Top 10 Popular Hindi Singers of All Time in India

Author : Aarohi Agarwal

Music is one of the oldest forms of art and expression and has been around the world for a long time. Similarly, when it comes to culture, India is one of the countries with the oldest culture where music has been playing a significant role. So the relationship between music and Indian culture has long been formed and will continue to grow.

So let’s move on to the most popular singers in India, who come under the list of top 10 Hindi singers of all time with their top 5 tracks.

• Lata Mangeshkar

She is the only singer who has been given the title of the “Nightingale of India” because of her sweet and melodic voice. Although deceased, she is still living in the hearts of millions of Indians. She was also one of the most recorded artists in the world who has recorded more than 30,000 songs in different Indian languages. She was also the first Indian artist to perform at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, in London. The government of France also conferred her with the Officer of the Legion of Honour, the country’s highest civilian award in 2007. Her top 5 tracks are-

1. Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo
2. Lag Ja Gale (Woh Kaun Thi?)
3. Tere Bina Zindagi Se (Aandhi)
4. Yeh Galiyan Yeh Chaubara (Prem Rog)
5. Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na (Ghar)

• Asha Bhosle 

Another female singer and musician who has made significant contributions to the Indian music industry is Asha Bhosle. The sister of Lata Ji, Ms. Bhsole is hailed as the queen of Indie Pop in the Indian music industry. Winning countless awards for her tracks and earning numerous honors for her extraordinary singing skills, she has recorded over 12,000 songs in multiple Indian languages. Her top 5 tracks are –

1. Dum Maro Dum (Haré Rama Haré Krishna)
2. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (um Kisise Kum Naheen)
3. Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan)
4. In Aankhon Ki Masti (Umrao Jaan)
5. Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo (Kehkashaa – A Garland Of Star)

• Kishore Kumar

Born in 1929, Kishore Kumar has been one of the most popular names in the Indian music industry for his remarkable ability as a singer and as an actor. Despite his brother, the Indian actor Ashok Kumar wanting him to become a successful actor like himself, Kishore Kumar focused on both acting and singing simultaneously, winning him several acclamations in his career. Even today his melodic and incredible voice still reigns over the hearts of Indian music lovers. His top 5 tracks are –

1. Roop Tera Mastana (Aradhana)
2. Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (Blackmail)
3. Mere Sapno Ki Rani (Aradhana)
4. Zindagi Ke Safar Mein (Aap Ki Kasam)
5. Chalte Chalte (Chalte Chalte)

• Mohammad Rafi

Much like Kishore Kumar, another male singer that ruled over the Industry of playback singing back in his days, is the legendary Mohammad Rafi. Renowned for his extraordinary singing skills and enchanting voice that was both emotive and intimidating, he is still held in high regard to this day. His career spanned over four decades that included thousands of melodies. The top 5 tracks of Mohammad Rafi are –

1. Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra (Kashmir Ki Kali)
2. Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe (Kanyadaan)
3. Kya Hua Tera Wada (Hum Kisise Kum Naheen)
4. Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho (Chaudhvin Ka Chand)
5. Teri Bindiya Re (Abhimaan)

• Arijit Singh

Even though this singer is relatively new on this list, his euphonic voice has made him a top contender on this list. Born in West Bengal, Arijit Singh has received acclaim all over the globe for his ethereal voice and harmonious records. He rose to fame by taking part in singing shows and assisted several well-known music directors before getting his first break in Bollywood. His top 5 tracks are –

1. Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2)
2. Channa Mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)
3. Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga (Half Girlfriend)
4. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)
5. Kabira (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)

• Shreya Ghoshal

Another female singer that has ruled over the hearts of music lovers with her sweet and enchanting voice is Shreya Ghoshal. She has sung more than 4000 tracks in different Indian languages and has been a judge in several Indian singing reality shows. Making her debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s superhit ‘Devdas’, Shreya Ghoshal has made her way to being counted as one of the most popular Indian singers. Her top 5 tracks are –

1. Teri Meri (Bodyguard)
2. Bairi Piya (Devdas)
3. Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai (Jism)
4. Sun Raha Hai Na Tu (Aashiqui 2)
5. Deewani Mastani (Bajirao Mastani)

• Sonu Nigam

Sonu Nigam, the 90’s melodic voice has continued his reign over the industry and in Indian music lovers’ hearts and has now become one of the most popular Indian playback singers. His ability to create a melodic atmosphere with his emotive voice has gotten him numerous awards and global recognition. His top 5 tracks are –

1. Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin (Agneepath)
2. Sandese Aate Hain (Border)
3. Zoobi Doobi (3 Idiots)
4. Saathiya (Saathiya)
5. Ye Dil Deewana (Pardes)

• Sunidhi Chauhan

This popular Indian female playback singer is known for her versatile singing ability that has voiced thousands of melodies. She rose to fame with “Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi” from the film Mast in 1999, and since then she never looked back. Her top 5 tracks are –

1. Kamli (Dhoom 3)
2. Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan)
3. Desi Girl (Dostana)
4. Mehboob Mere (Fiza)
5. Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi (Mast)

• KK

Originally born with the name Krishnakumar Kunnath, KK is one of those singers who has raised an entire generation, especially millennials of India. He started his career in the 90s from jingles and advertisements and made his way into the industry. He made his debut with “Chod Aaye Hum” from the movie “Maachis” in 1996, he gained instant fame and started his successful career in the Bollywood music industry. Tragically he passed away in 2022 while performing a live show in Kolkata, India. His top 5 tracks are –

1. Tadap Tadap Ke (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)
2. Zara Sa (Jannat)
3. Yaaron (Rockford)
4. Ankhon Mein Teri (Om Shanti Om)
5. Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai (Woh Lamhe)

• Udit Narayan

Udit Narayan is one of the most famous singers that has ever come to the Indian music industry. He is known for his extraordinary vocals and melodic tracks. He has also made several recordings in different Indian languages and has received numerous accolades throughout his career. His top 5 tracks are –

1. Papa Kehte Hain (Qayamat se Qayamat Tak)
2. Dil To Pagal Hai (Dil To Pagal Hai)
3. Aye Ajnabi (Dil Se..)
4. Kyun Chupate Ho (Mann)
5. Jadoo Teri Nazar (Darr)