Born in a Gujarati family, she was brought up in Newalipur, a posh area in the South Kolkata. Alka Yagnik began her musical career under the able tutelage of her mother Shoba Yagnik, a trained classical singer. Yagnik was always a bright student but never liked studies, something she admitted in an interview before her fans and followers! When she was below her teens she came in Mumbai and began her musical journey. She was sent to Laxmikant and Pyarelal, after her voice was liked and recommended. The musical duo gave her the first big break in the movie "Lawaris". The song "Mere angne mein" became a smashing hit overnight and Alka didn't have to turn back!
But in the '80s when her musical journey began to kick off, her biggest rivalries were the melody queen Lata Mangeshkar and the versatile Asha Bhosle. But that simply couldn't refrain her from reaching her target! She waited for a span of seven years before she got her second break in the movie "Kyamat Se Kyamat Tak". In the early '90s her song "Ek do teen" composed by Laxmikant and Pyarelal ji brought her first recognition. Her first 'Film fare' award. Following some of the evergreen numbers like "Aisi Deewangi", "Na Na Karte", "Choli ke peeche" not only brought her fame and glory but created a history in the realm of music in Bollywood! She also paired up with Nadeem Shravan, Anu Mallik, Anand Milind, Kalyan Anandji, Himesh Reshammiya and many more. A span of more than four decades brought her seven film fare awards, two national awards and many more honours! On the other hand her solo album Tum Yaad Aaye (1997) and Tum Aaye with Hari Haran(2002) still reign the people's heart and soul. Both are "love albums". Different taste and flavour as well. Undoubtedly she is the third leading singer of Bollywood after Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. She sang in more than 1100 movies and made a strong place for herself in the industry.
The singer with a honey laced voice has grown up by a year. But her voice hasn't aged up. It is still as mellifluous and appealing as it was three decades ago! She is in fact an enchantress in the musical milieu. Let her voice be an inspiration for those who desire to choose music as an off beat career option! Amid the blowing of candles, cutting of cake and compliments from the well wishers her hour is sure to become a special one!
DEAR ALKA JI, STAY TUNED FOREVER!!
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