Kedarnath Bhattacharaya (born 20th October 1957), better known as Kumar Sanu, is an Indian

Bollywood playback singer. He is often popularly called as King of Melody. He is famous for singing
thousands of Bollywood songs. Apart from Hindi, he has also sang in other languages
including Marathi, Assamese, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Punjabi, Oriya
, Chhattisgarhi, Urdu, Pali, English, Spanish and his native language, Bengali, both in West
Bengal and Bangladesh. He is holding the record for winning five consecutive Filmfare Award for
Best Male Playback Singer (1990-1994) along with Arijit Singh. For his contribution to Indian cinema
and music, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009 by the Government of India. He is the first
Indian playback singer who have been honoured by the United States state of Ohio, where the
Mayor Michael R. Turner has declared 31st March as Kumar Sanu Day. He has also felicitated at
the UK Houses of Parliament, along with Anuradha Paudwal for contribution in Indian Music and
also social services by Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group. As many as 25 of his tracks
feature in BBC's "Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time".[4]

Contents

 1Early life and career

o 1.1Early life
o 1.2Career
 2Significant collaborations
o 2.1Nadeem Shravan
o 2.2Anu Malik
o 2.3Jatin Lalit
o 2.4Himesh Reshammiya
o 2.5Rajesh Roshan
o 2.6Viju Shah
o 2.7Anand-Milind
 3Other work
 4Work with other singers
 5Politics
 6Comeback
 7Awards
o 7.1Civil honours
o 7.2Filmfare Awards
o 7.3Other awards
 8See also
 9References
 10External links

Early life and career[edit]

Early life[edit]
Sanu's father, Pashupati Bhattacharya, was a vocalist and composer. The two and Sanu's elder
sister lived in the Sinthee area of Calcutta (now Kolkata) near Biswanath Park.[5]

Career[edit]
Main article: Kumar Sanu discography and filmography
Kumar Sanu started his playback career, as Sanu Bhattacharya. In 1986, he got Bangladeshi
film Tin Kanya,[6] directed by Shibli Sadiq.[citation needed] Sanu had his first major Bollywood song in Hero
Hiralal (1989).
In 1989 September 23, Jagjit Singh introduced Kumar Sanu to Kalyanji in Vimal Bunglow, Mumbai
On their suggestion, he changed his name from "Kedarnath Bhattacharya" to "Kumar Sanu" because
his voice and singing style were much influenced by Kishore Kumar. Sanu then relocated
to Mumbai, where Kalyanji-Anandji gave him a chance to sing in the film Jaadugar.
For the 1990 film Aashiqui, music directors Nadeem-Shravan got Sanu to sing all but one of the
songs. He won the first of his record five consecutive Filmfare Awards as Best Male Playback
Singer. His next Filmfare Awards came for songs in the
movies Saajan (1991), Deewana (1992), Baazigar (1993) and 1942: A Love Story (1994). He won 5
back to back Filmfare awards for singing, between 1990 and 1994.

Significant collaborations[edit]
Nadeem Shravan[edit]

