Alka Yagnik is an accomplished playback singer in Hindi film industry. She began her career in 1980s and from then on has never looked back. Her mellifluous voice has won the hearts of millions of people. Teaming up with Kumar Sanu, Yagnik sang some of the memorable duets. She also teamed up with Udit Narayan, Abhijeet and Sonu Nigam. She has lend her voice to known actresses, like, Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, Juhi Chawla, Kajol, Raveena Tandon, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and many more. Almost all the heroines belonging to the 20th century wanted Alka Yagnik as their playback singer. Although she began her career as a child singer but it was `Ek do teen` from Tezaab (starring Madhuri) that made Yagnik a household name.
Early Life of Alka Yagnik
Alka Yagnik was born on 20th March 1966 in Kolkata. Her parents were both enriched in classical music. At the tender age of six she started singing in public- she had started her career by singing Bhajans for Calcutta Radio. Her mother Shubha Yagnik was a Classical singer as well. When she was just ten, Alka moved with her mother to Mumbai to try her luck as a child singer in films. She was introduced to Raj Kapoor. Impressed with her voice Kapoor referred her to the celebrated music director Laxmikant. Laxmikant was so moved by her voice that he gave her two alternatives to choose from- `an immediate start as a dubbing artist, or a break later as a full - fledged singer`. Yagnik settled for the second option.
Career of Alka Yagnik
Her big break was in the movie Payal Ki Jhankaar released in 1979. Later she sang the song Mere Angene Mein, from the film Laawaris (1981) and Hamari Bahu Alka (1982). With the song Ek Do Teen from the film Tezaab, released in 1988, she got her first big break. The song became a hit and she became a star overnight.
Popular Songs of Alka Yagnik
| Songs | Films | Songs | Films |
| Ek Do Teen Char` | Tezaab | Raja Ko Rani Se" | Akele Hum Akele Tum |
| Akela Hain To Kya Ghum Hai, Kahe Sataaye Kah, Aye Mere Humsafar | Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak | Mera Mann | Mann |
| Tumse Milne ko dil Karta Hai, Dheere Dhere Pyar Ko Badhna | Phool Aur Kaante | Dil Ne Yeh Kaha hain | Dhadkan |
| Mauka Milega To Hum Pyar, Jeeta Tha Jiske Liye, Jeeta Hoon Jiske Liye, Saaton Janam Mein Ter | Dilwale | Kaho Naa Pyar Hai | Kaho Naa PyarHai |
| Dekha Hai Pehli Baar; Tu shayar hain; Bahut Pyaar Karte; Mera Dil Bhi | Saajan | Churake Dil Mera | Main Khiladi Tu Anari |
| Choli Ke Peeche` | Khalnayak | Taal Se Taal Mila | Taal |
| Dhak Dhak Karne Laga | Beta | Mere Humsafar, Aisa Lagta Hain, Panchi Nadia, | Refugee |
| Ankhiyaan Milaoon` | Raja | Chand Chupa | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| Mere Angne Mein` | Laawaris | Tumhi Dekho Na; Title song | Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna |
| Baazigar` | Baazigar | Saawariya Saawariya | Swadesh |
| Ghoonghat Ki Aadh; Kash Koi Ladka, Yuhi Kat Jayega Safar, Bombay Se Poona | Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke | Kuch To Hua Hai | Kal Ho Na Ho |
| Mere Mehboob | Duplicate | Tauba | Chalte Chalte |
| Tum Paas Aaye`; Ladki Badi Anjani Hai | Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Sanson ko Sanson; Ladki Kyun; Ye Gore gore | Hum Tum |
| Aati Kya Khandala` | Ghulam | O re chore, Mitwa, | Lagaan |
| Jaati Hoon Main` | Karan Arjun | Jaane Kyun | Dil Chahta Hain |
| Pardesi Pardesi | Raja Hindustani | - | - |
Awards for Alka Yagnik