Kedarnath Bhattacharya (born 20 October 1957), professionally known as Kumar Sanu, is a leading Indian playback singer who primarily sings in Hindi film songs. He is widely regarded as the Melody King of
/ref> He holds the record for winning five consecutive Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer from 1991 to 1995. He also holds the Guinness World Record for recording the maximum number of songs (28 songs) in a single day since 1993.
For his contribution to Indian cinema and music, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009 by the Government of India. Many of his tracks feature in BBC "Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time".
Early life
Kumar Sanu's father, Pashupati Bhattacharya, was a vocalist and composer. His ancestral home and birthplace were in
Bikrampur, located in the Munshiganj district near
Dhaka, which is now part of
Bangladesh. In search of a livelihood, he moved to Calcutta, where Kumar Sanu was born. The two and Sanu's elder sister lived in the
Sinthee area of
Calcutta (now Kolkata) near Biswanath Park. Kumar Sanu lived at Panchanantala at Gopal Bose Lane in Sinthi area at North Kolkata.
Personal life
Kumar Sanu's first marriage was with Rita Bhattacharya in 1980s.
The couple had three children—Jiko, Jassi and Jaan Kumar Sanu.
The couple got divorced in 1994. The marriage was facing challenges, during which he met
kunika and they dated for 6 years. The relationship later ended.
Sanu later married Saloni Bhattacharya. The couple has two daughters-
Shannon K, a Bollywood playback singer
and their younger daughter, Annabelle Kumar Sanu, who is a songwriter and author.
Career
Kumar Sanu started his playback career as Sanu Bhattacharya from 1983. In 1986, he was in the Bangladeshi film
Teen Kanya
/ref> He had his first major Bollywood song in
Hero Hiralal (1988).
In 1989, Jagjit Singh introduced Sanu to Kalyanji in Vimal Bunglow, Mumbai. On their suggestion, Sanu changed his early name from "Sanu Bhattacharya" to "Kumar Sanu" after his idol Kishore Kumar. Sanu then relocated to Mumbai, where Kalyanji-Anandji gave him a chance to sing in the film Jaadugar.
He rose to fame in the 1990s and became one of the most prominent voices in Bollywood, lending his vocals to countless hit songs. His collaboration with composers like Nadeem-Shravan, Anu Malik, and Jatin-Lalit resulted in numerous chart-topping tracks. Sanu's romantic ballads and soulful renditions have made him a favorite among music lovers, earning him several awards and accolades throughout his career.
Significant collaborations
Nadeem–Shravan
Kumar Sanu got his major break when Gulshan Kumar, along with music directors Nadeem–Shravan gave him chance to sing most of the songs of movie
Aashiqui (1990), songs were recorded earlier for an album and later movie was made around the songs. The movie as well as the songs were a grand success. Thereafter, they worked together in many films including
Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991),
Saajan (1991),
Saathi (1991),
Phool Aur Kaante (1991),
Pyaar Ka Saaya (1991),
Sadak (1991),
Dil Ka Kya Kasoor (1992),
Jaan Tere Naam (1992),
Deewana (1992),
Sapne Sajan Ke (1992),
Bekhudi (1992),
Kal Ki Awaz (1992),
Anaam (1992),
Balmaa (1993),
Divya Shakti (1993),
Shreemaan Aashique (1993),
Damini (1993),
Sangraam (1993),
Waqt Hamara Hai (1993),
Rang (1993),
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993),
Dhartiputra (1993),
Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993),
Sainik (1993),
Dil Tera Aashiq (1993),
Tadipaar (1993),
Dilwale (1994),
Salaami (1994),
Saajan Ka Ghar (1994),
(1994), Ekka Raja Rani (1994), Stuntman (1994), Andolan (1995), Gaddaar (1995), Saajan Ki Baahon Mein (1995), Zamaana Deewana (1995), Barsaat (1995), Majhdhaar (1996), Agni Sakshi (1996), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Jeet (1996), Raja Hindustani (1996), Pardes (1997), Naseeb (1997), Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), Sirf Tum (1999), Dhadkan (2000), Kasoor (2001), (2001),
Hum Ho Gaye Aapke (2001),
Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002),
Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya (2002),
(2002), Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai (2002), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), Dil Ka Rishta (2003), Indian Babu (2003), Andaaz (2003), (2003),
Bewafaa (2005),
Barsaat (2005) and
Mere Jeevan Saathi (2006) He sang most of his songs for them (293 songs).