Sanu with Shravan and Thakur Doultani

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 Apmaan Ki
Aag (1990), Saajan (1991), Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Dil Hai Ki Manta
Nahin (1991), Sadak (1991), Pyaar Ka Saaya (1991), Saathi (1991), Jaan Ki
Kasam (1991), Deewana (1992), Dil Ka Kya Kasoor (1992), Jaan Tere Naam (1992), Sapne Sajan
Ke (1992), Anaam (1992), Paayal (1992), Panaah (1992), Bekhudi (1992), Kal Ki
Awaaz (1992), Dilwale Kabhi Na Hare (1992), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar
Ke (1993), Sainik (1993), Junoon (1992), Balmaa (1993),Waqt Hamara Hai (1993), Rang (1993), Dil
Tera Aashiq (1993), Tadipaar (1993),Sangraam (1993), Shreeman
Aashiq (1993), Dhartiputra (1993), Kaise Kaise Rishte (1993), Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993), Divya
Shakti (1993), Damini (1993),Dilwale (1994), Stuntman (1994),Aatish (1994), Salaami (1994), Chhot
i Bahu (1994)Ekka Raja Rani (1994), Saajan Ka Ghar (1994), Kranti
Kshetra (1994), Andolan (1995), Gaddar (1995),Barsaat (1995), Anokha Andaaz (1995), Saajan Ki
Baahon Mein (1995), Zamaana Deewana (1995), Raja Hindustani (1996), Agnisakshi (1996),
Majhdhaar (1996),Himmatvar (1996), Jeet (1996),Saajan Chale
Sasural (1996), Pardes (1997), Naseeb (1997), Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), Sirf
Tum (1999), Dhadkan (2000), Kasoor (2001), Hum Ho Gaye Aapke (2001), Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of
Love (2001), Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa (2002), Ansh (2002), Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya (2002), Dil Hai
Tumhaara (2002), Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai (2002), Dil Ka
Rishta (2003), Qayamat (2003), Footpath (2003), Andaaz (2003), Indian
Babu (2003), Hungama (2003), Sheen (2004), Hatya (2004), Gumnaam (2004),Barsaat (2005), Mer
e Jeevan Saathi (2006), and Sanam Teri Kasam (2009) . He has sung his most songs for them (293
songs).

Anu Malik[edit]
Sanu has sung songs of various genres with Anu Malik. It was Malik who made Sanu sing his first
western-style song "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhe", from the film Baazigar (1993). Some other
achievements of the combo are Chamatkar (1992), Phir Teri Kahani Yaad
Aayee (1993), Sir (1993), Imtihaan (1994), Vijaypath (1994), Main Khiladi Tu
Anari (1994), Naaraaz (1994), Yaar Gaddar (1994), Hum Hain Bemisaal (1994), Aa Gale Lag
Jaa (1994), Naajayaz (1995), Gundaraj (1995), Hulchul (1995), Akele Hum Akele
Tum (1995), Diljale (1996), Sapoot (1996), Daraar (1996), Chaahat (1996), Virasat (1997), Hamesha 
(1997), Dil Kitna Nadaan
Hai (1997), Judwaa (1997), Tamanna (1997), Duplicate (1998), Kareeb (1998), Soldier (1998), Iski
Topi Uske Sarr (1998), Hum To Mohabbat Karega (2000), Ajnabee (2001), Aan: Men at
Work (2003), Ishq Vishq (2003), Fida (2004) and No Entry (2005). In 2015, they were again back
with songs in Dum Laga Ke Haisha.

Jatin Lalit[edit]
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 (1993), Boy Friend
(1993), 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), Dil Kya
Kare (1999), Khubsoorat (1999), Sangharsh (1999), Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri
Jaan (1999), Vaastav (1999), Sarfarosh (1999) and FLAMES- Term 2(The Timeliners
Originals) (2019). He has sung a total of 137 songs for them.

Himesh Reshammiya[edit]
Sanu worked for Himesh Reshammiya, for all title tracks of TV serials which Reshammiya produced.
All the title tracks were sung by Sanu, and then in his debut film as a music director, Pyaar Kiya To
Darna Kya and further for many other films such as Kurukshetra, Yeh Hai Jalwa, Humraaz, Kahin
Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Hello Brother, Bandhan, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Jodi
No.1, Uljhan, Footpath and Taarzan: The Wonder Car.

Rajesh Roshan[edit]
Beginning with "Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye" in the movie Jurm (1990), Sanu's collaboration
with Rajesh Roshan produced one hit after another. Significant movies include Karan
Arjun (1995), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Papa Kehte
Hai (1996), Dastak (1996), Koyla (1997), Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), Kya
Kehna (2000), Karobaar: The Business of Love (2000) and Aetbaar (2004).

