Alka Yagnik (born 20 March 1966) is an Indian playback singer and one of the most popular female voices in Hindi film history. Her sweet, expressive voice defined 1990s Bollywood, from “Ek Do Teen” to “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”. She has recorded thousands of songs, won two National Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards, and remains one of the most-streamed artists on YouTube. She was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2026.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Alka Yagnik |
| Born | 20 March 1966, Calcutta (now Kolkata), India |
| Age | 60 |
| Profession | Playback singer |
| Mother | Shubha Yagnik (classical singer) |
| Spouse | Neeraj Kapoor (m. 1989) |
| Daughter | Syesha |
| Awards | 2 National Film Awards, 7 Filmfare Awards, Padma Bhushan (2026) |
Early Life
Alka was born in Kolkata into a Gujarati family. Her mother, Shubha, was a classical singer who trained her from early childhood. At six Alka was already singing on All India Radio in Calcutta. When she was about ten her mother took her to Mumbai, where composer Laxmikant was impressed by her voice.
Career
Alka’s big breakthrough came with “Ek Do Teen” from Tezaab (1988), picturised on Madhuri Dixit. The song became a sensation and won her the first of her Filmfare Awards. The same year she sang for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, beginning a long partnership with Udit Narayan.
Through the 1990s and 2000s Alka was one of the most in-demand female singers in Bollywood. She won National Film Awards for “Ghoonghat Ki Aad Se” from Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and for “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”. Her hits include “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai”, “Taal Se Taal Mila”, “Tip Tip Barsa Paani” and “Chand Chupa Badal Mein”. She earned dozens of Filmfare nominations for Best Female Playback Singer.
Decades after her peak, Alka’s songs continue to find new audiences online. She has regularly been ranked among the most-streamed artists on YouTube worldwide.
Personal Life
Alka married Shillong-based businessman Neeraj Kapoor in 1989, and they have a daughter, Syesha. In 2024 she revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural hearing loss caused by a viral attack, and she urged fans to be careful with loud music and headphones.
Awards and Honours
Popular Songs
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Alka Yagnik born?
Alka Yagnik was born on 20 March 1966 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India.
What honours has Alka Yagnik received?
2 National Film Awards, 7 Filmfare Awards, Padma Bhushan (2026).
