Top 10 Best Indian Singers
Music is in the soul of India, and the country has given birth to some of the most amazing singers in history. These singers have enchanted the world with their beautiful songs, powerful voices, and extraordinary musical skills. They have sung in different languages, genres, and styles, and have shown their creativity and versatility in every song.From Lata Mangeshkar to Arijit Singh, and from Kishore Kumar to Shreya Ghoshal, this list will celebrate the best of the best in Indian music, and will make you proud of the incredible musical heritage that India has shared with the world.
Mohammad Rafi's vocal range, capable of singing in various Indian languages, is a testament to his versatility as a singer. His control over pitch and emotive singing style made him one of the most sought-after playback singers in the Indian film industry from the 1940s to the 1980s. His skill in rendering classical ragas as well as peppy numbers indicates the breadth of his musical ability. From romantic ballads to patriotic songs, he could sing it all, making him a beloved figure in Indian musical history. The most versatile singer India has ever produced sang each song with such distinction that it left the listeners spellbound. The effortless transition across the entire range without any strain and flawless emoting made him the king of playback singing. No doubt, his humility, unassuming attitude, soft-spoken nature, and reverence for mankind produced such a voice that came directly from the heart. It's true that music is about emotion and not only technicalities, and he was a master of both.
Lata Mangeshkar is revered as the "Nightingale of India," and her contributions to Indian music are unparalleled. With a career spanning over seven decades, she has recorded songs in numerous Indian languages. Her voice is recognized for its purity, and she has the ability to convey intricate emotions effortlessly. A recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, she is a living legend in the Indian musical arena. It is certainly shocking to see her at the number two position, which is ridiculous and unacceptable! After the huge success of the Aradhana songs, Kishoreda became very famous, and many film stars like Rajesh Khanna and Dev Anand insisted on his playback. From that period onwards, it was Kishoreda all the way.
However, despite the arrival of Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhana Sargam, and Anuradha Paudwal, Lataji ruled the roost. Her body of work is enormous and incomparable. I sincerely believe she should be at the number one position, regardless of the survey and statistics.
Sonu Nigam is often lauded for his exceptional vocal technique and his ability to modulate his voice to fit a wide variety of musical styles. From classical to pop, his versatility has been showcased in several languages including Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu. His live performances are often noted for their emotional depth and technical mastery. Having received numerous awards and honors, Sonu Nigam's contributions to Indian music are far-reaching. He is the best singer ever. No one can beat him, as he is the kind of singer who can perform any type of music, from devotional to remix, perfectly.
What a wonderful singer, with a good voice and pitch. He can also sing in multiple languages quite skillfully. One could say he is following in the footsteps of Mohammed Rafi, the golden singer. If I were to comment and rate on this site, Mohammed Rafi and Sonu Nigam would be at the top of the singer rankings.
I particularly enjoy a beautiful song by Sonu Nigam, Main Dunia Teri Shod Chala, Jara Soorat to Dikhla Jana. I recommend listening to this song at least once before ranking any of the listed singers. If you're new or haven't listened much to Mr. Sonu Nigam, give it a try and then form your opinion. He has a truly beautiful voice that I love.
Shreya Ghoshal's voice is celebrated for its melodious and soulful qualities. Her ability to convey complex emotions through her singing has made her a favorite in both classical and popular music circuits. A recipient of numerous awards, including four National Film Awards, her voice has graced films in multiple languages. Her career, spanning over two decades, testifies to her enduring impact on the Indian music scene. You have a melodious voice and a good smile. Your voice provides relief from all tensions and pains. Each and every song is unique, and you mold your voice accordingly for each one. This is commendable. May this Dussehra bring joy and happiness not only in your professional life but also in your personal life. I hope you gain even more fame and recognition.
In the future, may you get even more wonderful songs to sing. You are an inspiration to many youngsters who hope to become singers. I wish you good times in the future as well. You're not only making Indians proud but also encouraging women to enter any field they prefer.
I am happy to have this opportunity to share my views about my favorite singer, Shreya Ghoshal. I hope you continue to inspire future generations with your marvelous voice.
Have a great day ahead. All the best.
East or west, you are the best. I am your fan and listen to each and every song of yours. I wish I could meet you, but it might not be possible. May you be happy and lead a prosperous life wherever you are.
