Alka Yagnik

A singing sensation luring hearts worldwide, Alka Yagnik is mesmerizing the listeners since past three decades. Alka was born in a Brahmin family on 20th March 1966 in Kolkata, West Bengal. The singer received the talent inherent from her mother Shubha Yagnik, who herself is a singer of Indian Classical music.

Alka managed to complete her schooling from Modern High School for girls. In the mean while studying, Alka prospered her dream by singing her very first song on Akashvani (All India Radio) at then Calcutta in 1972, when she was just six years old. Observing the hidden talent to make it large sometime, at the age of ten years, Alka's mother brought her to Mumbai to pursue as a child singer. On the same, Alka sent her first introductory letter to Raj Kapoor. On hearing her vocals, Kapoor immediately forwarded her draft to then legendary composer Laxmikant. It was then Laxmikant offered Yagnik to immediately join in as a dubbing artist or hold on with other option to nurture her voice to debut as a singer, and no sooner Alka opted for the second option.

In the year 1980, Alka flew her highs with her debut piece "Thirkat Ang" in then release 'Payal Ki Jhankar' followed by "Mere Angne Mein" in 1981 release 'Laawaris'.But the real fruit ripped for her with her first hit number 'Ek Do Teen' from 'Tezaab' released in 1988 that went on to become a chart buster then and is still hitting its best till date. The song not only grabbed her attention and admiration but fetched her first 'Filmfare Award for Best Singer Female'.

Later Yagnik went on to become a regulate in the industry by singing in several films including 'Mera Muqaddar', 'Shiva Shakti', 'Aurat Teri Yehi Kahani' and 'Charanon Ki Saugandh'. But what gained her popularity in real was her team up with singer Udit Narayan for 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' . The pair lured the youngsters of that era with their heart trenching romantic melodies such as "Akele Hain Toh Kya Gum Hain", "Gazab Ka Hai Din", "Ae Mere Humsafar". This what the thing which led Alka to climb up to the platform which she stands on right now.

Her nexts " Gali Gali Mein", "Gazar Ne Kiya" from 'Tridev', "Tumse Milne Ko Dil Karta Hai" from 'Phool Aur Kaante', "Tu Shayar Hai", "Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai" from 'Saajan', "Ghungat Ke Aad Se", "Kaash Koi Ladka" from 'Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke', "Choli Ke Peeche" from 'Khalnayak', "Baazigar O Baazigar" from 'Baazigar', "Chura Ke Dil Mera" from 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari', "Panchi Nadiya" from 'Refugee', "O re Chori" from 'Lagaan', "Ring Ring Ringa" from 'Slumdog Millionaire' are few off her classic streams waving out from this melodious ocean.

The vocal queen went ahead and formed good rapports with fellow singers Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet, Sonu Nigam and Shaan. Her vocal pairing with these maestros were pretty famous and preferred most by the audiences. Alka sparked her diamond when she compared herself marking seven Filmfare awards in competition with ace Bollywood veteran singer Asha Bhosle.

Alka also marked her presence in the prestigious 'National Award' category, not once but twice with her classics "Ghungat Ke Aad Se" from 'Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke' and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" from the movie 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.

Leading a happy married life with her along with her US based husband and daughter, Alka recently made few appearances by appearing as a judge on few music reality shows like 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' and 'Star Voice Of India'. Yagnik still pursues her career as playback singer and will soon be heard in the upcoming Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma starrer 'Bombay Velvet'.