Top 10 Best Female Singers in India: A list of the best female singers of all time, known for their work in Bollywood and independent music, mesmerizing audiences with their soulful renditions.
India has been blessed with an abundance of musical talent, and female singers have played a significant role in shaping the nation’s vibrant music industry. From soul-stirring melodies to foot-tapping chartbusters, these exceptional women have graced the world with their mesmerizing voices. This article pays tribute to the top 20 female singers of all time in India, highlighting their remarkable contributions and their status as some of the finest voices in Bollywood and beyond.
Female Singers in India
Here is a list of the best Indian female singers who are loved and have touched the hearts of millions of people around the world.
List of the Top Female Singers in India
1. Lata Mangeshkar
No list of legendary Indian female singers is complete without mentioning Lata Mangeshkar. With a career spanning over seven decades, her mellifluous voice has touched millions of hearts. Her versatility, impeccable control, and emotional depth make her one of the best female singers of all time in India. She has blessed us with timeless classics like Lag Ja Gale, Tere Bina Zindagi Se, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo, Chup Gaye Sare Nazare, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, and many more. With over 50,000 songs in various languages to her credit, she remains the undisputed queen of Indian playback singing, an icon who has transcended boundaries worldwide.
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2. Shilpa Rao
Known for her soulful renditions, Shilpa Rao has captivated listeners with her unique style. Her powerful vocals and ability to express emotions authentically have made her a sought-after artist in the industry. Her renditions of Malang from Dhoom 3 and Bulleya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stand out as two of her most iconic songs. With numerous awards and nominations, including a Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, Shilpa Rao has firmly established herself as one of the leading voices in Indian music.
3. Asha Bhosle
Renowned for her distinctive voice and versatility, Asha Bhosle has recorded over 12,000 songs in various languages. Her melodious and playful tones have graced numerous Bollywood classics, making her an icon in Indian music. Some of her legendary songs include Piya Tu Ab To Aaja and Dum Maro Dum. She holds a Guinness World Record for recording the most songs in multiple languages and remains an unparalleled icon in Indian music.
4. Shreya Ghoshal
Regarded as the “Queen of Melody,” Shreya Ghoshal’s voice has won her millions of fans worldwide. Her exceptional vocal range and effortless rendition of complex compositions have made her one of the most celebrated contemporary female singers in India. Her songs like Bairi Piya, Agar Tum Mil Jao, Teri Meri, Deewani Mastani, and Pal Pal Har Pal have captivated audiences globally. With four National Film Awards and numerous other accolades, she continues to reign as a top playback singer.
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5. Sunidhi Chauhan
Sunidhi Chauhan’s powerful and energetic voice has made her an indispensable part of Bollywood music. Tracks like Kamli and Sheila Ki Jawani showcase her ability to infuse energy and emotions into performances. She has won numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, and was honored with the Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian music.
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6. Palak Muchchal
Palak Muchchal, with her soulful voice and emotional depth, has become a prominent playback singer. Her renditions of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Kaun Tujhe, Meri Aashiqui, Laapata, and Chahun Main Ya Naa showcase her talent. She has won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer and is the youngest recipient of the Rajasthan Ratna Award for her philanthropic contributions.
7. Neha Kakkar
Known for her peppy and energetic performances, Neha Kakkar has made a mark with hits like Mile Ho Tum Humko, “Kaala Chashma,” Cheez Badi, Aankh Marey, and Dilbar. She won the Mirchi Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2020 and is one of the most-viewed female artists on YouTube with billions of views.
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8. Alka Yagnik
With her melodious and soothing voice, Alka Yagnik has created a rich musical legacy. Her timeless classics include Pardesi Pardesi, Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan Mein, Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se, Agar Tum Saath Ho, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. She has won seven Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer and remains an iconic figure in Indian music.
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9. Rekha Bhardwaj
Rekha Bhardwaj’s soul-stirring and distinctive voice has earned her critical acclaim. Her iconic songs include Genda Phool, Namak Ishq Ka, Kabira, Tere Ishq Mein, and Phir Le Aya Dil. She has also won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
10. S. Chithra
S. Chithra’s angelic voice and versatility have made her a beloved figure in Indian music. From Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le to Kehna Hi Kya, she has earned six National Film Awards and several Filmfare Awards.
11. Falguni Pathak
Falguni Pathak’s melodious voice and energetic performances have made her the queen of Indi-pop. Known for her dandiya hits, her classics include Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi, Maine Payal Hai Chhankai, Chudi Jo Khankee, Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye, and O Piya.
12. Neeti Mohan
Neeti Mohan’s sweet and soulful voice has made her popular in Bollywood and independent music. Her hits include Jiya Re, Ishq Wala Love, Sapna Jahan, Sau Aasmaan, and Nainowale Ne. She has won the Filmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent and has been a judge on The Voice India.
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13. Kavita Krishnamurti
Kavita Krishnamurti’s enchanting voice and classical training have earned her respect. Her timeless hits include Hawa Hawai, Nimbooda Nimbooda, Aaj Main Upar, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Dola Re Dola. She has won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
14. Kavita Seth
Known for her Sufi renditions, Kavita Seth has created a niche in Indian music. Her hits include Iktara, Tum Hi Ho Bandhu, Jeete Hain Chal, Mora Piya, and Murabba. She has won a Filmfare Award and the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
15. Bombay Jayashri
Bombay Jayashri’s melodic voice and classical expertise have earned her critical acclaim. Her songs include Vaseegara, Zara Zara, Munbe Vaa, Pi’s Lullaby, and Aaromale. She has won a National Film Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
16. Monali Thakur
Monali Thakur’s versatile voice has made her one of Bollywood’s most promising singers. Her hits include Sawaar Loon, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, Zara Zara Touch Me, Badri Ki Dulhania, and Khwab Dekhe. She has won the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
17. Shalmali Kholgade
Shalmali Kholgade’s refreshing husky voice has made her popular for contemporary Bollywood songs. Hits include Pareshaan, Balam Pichkari, Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai, Lat Lag Gayee, and Aga Bai. She has won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Pareshaan and multiple nominations.
18. Neha Bhasin
Neha Bhasin’s powerful vocals and versatility have made her respected in India. Her songs include Kuch Khaas Hai, Jag Ghoomeya, Dhunki, Swag Se Swagat, and Nai Jaana. She has received Filmfare and Mirchi Music Awards.
19. Richa Sharma
Richa Sharma’s soulful and earthy voice has won praise in the industry. Iconic songs include Sajda, Maahi Ve, Billo Rani, Zor Ka Jhatka, and Jag Soona Soona Lage.
20. Tulsi Kumar
Tulsi Kumar’s melodious voice and emotive renditions have made her a prominent playback singer. Her hits include Tera Ban Jaunga, O Saki Saki, Paniyon Sa, Wajah Tum Ho, and Humko Pyaar Hua. With multiple awards and chart-topping hits, Tulsi continues to reign supreme in Indian music.