| Kumar Sanu | |||||
| Native Name Lang: | bn | ||||
| Birth Name: | Kedarnath Bhattacharya | ||||
| Alias: | Melody King of Bollywood[1] | ||||
| Birth Date: | 20 October 1957 | ||||
| Birth Place: | Calcutta, West Bengal, India (present-day Kolkata) | ||||
| Occupation: | Playback singer | ||||
| Years Active: | 1983–present | ||||
| Spouse: | |||||
| Module: |
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Kedarnath Bhattacharya (born 20 October 1957), professionally known as Kumar Sanu, is an Indian playback singer who primarily sings in Hindi film songs. Apart from Hindi, he has also sung in other languages including Bengali, Marathi, Nepali, Assamese, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Manipuri, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Punjabi, Odia,[2] Chhattisgarhi, Urdu, Pali, English and his native language Bengali. Both in West Bengal and Bangladesh, he holds the record for winning five consecutive Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer from 1991 to 1995. He holds the Guinness World Record for recording the maximum number of songs (28 songs) in a single day since 1993.[3]
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's "Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time".[4]
Kumar Sanu's father, Pashupati Bhattacharya, was a vocalist and composer, his ancestral home and birth place was Vikrampur,Munshiganj district,near Dhaka (now in 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.[5]
Kumar Sanu's first marriage was with Rita Bhattacharya in 1980s.[6] The couple had three children--Jiko, Jassi and Jaan Kumar Sanu.[7] The couple got divorced in 1994.[8] [9] Sanu later married Saloni Bhattacharya. The couple has two daughters- Shannon K, a Bollywood playback singer;[10] Their younger daughter, Annabelle Kumar Sanu, is a songwriter and author.[11] [12]
See main article: Kumar Sanu discography and filmography. Kumar Sanu started his playback career as Sanu Bhattacharya from 1983. In 1986, he was in the Bangladeshi film Teen Kanya,[13] directed by Shibli Sadiq. 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.
Kumar Sanu got his major break when Gulshan Kumar with music directors Nadeem and 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), Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Sadak (1991), Deewana (1992), Sapne Sajan Ke (1992), Damini (1993), Rang (1993), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Dilwale (1994), Salaami (1994), Aatish (1994), Barsaat (1995), Agni Sakshi (1996), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Jeet (1996), Raja Hindustani (1996), Pardes (1997), Sirf Tum (1999), Dhadkan (2000), Ek Rishtaa (2001), Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002), Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya (2002), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), Dil Ka Rishta (2003), Andaaz (2003), Qayamat (2003), Bewafaa (2005) and Barsaat (2005). He sang most of his songs for them (293 songs).
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 Tahalka (1992), Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee (1993), Phool Aur Angaar (1993), Imtihan (1994), Khuddar (1994), Vijaypath (1994), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Gambler (1995), Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995), Krishna (1996), Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), Daraar (1996), Virasat (1997), Judwaa (1997), Ishq (1997), Auzaar (1997), Soldier (1998), Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999), Jaanam Samjha Karo (1999), Biwi No.1 (1999), Ajnabee (2001) and Ishq Vishq (2003). In 2015, they were again back with songs in Dum Laga Ke Haisha.
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), Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Khamoshi (1996), Yes Boss (1997), Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998), Ghulam (1998) and Sarfarosh (1999) He has sung a total of 137 songs for them.
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 (2000), Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002), Run (2004) and Taarzan (2004).
Beginning with "Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye" in the movie Jurm (1990), Kumar Sanu's collaboration with Rajesh Roshan produced one hit after another. 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).
Kumar Sanu has rendered his voice for some of Viju Shah's greatest compositions. Vishwatma (1992), Mohra (1994), Ravan Raaj (1995), Tere Mere Sapne (1996), Gupt (1997), Aar Ya Paar (1997), Bulandi (2000), Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001) and Kasam (2001) are some of their notable albums.
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), Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj (1992), Jigar (1992), Bol Radha Bol (1992), Anari (1993), Platform (1993), Lootere (1993), Teesra Kaun (1994), Krantiveer (1994), Raja Babu (1994), Suhaag (1994), Gopi Kishan (1994), Eena Meena Deeka (1994), Coolie No. 1 (1995), Bandish (1996), Rakshak (1996), Ajay (1996), Mr. Bechara (1996), Chhote Sarkar (1996), Hero No. 1 (1997), Lahu Ke Do Rang (1997), Chal Mere Bhai (2000) and Chhupa Rustam (2001).
