Udit Narayan: Difference between revisions

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{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{short description|Indian playback singer (born 1955)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{about||the Fijian politician|Udit Narayan (politician)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Udit Narayan Jha
| name              = Udit Narayan
| image              = UditNarayan1.jpg
| image              = Udit-Narayan-2019.jpg
| image_size        =
| caption            = Narayan in 2019
| caption            = Udit Narayan in 2015
| native_name        = उदित नारायण
| native_name_lang  =
| birth_name        = Udit Narayan Jha
| birth_name        = Udit Narayan Jha
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1955|12|1}}<ref name="bday">{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/aditya-bakes-a-cake-for-father-udit-narayan-on-birthday/16736163|title=Aditya bakes a cake for father Udit Narayan on birthday|publisher=[[Mid Day]]|date=3 December 2015|accessdate=15 June 2017}}</ref>
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1955|12|01}}
| birth_place        = [[Saptari]], [[Nepal]]
| birth_place        = Baisi, [[Supaul district]], [[Bihar]], India
| nationality        = [[Nepal]]i<ref>[http://thenewyorkcitypost.com/udit-narayan-the-legend/ UDIT NARAYAN – “The legend” &#124; The New York City Post]</ref>
| spouse = {{unbulleted list
| citizenship        = [[Nepal]]i, [[India]]n<ref>[http://twocircles.net/2009jan15/udit_narayans_indian_citizenship_questioned.html Udit Narayan&#8217;s Indian citizenship questioned &#124; TwoCircles.net]</ref><ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Artistes-have-no-borders-Udit-Narayan-tells-Nepal/articleshow/4037648.cms Artistes have no borders, Udit Narayan tells Nepal - Times of India]</ref>
| {{nowrap|{{marriage|Ranjana Jha|1984|<!---->|end=separated}}}}  
| spouse             = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Ranjana Narayan Jha|1984|reason=}}<ref name="firstwifecaseref1">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-singer-udit-narayan-accosted-by-first-wife-1025327|title=Singer Udit Narayan accosted by 'first' wife|publisher=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|accessdate=13 June 2017}}</ref>
| {{marriage|Deepa Gahatraj|1985}}
|{{marriage|Deepa Narayan Jha|1985|}}
}}
}}<ref name="firstwifecaseref1" />
| children          = [[Aditya Narayan]]
| children          = [[Aditya Narayan]] (son)<ref name="uditson">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sa-re-ga-ma-pa-l-il-champs-host-sa-re-ga-ma-pa-l-il-champs-aditya-narayan-today-people-know-me-by-my-name/story-1gH4kJrnmRyEXrFEHb7DYJ.html|title=Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs' Aditya Narayan: Today people know me by my name|accessdate=13 June 2017}}</ref>
| parents            = <!-- Add if available -->
| education         = [[Ratna Rajya Lakshmi Campus]], [[Kathmandu]], Nepal
| relatives         = [[Shweta Agarwal]] (daughter-in-law)
| honours            = *Prabala [[Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu]] (2001)
| honours            = {{ubl|[[Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu]] (2001)|[[Padma Shri]] (2009)|[[Padma Bhushan]] (2016)}}
* [[Padma Shri]] (2009)
| awards            = [[List of awards and nominations received by Udit Narayan|Full list]]
* [[Padma Bhushan]] (2016)
| alma_mater        = [[Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus]], [[Tribhuvan University]]
| awards            = *[[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]]
| website            =  
* [[IIFA Award for Best Male Playback Singer]]
| module            = {{Infobox musical artist
* [[Lata Mangeshkar Award]]
| embed             = yes
* [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]]<ref name="ReferenceA">[[List of awards and nominations received by Udit Narayan|Awards and nominations]]</ref>
| parents            = Hare Krishna Jha (Father) and Bhuwaneshwari Devi (Mother)
| website            = * {{facebook|UditNarayanOfficial}}
| module            = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background        = solo_singer
| background        = solo_singer
| genre              = {{flatlist|
| genre              = {{flatlist|
* [[Filmi]]
* [[Filmi]]
* [[Pop music|pop]]
* [[Pop music|pop]]
* [[Indian classical music|classical]]
* [[Semi-classical music|Semi-Classical]]
* [[semi-classical music|Semi-Classical]]
* [[Bhajan]]
* [[Bhajan]]
* [[Folk music|folk]]
* [[Folk music|folk]]}}
}}
| instrument        = [[Vocal]]
| instrument        = Vocals
| label             = {{flatlist|
| label           = {{flatlist|
* [[Yash Raj Films]]
* [[Yash Raj Films]]
* [[Super Cassettes Industries T-Series|T-Series]]
* [[Super Cassettes Industries T-Series|T-Series]]
* SKS Music Company
* [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]]
* [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]]
* [[HMV Records]]
* [[Sony BMG]]
* [[Tips Industries|Tips]]
* [[Tips Industries|Tips]]
* [[Saregama]]
* [[Saregama]]
* Venus Records & Tapeslove
* [[Venus Records & Tapes|Venus]]}}
}}
}}
| module2            = {{Infobox youtuber
| child = yes
| youtube_handle        = @RealUditNarayan
| youtube_display_name  =
| youtube_years_active  = 2020–present
| youtube_genre        = Music
| youtube_subscribers  = 3.5 million<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW -->
| youtube_views        = 3.3 billion<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW -->
| stats_update        = 1 December 2025
}}
}}
| occupation        = *[[Playback singer]]
| occupation        = [[Playback singer]]
* Producer
| years_active      = 1980–present
* Actor
[[#As an actor|See below]]
| years_active      = 1970s–present
| height            = 1.65 m
| signature          =  
| signature          =  
}}
}}
'''Udit Narayan Jha''' (born 1 December 1955; {{audio|LL-Q33810 (ori)-Psubhashish-ଉଦିତ ନାରାୟଣ.wav|pronunciation}}) is an Indian [[playback singer]] whose songs are featured in [[Indian cinema]], primarily [[Hindi films]].
He has won four [[National Film Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/amphtml/bollywood/features/2018/happy-birthday-udit-narayan-six-best-songs-of-the-prince-of-playback-singing-279998.html|title=Udit Narayan National award|website=Filmibeat.com|access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> and five [[Filmfare Awards]], with twenty nominations among many others. He won the [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] three times for the songs ''Mitwa'' from [[Lagaan]] (2001), ''Jaane Kyon Log'' from [[Dil Chahta Hai]] (2001), ''Chhote Chhote Sapne'' [[Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai]] (2002) and ''Yeh Taara Woh Taara'' from [[Swades]] (2004). He also won the ''National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri'' in 2005 as the producer of ''Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar''. He was awarded the [[Lata Mangeshkar Award]] by the [[Government of Madhya Pradesh ]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lata Mangeshkar Samman given to Usha Khanna, Udit Narayan and Anu Malik |url=https://ndtv.in/bollywood/lata-mangeshkar-samman-given-to-usha-khanna-udit-narayan-and-anu-malik-1767708 |website=NDTV |publisher=NDTV Convergence Ltd. |access-date=6 December 2025}}</ref><ref name="NFAwards">{{cite web |title=National Film Award Winners |url=https://dff.gov.in |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals, Government of India |access-date=6 December 2025 |website=Directorate of Film Festivals – Official}}</ref> The [[Government of India]] honoured him with the [[Padma Shri]] in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/160125-seven-years-after-padma-shree-udit-narayan|title=Seven years after Padma Shree, Udit Narayan honoured with Padma Bhushan|website=Radioandmusic.com|access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> and the [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2016 for his contribution to arts and culture.<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India | date=2015 | access-date=21 July 2015 | archive-date=15 October 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015193758/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>


