Rekha Bhardwaj

Rekha Bhardwaj (also spelled 'Bharadwaj') is a noted Indian playback singer. She is known in the industry for her distinctive tone, singing style and choice of songs. She was first noted for her song Namak Ishq Da from Omkara and received further acclaim and recognition for her songs Genda Phool (2009), Badi Dheere (2010), Ranjha Ranjha (2010), Darling (2011), Phir Le Aya (2012), Ghaghra (2013), Kabira (2013), Hamari Atariya (2014) and Judaai (2015). Her latest song is Dil Todne Ki from Hawaizaada.

Bhardwaj is an established singer in the film industrya and the recipient of two Filmfare Awards and one NAtional Award.

Professional career

Rekha was a student of music at Hindu College, Delhi.^[1] She released her first album titled 'Ishqa Ishqa' in 2002^[2][3] and won critical acclaim. Her song in the movie Omkara, "Namak Issq Ka", written by Gulzar and composed by her husband, Vishal, won her accolades. She credits both of them with her success. She considers Lata Mangeshkar her idol.^[4]

The song "Raat Ki Jogan" from the album, Ishqa Ishqa was conceived in 1994,^[5] almost 10 years before it released, when Vishal Bhardwaj had started composing Baba Bulleh Shah's poetry for Rekha's album. She used to go with Vishal for music sittings with Gulzar for his movie Maachis where one day, Gulzar said he would write the words for Rekha's album.

She has also worked as a music assistant to Vishal on the film Hu Tu Tu.

Rekha Bhardwaj then sang for A. R. Rahman in films like Delhi 6 and Raavan. Her song, Genda Phool, from Delhi 6 won her several accolades. The year 2012 saw her sing for music composer Pritam for a film titled Barfi!. The song was titled "Phir le aaya Dil" and won her a few nominations. Bhardwaj again collaborated with Pritam for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. She rendered "Kabira" with Tochi Raina and "Ghagra" with Vishal Dadlani. The former got her and Raina the GIMA Award for Best Duet 2014. The latter was picturised on actress Madhuri Dixit. She again gave her voice to Dixit on the year 2014. She sang "Hamari Atariya" and "Jagaave Saari Raina" for Dedh Ishqiya. Both songs were picturised on Dixit. The songs were composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. She later went on to receive a nomination at the Filmfare Awards for Best Playback Singer Female for "Humari Atariya". She is currently managed by Mourjo Chatterjee of Tarsame Mittal Talent Management.

Selected discography

References