Kishore Kumar was not only a prolific singer but also an actor, lyricist, and director, showcasing his multi-faceted talents. As a playback singer, he was known for his yodeling technique and had an incredibly wide vocal range. Whether it was a romantic song or a fast-paced number, Kishore Kumar's unique voice could carry it off with ease. His long list of hits and awards attest to his enduring legacy in Indian music. Greatest of all time, God's own voice. God wanted to sing. That is why He made Kishore Kumar and came in his form to entertain us mortal beings for a relatively short period of 58 years. There was nothing this man could not accomplish. When he sang, he did so many voice modulations, changing his voice from extremely melodious to macho, robust, and baritone in no time. Whenever he sang, it always felt like the actor on screen himself was singing and not Kishore.
When he acted, he became a force to reckon with in the late '50s, competing with top stars of the time like Dilip Kumar. When he did comedy, his timing was so perfect that Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi is one of the most cult-classic films in comedy, still watched and enjoyed more than 60 years after its release.
When he did stage shows, he performed a variety of acts like cycling, tap dancing, and doing somersaults. Surprisingly, he did not become indolent or discordant with "surs," always hitting pitch-perfect notes. He was the king of the stage as well, as noted by many film critics and stage show organizers.
When he produced and directed films, he gave us the likes of Door Gagan Ki Chaon Mein and Door Ka Rahi, two of the most beautiful, sentimental, and philosophical films that can make even a stone-hearted person cry. In music direction, he produced many hit numbers.
In other words, he was the most complete artist, not just of India but of the world. There can never be anyone born like him again. Artists like Kishore Kumar are born once in a lifetime, and God is not kind enough to bring His own voice to Earth repeatedly. Just like there is ONE Mozart, ONE Shakespeare, ONE Don Bradman, in a similar manner, there is only ONE Kishore Kumar. There cannot be another like him, before or after.
Had he lived longer into the '90s, and if international media had been active in India in those days, I am 100% sure he would have surpassed the likes of The Beatles, Elvis Presley, or Michael... more
Udit Narayan's distinct vocal texture has made him a prominent figure in Bollywood since the 1980s. With a career that has spanned several languages including Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, his adaptability is one of his strongest suits. His collaboration with notable music directors has resulted in numerous hit songs that have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. His soothing voice and emotive delivery have solidified his place in the Indian music industry. Udit is a very, very good singer. His voice is better than Kumar Sanu's. A truly memorable voice.
Udit Narayan is the best singer in my opinion because of his originality and soothing voice. In the case of romantic songs, no one can beat him! Most of all, he has sung in 32 languages. No other singer has accomplished this feat. He can sing any type of song!
This man has undoubtedly the most fresh, young, clear, and original voice. He should be in the top 5, along with another melody, SP Bala.
Arijit Singh gained rapid fame for his soulful and emotive voice, becoming one of the most popular singers of modern Bollywood. His singing often portrays deep emotional nuances, making him a go-to choice for romantic and sentimental songs. Recognized with multiple awards, his voice is frequently heard in hit films and albums. His expertise spans various genres, further amplifying his status as a contemporary musical icon. Really, he is an outstanding singer. He has a superb voice. Not only me, but my whole family is also a big fan of his sweet, melodious, and heart-touching voice. Nobody else can compete with his voice.
We and the film industry are so lucky to have such a talented singer in Arijit. Please vote for him. He deserves to be in the top 5 male singers in India.
He is the best singer that our industry has got in the 21st century. The brilliant texture of his voice sets him apart.
He is the very best singer in the world. The only thing that makes him better is his sweet voice. Everyone likes him and can make him the best singer by voting.
Hailing from Assam, Zubeen Garg is a multi-talented artist proficient in various instruments, but it is his singing that has captivated audiences. Known for his work in Assamese, Bengali, and Bollywood music, his voice is characterized by its strong, earthy tone. Zubeen is also known for his role in reviving and popularizing Assamese folk music. His numerous awards and a broad fan following underline his status as a significant figure in Indian music. I want to correct the figure: Zubeen Garg has sung more than 12,000 songs to date and is still going. He has sung in almost all the languages of India. He is a composer, writer, singer, actor, and musician. In one word, he is the complete package.
It's shocking to see him in this position. Really, it's a meaningless ranking, all because of an ignorant attitude towards the Northeast.
I simply refuse to accept this ranking for a singer who has been active for more than 20 years now. Tell me, what is lacking in him? He sings multilingual songs, plays dozens of instruments, and composes. He has many hits to his credit. The reason he has been deprived of proper recognition is because of some stupid coterie that exists in the industry. Zubeen Garg is on par with the best. If this is again about the Northeast phenomenon, then it's a sad case. I am from West Bengal, living in Bangalore, but let me tell you that there is hardly any part of the country as musical as the Northeast. I don't wish to say anything more. I just feel sad for Zubeen and all the brilliant musicians of the Northeast.