'''Udit Narayan Jha''' (Nepali: उदित नारायण झा) (born 1 December 1955) also known as Udit Narayan<ref name="bday" /> is a Nepalese [[playback singer]] of [[Nepalis|Nepalese]] heritage as his paternal descent,<ref>[https://www.discogs.com/artist/356612-Udit-Narayan Udit Narayan &#124; Discography & Songs &#124; Discogs]</ref> whose songs have been featured mainly in [[Bollywood]] movies of [[Hindi language]]. He has sung more than 25000 songs in 36 languages<ref>[http://www.dhakatopi.com/udit-narayan-jha Udit Narayan Jha &#124; dhakatopi.com]</ref> languages including [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]] and [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]]. Beginning his career in 1970s when he stared his career as a folk singer in Nepal for Radio Nepal. Later in 1978 he travelled Bomabay(Now Mumabai), India on a music scholarship from Indian Embassy in Kathamandu,Nepal .His debut in Bollywood was in year 1980 from movie [[Unees-Bees]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/udit-narayan|title=Udit Narayan: Latest News, Videos and Udit Narayan Photos - Times of India|website=The Times of India|accessdate=26 October 2018}}</ref> He has won 5 [[National Film Awards]]<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/amphtml/bollywood/features/2018/happy-birthday-udit-narayan-six-best-songs-of-the-prince-of-playback-singing-279998.html|title=Udit Narayan National award|accessdate=26 October 2018}}</ref> (of which 4 as a singer, for 2 songs in 2001, 1 each in 2002 and 2004 along with 1
His contribution to the Indian music industry was recognised by [[Lata Mangeshkar]], who bestowed upon him the title ''Prince of Playback Singing''.<ref name="auto5">{{cite web |last=Keshri |first=Shweta |title=Udit Narayan reveals Lata Mangeshkar gave him the title 'Prince of Playback Singing' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/udit-narayan-reveals-lata-mangeshkar-gave-him-the-title-prince-of-playback-singing-1912230-2022-02-12 |publisher=India Today |date=12 February 2022 |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>
as a producer in 2005) and 5 [[Filmfare Awards]] with 20 nominations and many other awards. He had to struggle a lot even after his debut in 1980 in Bollywood playback. He got to sing with legends [[Mohammed Rafi]] in his Bollywood Playback debut in movie [[Unees-Bees]] in 1980 and also with [[Kishore Kumar]] in 1980s. He finally made his mark in 1988 movie [[Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak]] starring [[Aamir Khan]] and [[Juhi Chawla]], his song ''Papa Kehte Hai'' was his notable performance which earned him his first Filmfare Award in the 1980s and he established himself in Bollywood Playback Singing. He is the only male singer in the history of the Filmfare Awards to have won in over three decades (the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s)<ref name="pb">{{cite web|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-01-25/udit-narayan-to-receive-indias-padma-bhushan.html|title=Udit Narayan to receive India's Padma Bhushan}}</ref>


