. 1996–present Two Screen Awards (one for his non-film album Pal), seven Filmfare Award nominations, four IIFA Award nominations, two ZeeCine Award nominations Also sang jingles for advertisements and television serials. Also a successful Indipop singer.
K. L. Saigal Hindi, Urdu, Bengali 1932–1947 The first superstar of Bollywood currently unknown to many.
Kumar Sanu Hindi, Angika, Assamese, Bengali, Punjabi, Oriya, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Urdu 1984–present Padma Shri, five Filmfare Awards, one IIFA Award Broke the Guinness world record for the most songs recorded in a single day (28)
Kunal Ganjawala Hindi, Kannada 2002–present Zee Cine Award
Lucky Ali Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Urdu 1999–present Filmfare Award Also a composer
M. G. Sreekumar Malayalam, Tamil , Hindi 1984–present Two National Awards, three Kerala State Awards
Madhu Balakrishnan Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu 1999–present Kerala State Film Award, Tamil Nadu State Film Award, Kalaimamani
Mahendra Kapoor Hindi, Panjabi, Oriya, Urdu 1956–2008 Three Filmfare Awards, one National Award
Malaysia Vasudevan Tamil, Telugu 1960–2011 Kalaimamani Award A veteran folksy singer; also an actor
Manna Dey Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Oriya, Urdu 1951–2007 Two National Awards, Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2009)
Mano Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada 1987–present Several state awards . He is very good at classical singing and is very versatile can sing songs of all types including Western style songs. Also worked as an actor and a music assistant
Marcose K.G Malayalam, Tamil
Master Saleem Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, Kannada 1990–present Also known as Saleem Shahzada. Also a Punjabi folk singer, Indi-Pop singer, Sufi singer, devotional singer
Mel Mahal Hindi, Punjabi 2007–present
Mohammed Rafi Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujrati, Marathi, Bengali, Oriya, Telugu, Sindhi, Assamese, Kannada, Tamil 1944–1980 Padma Shri, National Award, six Filmfare Awards, awarded Singer of the Millennium by Stardust Magazine, three Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards
Mohammed Aziz Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Telegu, Bengali, Kannada, Oriya 1985–present Now singing for Oriya Bhajans and on albums
Mukesh Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya, Assamese 1940–1976 National Award, four Filmfare Awards Also known as the Man with the Golden Voice
Manapragada Narasimha Murthy Telugu, Hindi, English, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Oriya, Urdu 1941–1999 International Award (International Best Singer Award in International Youth Festival, Berlin, Germany [1973]), National Award, three State Awards, Andhra Pradesh State Film Award, National Doordarshan Award, All-India Radio (AIR) Award, National Folk Music Emeritus Titles: Janapada Brahma, Janapada Ratna. Country Music Legend honoree (KPFK, Los Angeles). Also a lyricist, TV actor, dubbing artist, AIR/TV composer, tele-drama producer and music director
Mynampati Sreeram Chandra Telugu 2005–present Indian Idol 5 winner
Mohit Chauhan Hindi, English, and Pahadi,Bengali 2002–present Filmfare Award for song "Masakali" from the movie Delhi-6; Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards for song "Yeh Dooriyan" from the movie Love Aaj Kal; second annual Airtel Mirchi Music Awards for song "Masakali" from Delhi-6; National Award
Naresh Iyer Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada 2002–present National Film Award, Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, Filmfare South Award Launched by A. R. Rahman
Nitin Mukesh Hindi, Urdu, Bengali 1970–2004 son of Mukesh
Neeraj Shridhar Hindi, Bengali, Oriya 1985–present Filmfare Award Has also released few non-film albums
P. B. Sreenivas Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam 1953–present
Pankaj Mullick Hindi, Urdu, Bengali Padma Shri, Dadasaheb Phalke Award Better known as Music Director
Pankaj Udhas Hindi, Urdu 1980–present Padma Shri, Kalakar Award, MTV Immies Award, Dadabhai Naoroji Millennium Award, Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Award, K L Saigal Award, Special Achievement Award, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Radio Lotus Award Also a Ghazal singer
Pardeep Kumar Hindi, Urdu Better known as Kavi Pardeep
Pradeep Somasundaran Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada 1993–present Meri Awaz Suno (1996), MTVA Award (1998) Also a lecturer
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Hindi 2004–present Filmfare Award Pakistani vocalist
Rajkumar Kannada 1965–2000 National Award, Padma Bhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Karnataka Ratna; Honorary Doctorate from Mysore University Also known as an actor (Natasarvabhouma)
Remo Fernandes Konkani, Hindi, English, Kannada, Telugu
Rupam Islam Bengali-Hindi 2007–present National Award Frontman of the Indian Bangla band Fossils
