India has a rich and diverse musical heritage that spans centuries and encompasses a variety of styles, genres, and regional variations. From classical Indian music to Bollywood film songs, the country has produced a multitude of talented singers who have captured the hearts and minds of music lovers around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at 20 of the most famous Indian singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
The list includes both male and female singers from different parts of India, who have contributed to different styles of music. Some of them are legendary classical singers, while others are renowned for their popular Bollywood songs. The selected artists have achieved great success in their respective fields and have become household names not only in India but also in many other countries.
From Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, who dominated the Indian music scene in the 1960s and 1970s, to contemporary stars like Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, who continue to reign supreme, this article will highlight the achievements and contributions of each of these iconic singers. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Indian music or simply appreciate good music, this article is sure to pique your interest and give you a glimpse into the fascinating world of Indian singing.
1. Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was a British-Indian singer and songwriter, widely known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. Born in Zanzibar and raised in India, Mercury possessed an extraordinary vocal range and flamboyant stage presence, captivating audiences around the world. He wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Somebody to Love,” among others. Mercury’s dynamic voice and charismatic performances continue to inspire new generations of musicians, earning him a place in the pantheon of rock legends. Despite his untimely death in 1991, Mercury’s legacy endures as one of the greatest frontmen in music history.
2. Norah Jones
Norah Jones is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist of Indian descent, known for her soulful and mellow voice that blends elements of jazz, blues, and folk music. Her debut album “Come Away with Me” was released in 2002 and won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making her a major commercial success. Jones has since released several critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, showcasing her versatility as a musician. Her musical style has earned her a loyal fan base worldwide, and she remains one of the most respected and beloved singers of her generation.
3. Jay Sean
Jay Sean is a British-Indian singer, songwriter, and rapper known for his fusion of R&B, hip hop, and pop music. Born Kamaljit Singh Jhooti, he rose to fame in the early 2000s with his hit single “Eyes On You” and continued to gain popularity with his collaborations with other artists such as Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Sean has released several successful albums and has received numerous awards for his music, including the UK Asian Music Award and the MTV Europe Music Award. He is recognized for his smooth vocals, catchy hooks, and infectious beats, making him one of the most successful British-Indian musicians of all time.
4. Adnan Sami Khan
As for Adnan Sami Khan, he is a Pakistani-Indian singer, composer, and pianist known for his diverse musical style, incorporating elements of Indian classical music, pop, and rock. He gained popularity in the early 2000s with his hit songs like “Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein” and “Tera Chehra,” and has continued to produce successful albums and soundtracks for Bollywood films. Sami Khan has also received several awards for his music, including the Nigar Award and the MTV Asia Award. He is recognized for his exceptional vocal range and unique musical style that has garnered him a massive following in India and Pakistan.
5. Charli XCX
Charli XCX is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer of Indian descent. She first gained recognition for her music in 2013 with her hit single “Boom Clap,” which was featured in the film The Fault in Our Stars. Charli XCX has since released several successful albums and collaborated with many artists, including Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, and Troye Sivan. Her music combines elements of pop, punk, and electronic dance music, and she is known for her distinctive vocal style and edgy, futuristic image. Charli XCX’s music has earned her critical acclaim and a large, devoted fan base, making her one of the most exciting pop artists of her generation.
6. Raveena
Raveena Aurora, known professionally as Raveena, is an Indian-American singer, songwriter, and filmmaker. Her music blends elements of R&B, soul, and indie pop, with lyrics that explore themes of love, healing, and self-discovery. Raveena’s debut album “Lucid” was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, and she has since released several successful singles and music videos. In addition to her music career, Raveena is also a talented filmmaker and has directed several music videos and short films. She is recognized for her ethereal vocals, dreamy soundscapes, and empowering messages, making her one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the contemporary music scene.
7. Shilpa Ray
Shilpa Ray is an Indian-American singer, songwriter, and musician known for her unique blend of blues, punk, and garage rock. Her music combines raw, emotive vocals with distorted guitar riffs and haunting melodies, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and rebellion. Shilpa Ray has released several successful albums, including “Door Girl” and “Last Year’s Savage,” and has collaborated with many artists, including Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. She is recognized for her powerful, soulful voice and her ability to create emotionally charged, cathartic music that resonates with her listeners. Shilpa Ray is a fearless and boundary-pushing artist, making her one of the most exciting and unconventional musicians of her generation.
8. Michael P. Raj (HOAX)
Michael P. Raj, who goes by the stage name HOAX, is a rising Indian singer and rapper. Known for his powerful and emotive vocals, HOAX’s music is a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. He began his career by uploading covers on YouTube, and has since released several original tracks. His music often addresses personal struggles, social issues, and the complexities of relationships. HOAX’s breakout single “Moon Landing” has garnered over a million views on YouTube and earned him a spot on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist. He continues to gain momentum and is poised to become a major force in the Indian music industry.
9. Tommy Genesis
Tommy Genesis is a Canadian rapper and singer of Indian and Swedish descent. Her music is a blend of trap, R&B, and electronic influences. She gained popularity in 2015 with her debut mixtape “World Vision”, which showcased her unique flow and provocative lyrics. Her music often explores themes of sexuality, empowerment, and identity. In 2018, she signed with Downtown Records and released her debut studio album “Tommy Genesis”. The album received critical acclaim and cemented her status as a rising star in the alternative rap scene. Tommy Genesis continues to push boundaries with her music and visuals, and is a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community in hip-hop.
