Top Female Singers of Yesteryears in India
The yesteryears in India witnessed the emergence of some extraordinary female singers whose timeless melodies continue to resonate with music lovers even today. Icons like Suraiya, Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum, and Noor Jehan enchanted audiences with their soul-stirring voices and impeccable artistry.
Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, the inseparable pillars of Indian playback singing, enchanted generations with their enchanting vocals. S. Janaki, Kavita Krishnamurthy, K.S. Chithra, and Anuradha Paudwal also left an indelible mark with their versatile and emotive renditions. These legendary artists have cemented their places in the hearts of millions, becoming a cherished part of India’s rich musical heritage.
also read about Top Hindi Female Singers in 2023
The Goldern Era Singers
The golden age of Indian music witnessed the emergence of some extraordinary female singers whose timeless melodies continue to resonate with music lovers even today. Icons like Suraiya, Geeta Dutt, and Shamshad Begum enchanted audiences with their soul-stirring voices and impeccable artistry. Noor Jehan, the legendary Pakistani singer, also made a significant impact on the Indian music scene. Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, the inseparable pillars of Indian playback singing, enchanted generations with their enchanting vocals.
- Lata Mangeshkar: Often referred to as the “Nightingale of India,” Lata Mangeshkar is one of the most iconic playback singers in Indian cinema. She has a career spanning several decades and is known for her soulful and melodious voice.
- Asha Bhosle: The younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle is another legendary playback singer known for her versatile singing style and incredible vocal range. She has sung numerous hit songs in various languages.
- Geeta Dutt: Geeta Dutt was a prominent playback singer known for her expressive and emotive renditions. She was highly regarded for her work in the golden era of Indian cinema.
- Shamshad Begum: Shamshad Begum was a renowned playback singer of yesteryears, known for her distinct and melodious voice. She was one of the earliest playback singers in Indian cinema.
- Noor Jehan: also known as Malika-e-Tarannum, was a legendary Pakistani singer and actress who also worked in the Indian film industry. She was a versatile singer known for her powerful and emotional renditions, leaving an enduring impact on the music of the subcontinent
- Suraiya: Suraiya was a popular singer-actress in the golden era of Indian cinema. Her sweet and captivating voice, combined with her acting talent, made her a cherished figure in the industry.
read about Top Female singers in South Cinema
Top Singers in 1980s and 1990s
Anuradha Paudwal: Anuradha Paudwal is a versatile Indian playback singer who gained popularity in the 1970s and continued to mesmerize audiences in the following decades. Known for her melodious voice, she has sung numerous hit songs in various languages, particularly in Bollywood films. Her soulful renditions have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Kavita Krishnamurthy: Kavita Krishnamurthy is an accomplished playback singer who rose to fame in the 1980s and became a prominent figure in the Indian music industry in the subsequent decades. With her powerful and expressive voice, she has sung a diverse range of songs in Bollywood, as well as in regional languages.
Sadhana Sargam: Sadhana Sargam is a talented playback singer who started her career in the 1980s and went on to become one of the leading female voices in Indian cinema. Her sweet and soulful voice has graced many popular songs, and she has received accolades for her versatile singing style.
Alka Yagnik: Alka Yagnik, a prominent playback singer of the 1990s and 2000s, has lent her voice to a vast array of hit songs in Bollywood. Known for her melodious voice and emotional renditions, she has won numerous awards for her outstanding contributions to the music industry.
Usha Uthup: Usha Uthup is a versatile Indian playback singer known for her distinctive and powerful voice. She gained popularity in the 1970s and continued to be active in the subsequent decades. Usha Uthup’s unique singing style, blending Indian and Western influences, set her apart in the industry. She sang several hit songs in Bollywood, as well as in various regional languages. Usha Uthup’s energetic performances and soulful renditions made her an endearing figure in the Indian music scene, leaving an indelible mark on music enthusiasts across the country.
Richa Sharma: Richa Sharma is a renowned singer known for her exceptional Sufi and classical renditions. She gained popularity in the late 1990s and 2000s and has collaborated with many music composers to deliver soul-stirring performances.
K.S. Chithra: Although primarily associated with South Indian cinema, K.S. Chithra’s soulful voice and incredible range have made her a prominent playback singer in Bollywood as well. Active from the 1980s to the 2000s, she has earned immense respect for her contributions to the music industry.
Mahalakshmi Iyer: Mahalakshmi Iyer is a talented singer who gained prominence in the late 1990s and 2000s. She has sung various hit songs in Bollywood and has earned appreciation for her soothing and melodious voice.