Anu Malik
Kumar Sanu has sung songs of various genres with
Anu Malik. It was Anu Malik who made Kumar Sanu sing his first western-style song "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen", from the film
Baazigar (1993). Some other achievements of the combo are
Maa (1991),
Virodhi (1992),
Chamatkar (1992),
Tahalka (1992),
Phool Aur Angaar (1993),
Sir (1993),
Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee (1993),
Imtihan (1994),
Khuddar (1994),
Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1994),
Vijaypath (1994),
Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994),
Naaraaz (1994),
Hum Hain Bemisaal (1994),
Naajayaz (1995),
Gundaraj (1995),
Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995),
Gambler (1995),
Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996),
Chaahat (1996),
Daraar (1996),
Krishna (1996),
Diljale (1996),
Judwaa (1997),
Auzaar (1997),
Tamanna (1997),
Virasat (1997),
Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi (1997),
Ishq (1997),
Ankhon Mein Tum Ho (1997),
Duplicate (1998),
Kareeb (1998),
Iski Topi Uske Sarr (1998),
Soldier (1998),
Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999),
Aarzoo (1999),
Jaanam Samjha Karo (1999),
Sooryavansham (1999),
Biwi No.1 (1999),
Hum To Mohabbat Karega (2000),
Ajnabee (2001),
Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein (2002),
Ishq Vishq (2003) and
No Entry (2005). In 2015, they were again back with songs in
Dum Laga Ke Haisha. He has sung a total of 215 songs for them.
Jatin–Lalit
Kumar Sanu started his work with Jatin–Lalit on the 1992 film
Khiladi. From then on he provided his voice for hit movies including
Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992),
Aadmi (1993),
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994),
Cheetah (1994),
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995),
Fareb (1996),
(1996),
Gundagardi (1997),
Yes Boss (1997),
Bada Din (1998),
Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998),
Ghulam (1998),
Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998),
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998),
Silsila Hai Pyar Ka (1999),
Sarfarosh (1999),
Pyaar Koi Khel Nahin (1999),
Sangharsh (1999),
Khoobsurat (1999) and
Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan (1999) He has sung a total of 137 songs for them.
Himesh Reshammiya
Kumar Sanu worked for Himesh Reshammiya, for all title tracks of TV serials which Reshammiya produced. All the title tracks were sung by Kumar Sanu, and then in his debut film as a music director,
Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998) and further for many other films such as
Bandhan (1998),
Hello Brother (1999)
, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000),
Kurukshetra (2000),
Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (2000)
, Jodi No.1 (2001)
, Humraaz (2002),
Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002)
, Run (2004), (2004),
Vaada (2005).
Rajesh Roshan
Beginning with "Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye" in the movie
Jurm (1990), Sanu's collaboration with
Rajesh Roshan produced one hit after another. Some other significant movies include
Insaniyat (1994),
Karan Arjun (1995),
Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995),
Papa Kehte Hai (1996),
Dastak (1996),
Koyla (1997),
Daag (1999),
Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000),
Kya Kehna (2000) and
Karobaar (2000).
Viju Shah
Kumar Sanu has rendered his voice for some of
Viju Shah's greatest compositions.
Vishwatma (1992),
Mohra (1994),
(1995), Tere Mere Sapne (1996), (1997),
Aar Ya Paar (1997),
Bulandi (2000),
Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001) and
Kasam (2001) are some of their notable albums.
Anand–Milind
Kumar Sanu has recorded over 150 songs with Anand–Milind. Breaking away from his romantic image, he has sung peppy numbers for the duo, his most famous ones being for actor Govinda. He worked with the duo and successfully delivered hits such as
Trinetra (1991),
Ek Ladka Ek Ladki (1992),
Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj (1992),
Bol Radha Bol (1992),
Jigar (1992),
Anari (1993),
Lootere (1993)
, Platform (1993),
Hasti (1993),
Raja Babu (1994),
Krantiveer (1994),
Eena Meena Deeka (1994),
Suhaag (1994),
Gopi Kishan (1994),
Teesra Kaun (1994),
Jai Vikraanta (1995),
Coolie No. 1 (1995),
Himmat (1996),
Bandish (1996),
Mr. Bechara (1996),
Chhote Sarkar (1996),
Rakshak (1996)
, Ajay (1996),
Hero No. 1 (1997),
Lahu Ke Do Rang (1997),
Barood (1998),
Rajaji (1999),
Chal Mere Bhai (2000),
Chhupa Rustam (2001) and
Naam Gum Jaayega (2005).
Bappi Lahiri
Bappi Lahiri gave music to some of the most popular albums in which Kumar Sanu rendered his voice such as
Ghayal (1990),
Hafta Bandh (1991),
Zindagi Ek Juaa (1992),
Aankhen (1993),
Dalaal (1993),
(1993),
Hum Sub Chor Hain (1995) and
Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002).
Other works
Kumar Sanu has released several albums of
Kishore Kumar's songs including
Kishore Ki Yaadein, a collection early in his career. Then came the
Yaadein series where he sang many of the songs of Kishore Kumar along with singers Abhijeet and
Vinod Rathod.