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), Hum Sub Chor Hain (1995) and Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002).
Sanu has released 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 Bhattacharya and Vinod Rathod.[14] [15]
Sanu has composed music for various Indian films. Utthaan and Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai are most remarkable among them. Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Anuradha Paudwal, Sapna Mukherjee, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Sadhana Sargam, Sudesh Bhonsle, Shaan, Shreya Ghosal, Hema Sardesai, Sunidhi Chauhan and many more lent their voices for his music. "Yeh Kaisa Utthhan Hai" (sung by Asha Bhosle and Sonu Nigam in two different versions) and "Jisne Sapna Dekha" (sung by Sanu himself) are critically acclaimed. He sang the title song for the TV show Yeh Duniyan Gazab Ki, with singer Udit Narayan.
In 2017, Sanu along with Sadhna 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.[16] In 2019, he made a little singing for the Star Plus's "Kulfi Kumarr Bajewala".[17]
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. Currently, he is working with a fellow producer, Rakesh Bhhatia on a new project named Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai. The film is 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 will feature Mithun Chakraborty in a leading role. Recently, 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.
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).
Sanu is a trustee and Brand Ambassador of Bishwa Bandhan,[18] a foundation for cerebral palsy.
Sanu opened a primary school, Kumar Sanu Vidya Niketan,[19] for underprivileged children in Karol Bagh, Delhi. The students are given uniforms and books free of cost.[20]
In 2022 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 Vusic Records.[21]
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. Sanu also multiple duets with his daughter Shannon K, pop singer and songwriter, who has launched her career in the United States in 2017.[22]
In 2023 Sanu collaborated with Arijit Singh for an album.
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:
| Song | Film | Other version sung by singer(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| "O Priya Suno Priya" | Arjun Pandit (1999) | Hariharan | |
| "Dil Ka Aalam" | Aashiqui (1990) | Nitin Mukesh | |
| "Dil Ka Rishta" | Dil Ka Rishta (2002) | Udit Narayan and Babul Supriyo | |
| "Kajal Kajal" | Sapoot (1996) | Amit Kumar | |
| "Raja Ko Rani Se" | Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995) | Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu? | |
| "Pardesi Pardesi" | Raja Hindustani (1996) | Udit Narayan and Suresh Wadkar (sad version) | |
| "Aakhon Main Base ho Tum" | Takkar (1995) | Abhijeet Bhattacharya | |
| "Tum Dil Ki" | Dhadkan (2000) | Abhijeet Bhattacharya | |
| "Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dilse" | Dhadkan (2000) | Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan | |
| "Woh Aankh Hi Kya" | Khuddar (1994) | Sonu Nigam | |
| "Jeeye Toh Jeeya Kyse" | Saajan (1991) | Pankaj Udhas and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | |
| "Dil Kya Kare" | Dil Kya Kare (1999) | Udit Narayan | |
| "Janam Meri Janam" | Mr. Bechara (1996) | Udit Narayan | |
| "O Dil Tod Ke Hasti Ho Mera" | Bewafa Sanam (1995) | Udit Narayan | |
| "Is Tarah Aashiqui Ka" | Imtihaan (1994) | Amit Kumar | |
| "Dil Mera Churaya Kyu" | Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995) | Udit Narayan | |
| "Cahaton Ka Silsila" | Shabd (2005) | Udit Narayan | |
| "Jis Ghadi Tujhko" | Prithvi (1997) | Udit Narayan | |
| "Salma Pe Dil Aa Gaya" | Salma Pe Dil Aa Gaya (1997) | Udit Narayan, Asha Bhosle and Amit Kumar Aaina Aaina Dil ko Pulan Visaranai |
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.[23] He rejoined BJP on 2 December 2014, inducted by Amit Shah.[24]
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, Sanu replaced Lata Mangeshkar as the background voice of Yash Raj Films logo for the film Dum Laga Ke Haisha. This was the first time in YRF's 45-year history that the voice of Mangeshkar was replaced.[25]
In 2023 Sanu sang for Rajkummar Rao in Guns & Gulaabs. He also sang in Scar Movie and one song sang for Mahesh Bhatt Upcoming movie.
Recently Sanu sang 7 songs for an album called "Dua". And a single song sang under Arijit Singh composition.
In 2023 Sanu 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 ".
See main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kumar Sanu.