Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Udit Narayan
Indian playback singer (born 1955) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Udit Narayan Jha (born 1 December 1955) ⓘ is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured primarily in Hindi films. He has also sung in numerous other languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, Sindhi, Odia, Bhojpuri, Nepali, Malayalam, Assamese, Bagheli and Maithili.[1][2]
He has won four National Film Awards[3] and five Filmfare Awards, with twenty nominations among many others. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2009[4] and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution to arts and culture.[5]
His contribution to the Indian music industry was recognised by Lata Mangeshkar, who bestowed upon him the title Prince of Playback Singing.[6][6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
He made his Hindi playback debut with Mohammed Rafi in Unees-Bees (1980) and later sang with Kishore Kumar. He gained nationwide fame with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), performing "Papa Kehte Hain", which won him his first Filmfare Award.[12]
He has sung thousands of songs across Hindi and Nepali cinema.[13][14] [15] [16] [17][18]
In recognition of his contribution to Nepalese music, the King of Nepal, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, awarded him the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu in 2001.[19] He is the only male singer in Filmfare Awards history to have won across three decades: the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.[20]
Remove ads
Early life
Summarize
Perspective
Udit Narayan Jha was born on 1 December 1955 in an ethnic Maithil Brahmin family to Harekrishna Jha, a Nepalese national, and Bhuvaneshwari Jha, an Indian national.[21][22][23] In 2009, when Narayan was awarded India's fourth highest civilian honour Padma Shri, there were reports questioning his Indian citizenship, claiming that he was born in Nepal. However, Udit Narayan himself branded these reports as "completely false", and stated that he was born in the Baisi village of Supaul district in Bihar at his maternal grandparents' home near the India-Nepal border.[24] When his acceptance of the Padma Shri led to his criticism in Nepal, he told the Nepalese daily Kantipur that he was "from Nepal but his mother's home was in Bihar."[25] In a 2017 interview with the Indian magazine Outlook, he clarified that he was born in Baisi, and clarified that his father Harekrishna was a native of Bhardaha, Saptari District, Sagarmatha Zone (present-day Madhesh Province), Nepal on the border with India.[23] In September 2018, Udit Narayan revealed at a ceremony held by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, that he identifies as a Bihari.[26]
Narayan studied at Jageshwar High School, Kunauli, Supaul, Bihar, India where he finished his SSC and later obtained his intermediate degree from Ratna Rajya Lakshmi Campus of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. His father Harekrishna Jha was a farmer and his mother Bhuvneshwari Devi was a folk singer who encouraged his career.[27][28][29]
As a teenager, Narayan began performing folk and modern songs on Radio Nepal, where he worked as a staff singer in the 1970s. This exposure gave him experience in recording and performing across Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri genres.[30]
In 1978, he received a music scholarship that enabled him to move to Mumbai and undergo classical training at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for six years, preparing him for a professional career in playback singing.[31]
Remove ads
Personal life
In 2006, Ranjana Narayan claimed to be Narayan's first wife, but Narayan consistently denied it. Later, he accepted her as his wife, whom he married in 1984, and promised to provide for her maintenance.[32][33][34] Udit began a relationship with Deepa Gahatraj while still married to Ranjana. Udit and Deepa were married in 1985. With Deepa Gahatraj, he has one son, Aditya Narayan, who is also a playback singer.[35][32][36][37]
Remove ads
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Narayan is regarded as one of the leading playback singers in Indian cinema from the late 1980s through the 2000s. He gained prominence with his distinct youthful voice and became a preferred playback singer for actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn. Narayan has recorded extensively in Hindi films as well as in several regional industries, including Nepali, Bhojpuri, Bengali and Kannada cinema.[38]
He collaborated with many of Bollywood’s top composers over the decades — and his duets with leading female vocalists such as Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Anuradha Paudwal, Sadhana Sargam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle contributed to some of the era’s most popular soundtracks.[39]
1970s: Early career
Udit Narayan completed his early schooling in Bihar in the early 1970s, near his maternal ancestral village. He later moved to Kathmandu for further studies at Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, where he pursued intermediate education.[40]
During this period, he performed as a staff singer for Radio Nepal and sang in hotels in Kathmandu. His earnings at the time were modest, reported to be around Rs 100 per assignment.[41]
Although committed to pursuing a musical career, Narayan faced family pressure to follow a more conventional profession, with his father encouraging him to become a doctor or an engineer, reflecting the family’s agricultural background.[42][43]