Asha Bhosle's career is one of the longest in the history of Indian music, covering an extensive range of genres from classical to pop. Her voice is known for its versatility and emotional depth, making her an apt choice for a variety of songs. She holds the Guinness World Record for the most recorded artist in music history. With numerous awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, her legacy is monumental. I am a music academy director from India and have never been impressed by anyone. Asha Bhosle is the world's best singer, and whatever she sings is honest and comes from her heart.
Asha could churn out any song and transition from very high notes to the lowest notes possible in a matter of seconds. She has produced so many hits over the decades.
Asha Bhosle is an Indian singer. She is best known as a playback singer in Hindi cinema, although she has a wider repertoire. Bhosle's career started in 1943 and has spanned over six decades.
KK's distinct vocal tone has made him a favorite among modern Bollywood music aficionados. His career spans genres like pop, rock, and classical, displaying his flexibility as a musician. He is particularly celebrated for his ability to infuse emotion into ballads and love songs. Awards and critical acclaim follow his path, as he continues to be a significant presence in contemporary Indian music. If there has ever been a singer with a sweet yet manly voice, clarity, a broad range, and an impeccable ability to hit high notes, all with clear pronunciation, it's KK.
The clarity in his voice is unmatched. Nobody comes close. The best singer of all time. Undoubtedly the greatest of all time.
He is a fantastic singer, the best I've ever heard in my life. I love his songs and expressions. I mean, he's one of a kind among all the wonders out there!
He's an amazing person. He brings his songs to life in such a way that you really feel them deeply. The way he expresses himself in his songs is just unbelievable.
Most importantly, he doesn't show off. He's a humble, great, and genuine person.
The Newcomers
As one of the younger talents in Indian music, Armaan Malik has already made a name for himself with his rich and melodious voice. Known for his playback singing in Bollywood as well as other Indian languages, he exhibits a versatile range. His social media presence and international collaborations further amplify his reach. Winning numerous awards early in his career, Armaan Malik is certainly a rising star with a promising future. A youth inspiration. Achieved so much at such a young age. Not just made his parents proud but made India proud too.
He has a very long way to go and the potential to take over world music someday soon.
He is the best singer in the whole world. And for the people who are seeing this opinion of mine, I order you to vote so that he can be in the first position.
You are the best among all, and your face tells everyone you're the one. Armaan, you sing so well. Love you!
Her singing voice and her regular talking voice are so different. Nevertheless, she's awesome!
Known for his exceptional skills in both Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, Hariharan is a versatile performer who has contributed to various genres including ghazals and fusion music. His voice possesses a rich timbre that adds a unique flavor to each song. His collaborations with musicians from different genres further display his ability to adapt and excel. Winning multiple awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri, he has left an indelible mark on Indian music. He should be the number one singer, as he can sing any song with such ease, unlike most singers who have to exert effort. His voice is also excellent.
Where is this great voice coming from? I have been searching since 1992. Is it a gift from God, or is the voice itself divine? No one can imitate it in any singing competitions.
An amazing sound emanates from a single instrument, but what should we call that instrument? (Please insert a suitable name.)
He is the number one versatile singer in the world. His voice is simply amazing!
Alka Yagnik's voice has graced Bollywood for decades, especially during the 1990s and 2000s. Known for her high-pitched vocal quality, she excels in singing romantic and sentimental songs. She holds a record seven Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, highlighting her long-lasting impact. Her extensive list of hit songs across multiple languages certifies her as one of India’s preeminent vocal talents. The most beautiful voice ever in the history of the music industry in the whole wide world. There is no other singer who can sing Alka Yagnik songs with the same perfection and beauty of voice to turn the simplest of lyrics into a blockbuster. If we talk about the best playback singer, there is no match to Alka Yagnik's voice forever.
You can hear mimics/copies of Kavita, Sadhna, Anuradha, and Shreya, which are found in every second singer. This means Shreya has a very common type of voice without anything particularly impressive, whether edited or not. However, you cannot find a mimic or a copy of Alka Yagnik's divine voice ever. That's why Alka Yagnik is the best singer of Bollywood forever.