Viju Shah[edit]
Sanu has rendered his voice for some of Viju Shah's greatest
compositions. Vishwatma (1992), Mohra (1994), Tere Mere Sapne (1996), Gupt (1997), Aar Ya
Paar (1997), Beti No. 1 (1999), Bulandi (2000), Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat (2001) and Kasam (2001)
are some of their notable albums.

Anand-Milind[edit]
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 Jigar (1992),Bol Radha Bol (1992),Insaniyat Ke
Devta (1992),Ek Ladka Ek Ladki (1992), Suryavanshi (1992),Hasti (1992),Giraft (1992), Platform
(1992),Raja Babu (1994), Suhaag (1994), Jai Kishan (1994), Coolie No 1 (1995), Hero No.
1 (1997), Gair (1998), Chal Mere Bhai (2000), Army (1996), Trinetra, Lootere (1993), Gopi
Kishan (1994) and Rakshak (1996).
Other work[edit]
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.[7] In 2019, he made a little
singing for the Star Plus's "Kulfi Kumarr Bajewala".[8]
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 Bangla TV in a music reality
show called Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Vishwa Sera. 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 on the
Bengali version of the popular musical reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs.
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. popularly
he is known for melody king. He also made special appearances as an actor in the movies Hum
Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (1999) and Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015).
Sanu is a trustee and Brand Ambassador of Bishwa Bandhan,[9] a foundation for cerebral palsy.
Sanu opened a primary school, Kumar Sanu Vidya Niketan,[10] for underprivileged children in Karol
Bagh, Delhi. The students are given uniforms and books free of cost.[11]

Work with other singers[edit]

Sanu had multiple hit duet numbers with singers Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Anuradha
Paudwal, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhana Sargam, Alisha Chinai, Sunidhi
Chauhan, Sapna Mukherjee, Poornima, Sapna Awasthi, Shreya Ghoshal, Akriti Kakkar, Monali
Thakur, Neha Kakkar, 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.[12]
Sanu is also credited with the highest number of version songs and male duet hits with the finest
singers of 1980s and 1990s. Some of the notable songs are as follows:

Song Film Other version sung by singer(s)

"O Priya Suno Priya" Arjun Pandit (1999) Hariharan

 Song Film Other version sung by singer(s)

"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

Akele Hum Akele

"Raja Ko Rani Se" Udit Narayan
Tum (1995)

Udit Narayan and Suresh Wadkar (sad

"Pardesi Pardesi" Raja Hindustani (1996)
version)

"Aakhon Main Base ho

Takkar (1995) Abhijeet Bhattacharya
Tum"

"Tum Dil Ki" Dhadkan (2000) Abhijeet Bhattacharya

"Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai

Dhadkan (2000) Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan
Dilse"

"Woh Aankh Hi Kya" Khuddar (1994) Sonu Nigam

Pankaj Udhas and S. P.
"Jeeye Toh Jeeya Kyse" Saajan (1991)
Balasubrahmanyam

"Dil kya kare" Dil Kya Kare (1999) Udit Narayan

"Janam meri janam" Mr. Bechara (1996) Udit Narayan

 Song Film Other version sung by singer(s)

"O Dil Tod Ke Hasti Ho

Bewafa Sanam (1995) Udit Narayan
Mera"

"Is Tarah aashiqui ka" Imtihaan (1994) Amit Kumar

Akele Hum Akele

"Dil Mera Churaya Kyu" Udit Narayan
Tum (1995)

"Cahaton Ka Silsila" Shabd (2005) Udit Narayan

"Jis Ghadi Tujhko" Prithvi (1997 film) Udit Narayan

Salma Pe Dil Aa Udit Narayan, Asha Bhosle and Amit

"Salma Pe Dil Aa Gaya"
Gaya (1997) Kumar

Politics[edit]
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.[13] He rejoined BJP on 2
December 2014, inducted by Amit Shah.[14]

Comeback[edit]
Kumar Sanu returned to playback singing in 2012. He made a comeback at the urge of
composers Sajid-Wajid. Sajid-Wajid gave him "Chammak Challo Chhail Chhabili" - Rowdy Rathore,
a wedding song with Shreya Ghoshal. In 2015, Kumar 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 60-year history that Lata Mangeshkar's voice was replaced.[15]