In 1978, he received a music scholarship through a cultural-exchange programme, which enabled him to relocate to Bombay (now Mumbai). There, he enrolled at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan to undertake formal classical music training.[44]
While in Mumbai, he visited several music directors’ offices and auditioned extensively. Despite frequent encouragement, he initially struggled to secure playback opportunities, marking a prolonged and uncertain phase before his breakthrough.[45]
1980s
Udit Narayan’s Bollywood career began in 1980 when music director Rajesh Roshan offered him his first playback opportunity in the film Unees-Bees, where he recorded a duet with Mohammed Rafi.[46][47]
He showcased versatility across genres, collaborating with artists such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Bappi Lahiri.[48][49]
His major breakthrough came in 1988 with the soundtrack of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, performed with Alka Yagnik. The song "Papa Kehte Hain" became a nationwide hit and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1989.[50]
1990s: Career Peak
In the early 1990s, Udit Narayan achieved nationwide recognition as a playback singer, collaborating with composers such as Jatin–Lalit on films including Yaara Dildara (1991) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992).[51] He worked with prominent composers of the era such as Nadeem–Shravan, Anu Malik, A. R. Rahman, Laxmikant–Pyarelal and Rajesh Roshan.[52]
Narayan sang numerous successful film songs in the 1990s, some selected films such as Dil, Beta, Darr, Karan Arjun, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Rangeela, Raja Hindustani and Dil Se.., which contributed to his growing prominence in Bollywood playback singing. [53]
By the end of the decade, Narayan had established himself as one of the leading male playback singers in Hindi cinema, earning several awards and recognitions. [54]
Professional association with and comparison to Kumar Sanu
During the 1990s — a period often characterized by the dominance of melodious playback songs in Bollywood — Narayan and Kumar Sanu emerged as two of the most prominent voices in the industry. [55][56]
In interviews, Sanu described their relationship not as personal animosity but as a “healthy competition” for assignments and prominence. [57] As per Sanu, their overlapping careers and popularity led to frequent comparisons by music directors, filmmakers, media and fans. [58]
Contemporaneous observers and later retrospectives on 1990s Bollywood often mention both singers when discussing that era’s playback music landscape; their frequent presence in major film soundtracks is cited as contributing to what became known as a melodious phase in mainstream Hindi cinema.[59]
2000s
In the 2000s, Narayan remained prominent, collaborating with Sonu Nigam, Shaan, KK and composers such as A. R. Rahman, Anu Malik, Shankar Mahadevan, Vishal-Shekhar and Himesh Reshammiya.[60]
He contributed to major soundtracks, including Lagaan (2001) and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001).[61]
Other notable tracks included Chaand Chhupa Badal Mein (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), Humko Humise Chura Lo (Mohabbatein), Zindagi Ban Gaye Ho Tum (Kasoor), Bairi Piya (Devdas), Main Yahaan Hoon (Veer-Zaara) and Falak Tak (Tashan).[62]
He received the Padma Shri in 2009.[63]
2010s
Narayan shifted focus to live performances, mentoring, and judging reality shows. He sang in films like Agneepath (2012), Student of the Year (2012), Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Super 30 (2019). He remained active in regional languages and served as a judge on Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.[64]
2020–2025: Later career and controversies
In the early 2020s, Udit Narayan continued to contribute to film soundtracks. He sang “Hindustani” for Street Dancer 3D (2020), re‑recorded “Tip Tip” for Sooryavanshi (2021), and provided vocals for “Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava” and “Main Nikla Gaddi Leke” in Gadar 2 (2023). In 2024, his original‑voice reprise of “Papa Kehte Hain” was featured in the film Srikanth. [65][66][67][68][69]
In early 2025, a video from one of his concerts reportedly went viral showing him kissing a female fan on the lips during a live performance. [70][71]
The video triggered backlash on social media, with some viewers condemning the act as inappropriate and questioning the boundaries between performers and fans. [72]
After the video surfaced, Narayan issued a statement defending his behaviour. He described the gesture as an expression of affection during a moment of “fan craze” and denied any intent to offend. He said that in the crowd “some people show their love” and that he did not believe the act deserved public outrage. [73][74][71]
Remove ads
Legacy and recognition
Summarize
Perspective
Udit Narayan is widely recognized as one of South Asia’s most influential playback singers, whose career spans several decades and bridges Nepali folk traditions with mainstream Indian cinema.[75] His voice is noted for its warmth, melodic clarity, and expressive quality, which has helped him remain a prominent figure in Bollywood music across generations.[76]
Trained in classical music at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in Mumbai, Narayan developed a versatility that allowed him to sing romantic ballads, folk-inspired songs, and popular film numbers with equal ease.[77] Over the years, he has collaborated with many of India’s leading music composers and singers, producing duets and solo tracks that have become defining elements of 1990s and 2000s Bollywood music.