Originally from Pakistan, Atif Aslam has achieved widespread acclaim in the Indian music industry. Known for his powerful vocal belting technique, his voice is a blend of richness and emotion. He is frequently featured in Bollywood films, and his songs often top the charts. With multiple awards under his belt, Atif Aslam has carved a niche for himself in the subcontinent's musical landscape. Atif Aslam is a wonderful singer with a unique voice. Even a very poor song becomes beautiful when Atif performs it. That is the quality of his voice and singing. I'm really worried about why he is getting insulted by other senior singers on various stages. I strictly believe that the best singers are chosen by the people. No one else can do that. This poll result is an absolute reply to all those who insult Atif on many occasions.
Atif is the best singer of this generation, and he has his own identity - his unique voice. We are all with him. Love you, Atif.
Known as the "Nightingale of South India," K.S. Chithra's voice is synonymous with versatility. She has sung in a plethora of Indian languages and has won awards in all of them, making her one of the most honored playback singers in India. With a background in Carnatic music, her technical proficiency is exceptional. Her career, enriched by multiple National Awards, leaves an enduring legacy in both South Indian and Bollywood music. Chithra's voice is priceless. Her range still challenges young, upcoming vocalists, even in singing competitions.
She is actually used as a yardstick for identifying good vocalists. So why isn't she number one?
She is the most versatile singer India has ever produced. She can sing for any age group. Melodies, club songs, light music, pathos, semi-classical, folk songs, disco, devotionals, lullabies, and many more. She does perfect justice to any genre of song.
Lataji and Susheelaji are all good, but they cannot sing all varieties of songs. One more important ability of Chithramma is her breath control. Just listen to the Telugu song Venuvai Vacha. Any other singer would take breaths many times to sing the paragraphs.
K.S. Chithra is the top female singer in Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu. She is a great versatile singer with a god-gifted voice for our Indian cine industry. She is the only female singer who can sing any kind of song given to her. Such a nice, simple person.
Have you ever heard the song Teri Meri? Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is the male vocalist in the song. His voice is so versatile, and he has a great vocal range. His voice is so pure and perfect that I think he definitely deserves to be in the top ten.
I think Rahat Fateh Ali Khan should definitely be in the top 2. I love his songs so much. I think only Atif is placed well here, in a good position at number 2. He should be number 1, but that's okay.
There is a saying that before being a good artist, one has to be a good human being. Rafi Saab was the best example of that. He was so humble, such a simple human being, that many times he sang without fees. That's why God gave him a great voice.
Known for his distinctive voice that became symbolic of 1990s Bollywood, Kumar Sanu has lent his voice to some of the most iconic songs of that era. He holds the record for winning the Filmfare Best Male Playback Singer Award for five consecutive years. His vocal quality is often noted for its warmth, making him particularly effective for romantic songs. A recipient of the Padma Shri, Kumar Sanu's influence is imprinted on Indian musical history. I think before Aashiqui, Indian film music was in the doldrums. However, the scene in the music industry changed after Kumar Sanu's entry. Many heroes' lives changed. See the examples: Rahul Roy, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar. The list doesn't end. No one is practical, but the truth is this, and the truth is always bitter. Therefore, in my opinion, he is number one.
We still remember his songs, which have penetrated our minds since those golden days. Tell me one thing: since the time Kumar Sanu is out of the picture, where are those cassette companies? Nowadays, we get singers free of cost. Music companies cannot afford to pay singers like Kumar Sanu because of piracy. So don't go for comparison. Face the truth.
Your voting is done by the present-day generation, who access the internet more. So when you don't have proper voters, how can you compare the singers? All are good. They have their own styles. Reaching that level and performing for years is no joke.
Thanks
Known for her powerful vocals, Sunidhi Chauhan is one of the most versatile singers in modern Bollywood. Her repertoire includes various genres such as pop, rock, and classical, showcasing her adaptability. Recognized by numerous awards, she has also gained international acclaim, further establishing her as a musical force. Sunidhi's energetic performances and voice modulation techniques make her one of the most sought-after playback singers in India. The best female singer of this generation! She is so versatile, and her voice is unbreakable! She is also a really sweet person. She deserves to be number 1!
She is a nice singer and among the upcoming top female singers. She has a jazzy, classy, and rough style voice. Although she doesn't have a sweet voice, Sunidhi still rocks.
Sunidhi is just an ocean of talent. She is the most versatile singer in India. From sweet melodies like Bhaage Re Mann to rough western songs like Aa Zara, she can sing anything very easily. She has set a new trend in the Bollywood music industry. Her live concerts are a must-watch.