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi, Tulu, Gondi 1966–present Padma Bhushan Award, Padma Shri Award, Six National Awards,one filmfare Award, three Filmfare Awards South, 25 Andhra Pradesh Film Awards, two Tamil Nadu Film Awards, Kalaimamani Award, Swaralaya Kairali Yesudas Award, six Lifetime Achievement Awards, Raja-Lakshmi Award, Kalaprapurna from Andhra University. He has received four Doctorate awards. Has worked as a music director (composed 45 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada) actor (acted in 66 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada) producer, and dubbing artist. Has recorded more than 36,000 songs in a span of 40 years, a world record. He recorded 21 songs in a day in Kannada for the composer Upendra Kumar in Bangalore on 8 February 1981. Has recorded 19 songs in Tamil in a day, and 16 songs in Hindi in a day. Elder brother of playback singer S. P. Sailaja
S. P. B. Charan Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi 1998–present Son of S. P. Balasubramanyam; also a film producer, actor, and director
Saandip Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil 2000–present Also an actor (Premayanamaha), dubbing artist, and anchor. First South Indian singer to participate in Hero Honda-Saregamapa 2003
Shaan Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Oriya, Tamil 1989–present Two Filmfare Awards, one Zee Cine Award Also a successful Indipop singer
Shabbir Kumar Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Bengali, Oriya, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Assami, Rajasthani 1980–present
Shailender Singh Hindi, Urdu 1975–1997
Shankar Mahadevan Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali 1998–present National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, State Awards, Swaralaya Yesudas Award Also a music director, as part of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy [[Suntosh[] Hindi,Urdu,Marathi,Awadhi,Bhojpuri,Bengali,Punjabi 2009-Present Indian playback singer Debut with Hindi Movie Ek Aur Vijaypath has sung remarkable song " "Khuda Tera Shukriya" Suraj Jagan Hindi,Telugu 2007–present Max Stardust Award Acted in Rock On!! , as Ajay
Shashi Preetham Telugu, Hindi, English, Bengali 1995–present Telugu and Hindi film composer, producer, and director; known for his Telugu film Gulabi. Has sung "Ye Rojaithe Choosano Ninnu" from Gulabi
Sonu Nigam Hindi, Kannada, Nepali, Punjabi, Telugu, Urdu, Oriya, Tamil 1990–present National Award, two Filmfare Awards, three IIFA Awards, four Zee Cine Awards Also an Indi-Pop singer, TV anchor and judge, actor, RJ and music composer for one of his albums
Sriram Parthasarathy Tamil, Telugu 2001–present Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback (2005): "Suttum Vizhi Choodare" from Ghajini Also a Carnatic classical vocalist
Subir Sen Hindi, Bengali
Sukhwinder Singh Hindi, Telugu, Marathi and Punjabi 1986–present Filmfare Award
Suresh Wadkar Hindi, Marathi, Oriya, Bengali, Urdu 1978–present
Talat Mahmood Hindi, Urdu, Bengali 1945–1997 Padma Bhushan Also an actor
T. M. Soundararajan Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam,Hindi 1946–present Padma Sri, Kalaimamani, 19 times State Award winner, 20-time Pesum Padam Award winner, Isaikadal Award, Padakar Thilagam Award, South Indian Kural Arasar Award, EzhilIsai Mannan award,11 times National Award nominated. Periyor RamaSwami Naykar recognition award, M K T Bhagavathar Lifetime Achievement Award Carnatic musician and south Indian playback singer for over 64 years. He sang with over 50 music directors, including M. Subhai Naidu and A R Rehman. Many songs in the tamil film world.
T. S. Ranganathan Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam 2000–present Also a dubbing artist. Has done more than 10,000 ads in various languages and has sung more than 100 jingles. Also a model and actor
Udit Narayan Hindi, Kannada, Nepali, Angika,Telugu, Tamil, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Oriya, Malayalam 1981–present Padma Shri, three National Awards, five Filmfare Awards, two Star Screen Awards, one IIFA Award, one Zee Cine Award Also released non-film albums. Worked as a producer (Bhojpuri), TV personality (judge). His son Aditya is a TV anchor.
Unni Menon Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu 1981–present
Unnikrishnan Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada 1995–present Two National Awards National award for his debut, "Ennavale", and for "Uyarum" from Pavitra
Vijay Yesudas Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi 2000–present Kerala State Award Son of singer K. J. Yesudas
Vijay Prakash Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil 2004–present Star Vijay Best Singer Award for "Naan Kadavul" Disciple of singer Suresh Wadkar. A regular singer for A.R. Rahman
Vineeth Sreenivasan Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada 2002–present Son of Malayalam film actor Sreenivasan
Vinod Rathod Hindi, Oriya 1987–present
Zubeen Garg Assamese, Hindi, English , Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Oriya, Nepali, Marathi, Manipuri, Urdu and other tribal languages like Mishing, Karbi, Tiwa, Deuri, Rabha 1991–present National Award,Bengali Film Journalists Award,Max Stardust Awards,GIFA Award Singer and Composer from Assam with 9,000 songs to his credit, mainly in Assamese and Hindi. Composed music and sung in 26 Assamese Films, 40 Assamese Music Albums, three Hindi Albums, three Bengali Albums, and one Bodo Album. Also worked as a producer (Assamese), TV personality (judge), actor, lyricist, and director. He acted, co-produced and scored music in the Assamese film Dinabandhu, for which received a National Award in 2005.

Actors who have done playback singing

Composers who have done playback singing

Lyricists/Song writers who have done playback singing

References