Narayan’s contributions have been formally recognized with numerous awards. He has received multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016, acknowledging his enduring influence on Indian music.[78]
Beyond Hindi cinema, Narayan has recorded songs in a variety of regional languages, including Nepali, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. This linguistic diversity has contributed to his broad appeal and cultural significance across South Asia.[79]
Even decades after his debut, Narayan continues to be active in music. He occasionally lends his voice to contemporary film soundtracks and performs in concerts, maintaining relevance among new audiences while connecting them with the musical traditions he helped popularize.[80]
Remove ads
Other work
Summarize
Perspective
Narayan's friend Jiyand Nawab Deedag suggested that he modernize his singing style to be selected as a playback singer, but this did not succeed. In 1973, Narayan sang a song for the Nepali film Sindoor. This was a comedy song for the Nepali comedians GopalRaj Mainali (Chankhe) and Basundhara Bhushal (Nakkali). He sang the song with Sushma Shrestha, who later became known as Poornima in Hindi films. Narayan has also acted in two Nepali films – Kusume Rumal[81] and Pirati (1985).
In 2004, he released his first non-film Nepali album, Upahaar, in which he sang duets with his wife Deepa Jha. Narayan has also released many solo albums, including Bhajan Sangam, Bhajan Vatika, I Love You, Dil Deewana, Yeh Dosti, Love is Life, Jaanam, Jhumka de Jhumka, Sona No Ghadulo, Dhuli Ganga, and Ma Tarini.[82]
Narayan has performed in numerous stage shows in India and abroad and has received many awards, including the Screen Videocon Award, MTV Best Video Award, and Pride of India Gold Award. In 2010, he collaborated with Madhushree to sing for the English independent film When Harry Tries to Marry.
He also sang the title song for the TV show Yeh Duniyan Gazab Ki with Kumar Sanu.[83] In 2015, he participated in the mega-series campaign Melancholy, where 421 Nepali artists performed a 33-minute 49-second environmental song, in which 365 artists set a Guinness World Record on 19 May 2016 at Radio Nepal Studio, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu. The song was written, composed, and directed by environmentalist Nipesh DHAKA.[84]
Television career
Narayan has maintained a significant presence on television as a judge, mentor, and guest performer on music reality shows in India and Nepal.[85]
He appeared on major Indian reality shows such as Indian Idol, where he served as a guest judge and mentor.[86]
In Nepal, Narayan contributed to music competitions and televised talent shows, including Nepal Idol, where he promoted regional music and mentored emerging talent.[87]
He has also performed at award ceremonies, musical specials, and televised concerts, including cultural festivals and charity shows.[88]
Remove ads
Acting career
Although primarily known as a playback singer, Udit Narayan has also made notable appearances as an actor, primarily in Nepali cinema.
His most prominent acting role was in the 1985 Nepali film Kusume Rumal, directed by Tulsi Ghimire, in which he played the lead character, Amar.[89] In this film, he also performed the entire soundtrack, combining his singing talent with his on-screen performance.[90]
In interviews, Narayan has stated that he took the acting role to support his career while establishing himself as a singer.[91]
Though the film remains his most recognised acting credit, his performance is considered an integral part of its enduring popularity in Nepali cinema.[92]
Narayan has not pursued acting extensively in Bollywood films, but he has occasionally appeared in cameo roles, usually performing songs or portraying a singer, thus merging his on-screen presence with his musical identity.[93]
Remove ads
Discography
Collaborations with Other Singers
Udit Narayan's career began in the early 1980s and flourished during the 1990s. He had major collaboration with Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Anuradha Paudwal and Sadhana Sargam along with senior artist Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Apart from duets with notable female playback singers, he collaborated extensively with male singers across generations. He debuted alongside legendary Mohammed Rafi and shared songs with Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar, Suresh Wadkar, Mohammed Aziz and others during the 1980s.[94]
Most of his male duets are with Kumar Sanu and Abhijeet Bhattacharya in the 1990s. In 2000s he had more duets with Sonu Nigam and Shaan. [95]
Remove ads
Awards and nominations
Narayan has won four National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards.
Civil honours
- Order of Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Fourth Class (Nepal, 2001) — awarded by the King of Nepal.[96]
- Padma Shri (India, 26 January 2009) — awarded by the Government of India.[97]
- Padma Bhushan (India, 25 January 2016) — third-highest civilian honour.[98] [99]
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award (12 January 2023) — presented by the Governor of Maharashtra.[100] [101]
- International Buddha Peace Award & Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Award (2023) — awarded by the Maitry Peace Foundation.[102] [103]
Jury Positions
In 2012, Narayan was one of the jury members for film music at the Global Indian Music Academy Awards.[104]
Remove ads
See also
References
External links
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads