Famous Indian Classical Singers

M. S. Subbulakshmi was a renowned Indian Carnatic singer known for her exceptional talent and contributions to music. She made history by becoming the first musician to receive India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. Additionally, she was the first Indian musician to be honored with the Ramon Magsaysay award in 1974. Another significant milestone in her career was being the first Indian to perform at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. Her professional life was marked by numerous accolades, performances, and a lasting impact on the world of music.

Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi was a renowned Indian vocalist from Karnataka, excelling in the Hindustani classical tradition. He specialized in the khayal form of singing and was known for his captivating performances of devotional music. Joshi belonged to the Kirana gharana tradition and gained international acclaim through his concerts in countries like Afghanistan, Italy, France, Canada, and the USA. He played a key role in organizing the prestigious Sawai Gandharva Music Festival and was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

Pandit Kumar Gandharva was an Indian classical singer renowned for his distinctive vocal style and non-conformity to traditional gharanas. He was bestowed with the title of Kumar Gandharva in his early years due to his exceptional talent. Throughout his professional life, he captivated audiences with his innovative approach to classical music, blending various styles and genres. Gandharva's commitment to artistic integrity and his ability to transcend established norms earned him widespread acclaim as a trailblazer in the realm of Indian classical music.

Rahul Deshpande is a prominent Indian classical music singer and actor known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the industry. He has been recognized for his outstanding work in the film "Me Vasantrao," receiving a prestigious National Film Award for his performance. With a strong musical background and lineage, being the grandson of Vasantrao Deshpande, Rahul has carved a successful career for himself, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing vocal abilities and captivating acting skills.

T. M. Krishna is an esteemed Indian Carnatic vocalist, writer, activist, and author who has received recognition for his powerful commitment to using art as a means of healing social divisions in India. He was honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2016 for his efforts in breaking barriers of caste and class through music. Known for his innovative approach to concerts, Krishna has sparked controversy while making significant contributions to the style and substance of his performances. He was also awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi in 2024 by the Madras Music Academy.

Monali Thakur is a talented Indian singer and actress known for her award-winning performances in the music industry. She has received accolades such as a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award for her exceptional vocal talents showcased in popular songs. In addition to her successful music career, she has also served as a judge on prominent television singing reality shows, demonstrating her expertise and contribution to the industry. Thakur's professional journey is marked by remarkable achievements and significant contributions to the world of Indian music and entertainment.

Adnan Sami is an accomplished Indian singer, musician, music composer, actor, and pianist known for performing Indian and Western music in multiple languages. He has received critical acclaim for his mastery of the piano and is credited as the first musician to blend santoor and Indian classical music on this instrument. Recognized as the fastest keyboard player globally, he has been described as a significant keyboard talent of the 1990s. Adnan Sami's contributions to music have been honored with prestigious awards like the Padma Shri.

Gangubai Hangal was a prominent Indian singer known for her exceptional talent in the khayal genre of Hindustani classical music. She was affiliated with the Kirana gharana, showcasing her expertise in this traditional musical style. Hangal's professional career was marked by her deep and powerful voice, captivating audiences with her soulful performances. She became a respected figure in the music industry, leaving a lasting legacy through her contributions to Karnataka's rich musical heritage.

Usha Mangeshkar is a renowned Indian singer known for her versatile singing across multiple languages including Marathi, Manipuri, Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Nepali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Odia, and Assamese. With a career spanning decades, she has recorded numerous songs that have left a lasting impact on the music industry. Usha's melodious voice and exceptional talent have earned her a special place in the hearts of music lovers. She continues to inspire audiences with her soulful renditions and impeccable performances.

Shobha Gurtu was an illustrious Indian singer known for her expertise in the light Hindustani classical style. While she excelled in pure classical music, it was her mastery of light classical music that brought her widespread acclaim, earning her the title of the Thumri Queen. Renowned for her emotive 'Abhinaya' performances delivered with a powerful voice, Gurtu carved a unique place in the world of Indian classical music. Her professional journey was defined by a rich musical legacy and a lasting impact on the genre.

Mitali Mukherjee is an Indian-Bangladeshi classical and playback singer known for her exceptional talent in the music industry. Hailing from Mymensingh, Bangladesh, she has achieved recognition for her outstanding contributions to music. In 1982, she was honored with the National Film Award of Bangladesh for her song Ei Dunia Ekhon To Ar in the film Dui Poishar Alta. With a successful career in both classical and playback singing, Mitali Mukherjee continues to captivate audiences with her melodious voice and versatile performances.

Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar was an Indian dhrupad singer known for his expertise in the dagar-vani style. Alongside his brothers, he played a significant role in reviving the dhrupad tradition in the Dagar Gharana. He was recognized for his spiritual and demanding approach to Hindustani vocal music, which involved both sound and gesture. Belonging to the 19th generation of singers in the Dagar family, Nasir Aminuddin Dagar made a lasting impact on the world of Indian classical music through his dedication and skill.