["Kumar Sanu: The Melody Of His Voice Lingers On - Odisha Bytes"
]["Singer Kumar Sanu on Being the King of Melody | Entertainment"
]
Kumar Sanu has composed music for various Indian films. Utthaan and Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai are most remarkable among them. Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Anuradha Paudwal, Sadhana Sargam, Sapna Mukherjee, Sudesh Bhonsle, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Shreya Ghosal, Hema Sardesai, Sunidhi Chauhan and many more lent their voices for his music. "Yeh Kaisa Utthaan Hai" (sung by Asha Bhosle and Sonu Nigam in two different versions) and "Jisne Sapna Dekha" (sung by Kumar Sanu himself) are critically acclaimed. He sang the title song for the TV show Yeh Duniyan Gazab Ki, with singer Udit Narayan.
In 2017, he along with Sadhana Sargam sung for the title track of 19s Story based TV Series "Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hain" and also appeared as a part for cameo in it.
Other than singing and composing music for films, he has also shown interest in producing films. In 2006, he produced his first Hindi film Utthaan. He has also worked with a fellow producer, Rakesh Bhatia on Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai, the film released in 2014, based on the lives of four children who live in the streets of Mumbai and polish shoes at a train station in order to earn their livelihoods, the film features Mithun Chakraborty in a leading role. Kumar Sanu sang for a Bangladeshi Bengali film Hason Raja, which was directed by a UK-based filmmaker Ruhul Amin. This movie was never released. He also has composed for some Bengali movies; Amrita and Tobu Aporichito.
Kumar Sanu was on the panel of judges on Sony TV for Waar Parriwar, a reality show based on the bringing together of a singing gharana (family of singers) and on Zee TV in a music reality show called Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. In 2012, he judged the Zee Bangla musical reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa – Gane Gane Tomar Mone. At present, he is one of the judges of the Star Jalsha popular musical reality show Super Singer.
Recently he recorded an album named Hum Aur Tum. He also recorded a Spanish song for an album. He has also the record for the most recordings of songs in a single day, 28 songs. He also made special appearances as an actor in the movies Sapne Sajan Ke (1992) Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999) and Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015).
Kumar Sanu is a trustee and Brand Ambassador of Bishwa Bandhan,
Kumar Sanu opened a primary school, Kumar Sanu Vidya Niketan,
In 2022, Kumar Sanu collaborated with music director Vaibhav Saxena and two young singers for "Mohabbat Mein Tere Sanam" which was released and distributed worldwide by new-age Record Label Music Records.["Kumar Sanu teams up with youngsters to bring melody back- Gunjan Jha, Vaibhav Saxena create magical tunes; Kshitij, Diksha lend velvet voice - The Week"
]
Work with other singers
Kumar Sanu had multiple hit duet numbers with singers
Lata Mangeshkar,
Asha Bhosle, K.S.Chithra,
Anuradha Paudwal,
Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy,
Sadhana Sargam,
Alisha Chinai,
Sunidhi Chauhan,
Sapna Mukherjee, Poornima,
Sapna Awasthi,
Hema Sardesai,
Shreya Ghoshal,
Akriti Kakkar,
Monali Thakur,
Neha Kakkar,
Jaspinder Narula and others. Kumar Sanu also had multiple duets with his daughter
Shannon K, pop singer and songwriter, who has launched her career in the United States in 2017.
In 2023, Kumar Sanu collaborated with Arijit Singh for an album.
Kumar Sanu is also credited with the highest number of version songs and male duet hits with the finest singers of (1980) and (1990). Some of the notable songs are as follows:
Politics
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2004 in a ceremony headed by then Party President
Venkaiah Naidu, but he later resigned to concentrate on singing.
He rejoined BJP on 2 December 2014, inducted by
Amit Shah.
Comeback
Kumar Sanu returned to playback singing in 2012. He made a comeback at the urge of composers Sajid–Wajid. Sajid-Wajid gave him "Chhammak Chhallo Chhail Chhabili", a wedding song with
Shreya Ghoshal for the film
Rowdy Rathore (2012). In 2015, he replaced
Lata Mangeshkar as the background voice of Yash Raj Films logo for the film
Dum Laga Ke Haisha. It occurred for the first time in YRF's 45-years history that the voice of
Lata Mangeshkar was replaced for one movie.
In 2023, Kumar Sanu sang for Rajkummar Rao in Guns & Gulaabs. He also sang in Scar Movie.
Recently he sang 7 songs for an album called "Dua". And a single song sang under Arijit Singh composition.
In 2024, he sang a song with Sunidhi Chauhan & Raftaar under Payal Dev composition. And sang in Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper Netflix series Release in 2024.
In 2024 Kumar Sanu Open Own Music Label In YouTube Called " The Kumar Sanu Official ".
Accolades
See also
-
List of Indian playback singers
External links
