Voices that struck a chord

Here are eight young playback singers who found recognition in the past year and are definitely here to stay

Bollywood playback singing has come a long way. From being a bastion ruled only by a few for over five decades, it has become a democratic space with newer and fresher voices being welcomed with open arms. While some of these singers struggled for a long time, others got their break through music reality shows. And there were others who shot to fame overnight, thanks to a superhit tune.

Shalmali Kholgade
She started off by accompanying her mother Uma Kholgade — an Indian classical singer.
Hits: ‘Pareshaan’ (Ishaqzaade, 2012), ‘Lat lag gayi’ (Race 2), ‘Balam pichkari’ (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)
Artiste speak: “After Pareshaan, a new world unravelled. I’ve gotten to perform all over the world.”

Arijit Singh
A trained classical singer, who started off as a participant on the musical reality show, Fame Gurukul, in 2005.
Hits: ‘Phir le aya dil’ (Barfi!, 2012) ‘Tum hi ho’ (Aashiqui 2), ‘Dilliwaali girlfriend’ (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)
Artiste speak: “I had been singing since a long time but I feel happy that my work has finally got recognition. ‘Tum hi ho’ and ‘Phir le aya dil’ are very close to me.”

Aman Trikha
He started off as a contestant on Sur Kshetra.
Hits: ‘Go go govinda’ (OMG — Oh My God!, 2012), ‘Po po’ (Son Of Sardaar, 2012), ‘Hookah bar’ (Khiladi 786, 2012)
Artiste speak: “When you see people humming your tracks and dancing to them, the feeling is unbelievable. It reminds you that success is nothing but the combination of your hard work and people’s blessings.”

Monali Thakur
She was among the top 10 finalists in the second season of Indian Idol. She recently shot to fame with a hit song in the recently released film, Lootera.
Hits: ‘Sawaar loon’ (Lootera), ‘Aga bai’ (Aiyyaa, 2012), ‘Meri jaaniye’ ( I, Me Aur Main)
Artiste speak: “This is the most crucial year of my career. I am just being patient. I am a trained classical singer, so I want to be selective about the songs I choose.”

Palak Muchhal
Formerly a stage performer, made her playback debut last year.
Hits: ‘Chaahun main ya naa’, ‘Tum hi ho’ (Aashiqui 2), ‘Chura ke le ja’ (Policegiri)
Artiste speak: “I am extremely happy and overwhelmed by the amazing response my songs have got. I hope people will love my upcoming songs too. ‘Chaahun main ya naa’ and ‘Meri aashiqui’ (Aashiqui 2) are close to me.”

Mili Nair
A jazz singer who is popular in the ad jingle circuit too, she made her Bollywood playback debut this year.
Hits: ‘Meethi boliyaan’ (Kai Po Che!)
Artiste speak: “I never thought ‘Meethi boliyaan’ would get so much popularity. I don’t have a conventional Bollywood voice. People love it and that’s my best reward.”

Shefali Alvares
A versatile singer, known for her jazz/funk/ soul style.
Hits: ‘Subah hone na de’ (Desi Boyz, 2011), ‘Tera naam japti phiran’ (Cocktail, 2012), ‘Party on my mind’ (Race 2)
Artiste speak: “I am not predominantly a Hindi singer, so it feels great to be admired.”