Kumar Sanu, born Kedarnath Bhattacharya on September 23, 1957, is an iconic Indian playback singer who dominated Bollywood music throughout the 1990s. Often hailed as the “King of Melody” or the “King of Romance”, his soulful and romantic voice defined an entire era of Indian film music.
Kumar Sanu began his career as a chorus singer in the early 1980s but got his major breakthrough with the song “Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye” from the film “Jurm” (1990). This marked the beginning of his phenomenal rise to stardom.
Between 1990 and 1995, Kumar Sanu set a Guinness World Record for recording the most songs (28) in a single day. He recorded over 15,000 songs during his career, making him one of the most prolific playback singers in Indian cinema history.
Some of his most iconic songs include:
- Ek Ladki Ko Dekha (1942: A Love Story)
- Tujhe Dekha To (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge)
- Yeh Kali Kali Aankhen (Baazigar)
- Chura Ke Dil Mera (Main Khiladi Tu Anari)
- Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain (Pardes)
- Sochenge Tumhe Pyar (Dewana)
- Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai (Saajan)
- Achcha Sila Diya (Bewafa Sanam)
Kumar Sanu won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer five consecutive times from 1990 to 1994, a record that still stands today. He was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2009 for his contributions to Indian music.
He has collaborated extensively with music directors like Nadeem-Shravan, Jatin-Lalit, Anu Malik, and Anand-Milind, creating countless romantic and melodious hits that remain popular to this day.
Kumar Sanu continues to perform live concerts worldwide and has contributed to mentoring new singers through reality shows like “The Voice India”. His timeless voice continues to enchant music lovers across generations.