10. Sameer Gadhia (Young the Giant)
Sameer Gadhia is an Indian-American singer and the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Young the Giant. His music is characterized by soaring vocals and introspective lyrics that explore themes of self-discovery and identity. Gadhia’s music draws from a variety of influences, including Indian classical music, alternative rock, and indie pop. Young the Giant’s self-titled debut album, released in 2010, featured the hit singles “Cough Syrup” and “My Body”, and earned critical acclaim. Gadhia’s soulful voice and engaging stage presence have earned him a loyal fanbase and cemented his status as a rising star in the indie rock scene.
11. Usha Uthup
Usha Uthup is an iconic Indian singer known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. With a career spanning over five decades, Uthup has released over 20 albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in Indian music. Her music blends traditional Indian styles with elements of jazz, pop, and rock. Uthup is also known for her bold fashion sense, often sporting bright colors and bold patterns. Her most famous songs include “Hari Om Hari”, “Darling”, and “Dum Maro Dum”. Usha Uthup’s music continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
12. Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar is a legendary Indian playback singer and one of the most prominent voices in the Indian music industry. With a career spanning over seven decades, she has recorded over 30,000 songs in various Indian languages. Her music is characterized by her melodious and emotive voice, which has earned her numerous accolades and awards. Mangeshkar’s most famous songs include “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon”, “Lag Ja Gale”, and “Tere Bina Zindagi Se”. She is also known for her philanthropic work and has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to Indian music and society.
13. Asha Bhosle
Asha Bhosle is a legendary Indian playback singer and sister of Lata Mangeshkar. With a career spanning over six decades, she has recorded over 12,000 songs in various Indian languages. Bhosle’s music is characterized by her versatile voice, which ranges from sensuous to playful, and her ability to adapt to various music genres, including Indian classical, pop, and disco. Her most famous songs include “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja”, “Dum Maro Dum”, and “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko”. Bhosle has won numerous awards for her contributions to Indian music, including the National Film Award and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.
14. Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi was a legendary Indian playback singer and one of the most prominent voices in the Indian music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he recorded over 7,000 songs in various Indian languages. Rafi’s music is characterized by his mellifluous and versatile voice, which allowed him to sing in a wide range of styles, including classical, qawwali, and romantic ballads. His most famous songs include “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho”, “Yeh Reshmi Zulfein”, and “Kya Hua Tera Wada”. Rafi was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to Indian music, including the National Film Award and the Padma Shri.
15. Naomi Scott
Naomi Scott is a British actress and singer of Indian descent. She rose to fame in 2019 for her portrayal of Princess Jasmine in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Aladdin”. Scott also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, performing the songs “Speechless” and “A Whole New World” alongside Mena Massoud. Her music is characterized by her soulful and powerful voice, and her ability to convey emotional depth in her performances. In addition to her acting and singing career, Scott is also an advocate for various social causes, including gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
2>16. Sukhwinder Singh
Sukhwinder Singh is an Indian playback singer and music composer who has sung in various Bollywood films. He is best known for his energetic and powerful voice, and has won numerous awards for his contributions to the Indian film industry. Some of his popular tracks include “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the film Dil Se, “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire, and “Haule Haule” from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Singh has also appeared as a judge on various music reality shows.
17. Jagjit Singh
Jagjit Singh was an Indian ghazal singer, composer, and musician known as the “Ghazal King”. He is known for his soulful voice and his ability to bring out the emotions in his listeners through his music. Singh has released numerous albums and has collaborated with various artists throughout his career. Some of his popular tracks include “Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho”, “Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya”, and “Koi Fariyaad”. Singh has also won numerous awards for his contributions to the Indian music industry. He passed away in 2011, but his music continues to inspire and move people to this day.
18. Kumar Sanu
Kumar Sanu is an Indian playback singer who has recorded more than 25,000 songs in various Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. He is known for his melodious voice and has won numerous awards for his contributions to the Indian film industry. Some of his popular tracks include “Tujhe Dekha Toh”, “Dheere Dheere Se”, and “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh”. Sanu has also appeared as a judge on various music reality shows.
19. Manna Dey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHJcB0ReuL8
Manna Dey was an Indian playback singer, composer, and musician who sang in various Indian languages including Bengali, Hindi, and Assamese. He is known for his versatile voice and has recorded more than 4,000 songs in his career. Some of his popular tracks include “Ae Mere Pyare Watan”, “Laga Chunari Mein Daag”, and “Yeh Dosti”. Dey has also won numerous awards for his contributions to the Indian music industry. He passed away in 2013, but his music continues to inspire and entertain people to this day.
20. Shaan
Shaan is an Indian playback singer, composer, and music director who has sung in various Bollywood films. He is known for his smooth and soothing voice and has won numerous awards for his contributions to the Indian music industry. Some of his popular tracks include “Chand Sifarish”, “Jab Se Tere Naina”, and “Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh”. Shaan has also appeared as a judge on various music reality shows and has hosted several television shows. In addition to his singing career, he is also involved in various philanthropic activities and supports several charitable organizations.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
