Alka Yagnik on Padma Bhushan: I am deeply grateful

Singer Alka Yagnik has been conferred the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours. This recognises her unparalleled contribution to Indian film music over a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades. She is one of the most-streamed Indian artists globally and a voice that defined three generations of Hindi cinema. From chart-toppling romantic ballads to dancefloor anthems, her vocal magic has graced countless cinematic moments.

In a heartfelt response to the honour, Yagnik shared a message brimming with gratitude: “I am deeply grateful to the Govt of India for bestowing upon me this prestigious honour Padma Bhushan. I really want to thank all my listeners for their unconditional love. After decades in the film and music industry this honour feels both humbling and deeply emotional. My heartfelt thanks to filmmakers, composers, lyricists, my co-singers, musicians, technicians, press, media and every individual who forms the soul of our movies. This journey would not have been possible without you. To my listeners… your love has been my constant strength. The music, this journey and this moment belongs to all of us.”


Reaction from fans after the announcement, has called the honour long overdue. Social media buzzed with appreciation for her contributions, underlining her status as one of the most universally adored voices in Indian cinema. This honour comes at a poignant time in her life. In 2024, she’d publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss; a serious condition that can be particularly challenging for a singer.


A CAREER ETCHED IN MELODY
Born on March 20, 1966, in Kolkata, she began her musical path as a child artist at the age of 4, and rose to become one of Hindi cinema’s most sought-after playback singers by the late 1980s and through the 1990s and early 2000s, spending around 46 years in music. She has sung over 20,000 songs in more than 25 languages and also holds the distinction of being among the most-streamed Indian music artists, and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

DID YOU KNOW – Osama Bin Laden was a fan of Alka Yagnik
When the CIA seized computers and digital media from Osama bin Laden’s Abbottabad safe house following the 2011 US Navy SEAL raid, investigators discovered a substantial collection of Bollywood music. Among the recordings were several songs sung by playback singer Alka Yagnik, including “Ajnabi Mujhko Itna Bata” from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha and the title track of Dil Tera Aashiq.

A Few Of Her Popular Songs

1. Ek Do Teen (Tezaab, 1988)
2. Taal Se Taal Mila (Taal, 1999)
3. Tip Tip Barsa Paani (Mohra, 1994)
4. Chura Ke Dil Mera (Main Khiladi Tu Anari, 1994)
5. Pardesi Pardesi (Raja Hindustani, 1996)
6. Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein (Raja Hindustani, 1996)
7. Paas Bulati Hai (Jaanwar, 1999)
8. Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se (Dhadkan, 2000)
9. Bole Chudiyan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, 2001)
10. Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha, 2015)

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