He was to singing what Rahul Dravid was to cricket: technically flawless, only to be outshined by exceptional talent around the same time.
THE BEST SINGER...
He has sung the most difficult songs in the history of Bollywood. He manages to sing the most challenging songs simply and easily. His level of patience and voice are truly amazing.
Manna sings songs with zero errors. He is the most perfectionist singer India has ever produced.
His voice is melodious and one-of-a-kind. Whenever I'm in a dull mood, I listen to Mukeshji's inspirational voice, which is especially effective at night. Despite the fact that he sang relatively few songs, he remains popular to this day - a wonderful tribute to his talent. Note that some of his recordings play at a slower speed on CDs compared to the actual movie tracks. Listening from a DVD, or YouTube these days, is a better option.
I feel sad that he is not ranked higher, alongside other greats like Rafiji and Kishoreji, at least in the list of male singers for Hindi music. That said, musical preference is subjective, and perhaps many voters here have not heard his better songs.
In long-range songs, Sukhwinder has hardly any match.
In simple words, no one is better!
He is awesome and has a lot of patriotic feeling in comparison to other singers.
He is the only singer in the world who can sing any kind of song with great soul. He is incomparable. There is no one equal to him. His voice can adapt to any pitch, and his pronunciation is excellent. He is an all-in-one package with a diverse singing style.
He is a genius because he tailors his singing to fit the mood and context of the story. He understands the writer's intentions and thoughts, incorporating all these aspects into his performance. That's why he is different from other singers. No one else can combine all these qualities in their singing. He is undoubtedly the best singer in the world. While listening to him, you can easily imagine the situation or scene in a movie, even without watching the film. At times, actors also bring justice to their roles in songs by understanding both the writer's and the singer's emotions.
Primarily a music producer and Indi-pop singer, Yo Yo Honey Singh has carved a unique space for himself in Indian music with his rap and hip-hop tracks. His songs, often featured in Bollywood films, have gained viral popularity, making him a youth icon. While often divisive due to his lyrics, his musical creativity and impact, especially in introducing Indian audiences to new genres, cannot be ignored. He has received several awards for his trendsetting music. Yo Yo Honey is just amazing. He has a good music sense, beautiful voice, and high skill and ability. His many songs, such as Brown Rang and High Heels, have topped international charts. His song This Party Gettin' Hot was the most heard Indian song on YouTube.
The first genuine Indian rapper. A new sensation. The most loved voice of the young generation.
Yo Yo Honey Singh is the best singer because he knows the demands of people. He sings, writes, and produces music the way people want. He is the voice of the people.
If anyone ever wants to judge the best singer in Indian history, Jagjit Singh is the one. You need to listen to all his great works. Each time you listen, his work just gets better. I've been trying to find another voice like his and have been unsuccessful until now.
Jagjit Singh is the best singer of all time. He's not just a singer. He's the god of ghazal. No one can sing like Jagjit Singh. I love his melodious voice. When I hear his songs, I feel good.
He's a legend - then, now, and forever. We love you, Jagjit Singh. You will always be with us.
No one can take the place of our ghazal singer in the world. He was the only singer who could touch your soul. It's wrong to say that he was, as he is still present in our hearts.
Papon, born Angaraag Mahanta, has made a mark with his fusion of folk and contemporary music. Known for his deep and soulful voice, he has revitalized Assamese folk music and brought it to a wider audience. The multiple award-winning singer has lent his voice to Bollywood films and other genres, showcasing his adaptable vocal talent. Papon continues to charm audiences with his eclectic and soul-stirring performances. I can't describe his songs in mere words. Two days ago, I watched him perform live, and it was studio-quality material. His voice, along with his musicians' skill - especially Jeenti on lead guitars - can make anyone bounce or headbang to their tunes. He can play folk, blues, rock - anything - but he specializes in folk. The best singer currently should be Papon, and the best singer of all time will always be none other than Kishore Kumar.
Moving with soul. The timbre of his voice is unmatched and will be so for a long time. That is, until another singer comes along, which happens but only once in a very long while.
Could there be any other name eligible to be placed beside his? Most of the singers listed here aren't close to him, even in their dreams. It's a real shame to see the tiny percentage of votes he received here.
India needs to wake up from its deep slumber and recognize its invaluable assets in the form of music that has been gifted by God himself.
How can you compare classical singers with playback singers? Classical singing is way more difficult. Even the great Rafi Saab considered himself inferior to classical singers.