Awards[edit]
 Filmfare awards — 1991-1995
 Padma Shri (2009)
 Screen award for Best Male Playback
Civil honours[edit]
 Yea
Award Honouring body
r

31 March - Kumar Sanu Day: first Indian singer to achieve Michael R. Turner, Mayor,
2001
such honour in America Dayton, Ohio, U.S.[16]

2001 Doctorate (honorary) University of America

2009 Padma Shri: India's 4th highest civilian honour Government of India

2012 Dr. Ambedkar Awards[17] People Education Society

Government of
2014 Maharashtraratna Awards
Maharashtra

Mahanayak Samman Lifetime Achievement: as Bengali Government of West

2014
Playback Singer Bengal

Government of West
2015 Sangeet Samman Lifetime Achievement Award
Bengal[18]

International Human
2017 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award[17]
Rights Council

Felicitation at the UK Houses of Parliament, along with

Indo-British All Party
2018 Anuradha Paudwal for contribution in Indian Music and also
Parliamentary Group[19]
social services.

Government of West
2019 Bishesh Sangeet Mahasanman
Bengal

Filmfare Awards[edit]
Won
 Music
Year Song Film Lyricist
director(s)

1990 "Ab Tere Bin" Aashiqui

"Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal

1991 Saajan Nadeem-Shravan Sameer
Hai"

1992 "Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar" Deewana

1993 "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen" Baazigar Anu Malik Dev Kohli

1942: A Love
1994 "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha" R.D. Burman Javed Akhtar
Story

Nominated

Yea
Song Film
r

1993 "Baazigar O Baazigar" Baazigar

1994 "Kuch Na Kaho" 1942: A Love Story

1995 "Tujhe Dekha To" Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Criminal (1995 film)#Hindi

1995 "Tu Mile Dil Khile"
Version

1997 "Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain" Pardes

1998 "Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai" Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

1999 "Aankhon Ki Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

 Yea
Song Film
r

Gusthakiyaan"

2003 "Sanam Mere Humraaz" Humraaz

2003 "Kisise Tum Pyar Karo" Andaaz

Other awards[edit]
 2016: 8th position on "Google most searched Indian singers in last 10 years"[20]
 2003: Bollywood Music Award For "Best Artist of the Decade"
 2001: Channel V Award For Best Male Playback for "Chand Sitare" - Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai
 2000: Hero Honda Award For Best Playback Singer (Male) for "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan"
- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
 2000: Kalashree Award For Best Male Playback for "Chaand Sitare" - Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai
 2000: Nomination: IIFA Award for Best Male Playback for "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan" - Hum
Dil De Chuke Sanam
 2000: Nomination: MTV Award for "Dil ne yeh" with Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik
 1999: Mohammed Rafi Memorial Award for Best Playback Singer For "Aankhon Ki
Gustakhiyaan" - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
 1999: Nomination: MTV Award for "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan" With Kavita
Krishnamurthy - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
 1999: Zee Gold Awards for "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan" - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
 1999: Kalakar Awards for "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan" - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
 1999: Stardust Award for Best Playback Singer For "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan" - Hum Dil
De Chuke Sanam
 1999: Anandalok Awards for Best Playback Singer (Male) Kumar Sanu for Ami Sei Meye
 1998: Lions' Club Gold Award For Best Playback Singer "Ladki Badi Anjani Hai" - Kuch Kuch
Hota Hai
 1998: Anandalok Awards For Best Playback Singer (Male) Kumar Sanu for Gane Bhuban
Bhoriye Debo
 1997: BFJA Award for film Lathi
 1996: BFJA Award for film Kencho Khurte Keote
 1995: Channel V Award For Best Male Playback "Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam"
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
 1995: Ashirwad Award For Best Male Playback "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha" - 1942: A Love Story
 1995: Screen Award for Best Male Playback for "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha" - 1942: A Love Story