After the success of the movie [[Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak]] in 1988 which turned out to be All Time Blockbuster movie in Bollywood with more than 8 million sales of the sound track being one of the highest selling albums in the 1980s. The soundtrack was a breakthrough for the careers of Anand-Milind,<ref>{{cite journal| title = India Today| url = https://books.google.com/?id=crIYAQAAMAAJ| volume = 18| date = 1993| publisher = [[Living Media]]| page = 52| quote = Anand-Milind did six films before hitting the jackpot with Qayamat se Qayamat Tak in 1988.| journal = [[India Today]] }}</ref> as well as [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]], one of India's leading record labels.<ref name="Booth">{{cite book| last = Booth| first = Gregory D.| title = Behind the Curtain: Making Music in Mumbai's Film Studios| url = https://books.google.com/?id=Jx1R5rgjaigC&pg=PA80| date = 2008| publisher = Oxford University Press| isbn = 978-0-19-971665-4| page = 80 }}</ref> after which he was one of the favourites of music directors. His originality of voice was appreciated by all of the music lovers across the globe. Since his childhood he had idols as [[Lata Mangeshkar]], [[Asha Bhosle]], [[Mohammed Rafi]], [[Kishore Kumar]] whom he'd listen on his radio. In the 1990s he sung for a thousands of songs including Hindi and Nepali languages. Recognising his contribution, his majesty [[King of Nepal]] [[Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev]] awarded him with the [[Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu|Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu]] in 2001 after which for his contribution to Indian cinema and music he was awarded the [[Padma Shri]] in 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/160125-seven-years-after-padma-shree-udit-narayan|title=Seven years after Padma Shree, Udit Narayan honoured with Padma Bhushan|accessdate=26 October 2018}}</ref> and in 2016 he was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]] by the [[Government of India]], an honour that has been awarded to only a handful of singers, in recognition of his achievements in various film industries across India.<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web | url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf | title=Padma Awards | publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India | date=2015 | accessdate=21 July 2015}}</ref> and Chitragupta Cineyatra Samman 2015 for Bhojpuri Cinema.<ref name="pb" /> As many as 21 of his tracks feature in BBC's "Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/features/top40_soundtracks_10_01.shtml|title=BBC - Asian Network - Top 40 Soundtracks of All Time|last=BBC|website=www.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=26 October 2018}}</ref>
He made his Hindi playback debut with [[Mohammed Rafi]] in ''Unees-Bees'' (1980).<ref>{{cite web |title=Udit Narayan's breakthrough song |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/miscellaneous/song-of-life-diary-news-298795 |website=Outlook India |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>
 
In recognition of his contribution to Nepalese music, the [[King of Nepal]], [[Birendra of Nepal|Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev]], awarded him the [[Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Udit Narayan to receive India's Padma Bhushan |url=https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2016/01/25/udit-narayan-to-receive-indias-padma-bhushan|website=Kathmandu Post |access-date=15 February 2022}}</ref> He is the only male singer in [[Filmfare Awards]] history to have won across three decades: the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/udit-narayan |title=Udit Narayan: Latest News, Videos and Udit Narayan Photos |website=The Times of India |access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref>


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Udit Narayan was born in 2012 BS / 1955 AD to Nepali father Hare Krishna jha and Indian mother Bhuwaneshwari jha . Udit Narayan himself clarified that during the middle of 1950s Heavy rainfalls brought flood in Koshi river in Bhardaha,Nepal. So Narayan family shifted to maternal grandparents'house. During this period he was born at his maternal grandparents'Home.After few years Narayan family returned back to Nepal and lived there.
Udit Narayan Jha was born on 1 December 1955 in an ethnic [[Maithil Brahmin]] family to Nepalese national Harekrishna Jha and Indian national Bhuvaneshwari Jha.<ref name='bday'>{{cite news |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/aditya-bakes-a-cake-for-father-udit-narayan-on-birthday/16736163 |title=Aditya bakes a cake for father Udit Narayan on birthday |publisher=[[Mid-Day]] |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=15 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaw |first1=Shri Ram |title=Exclusive – Udit Narayan on completing 40 years in Bollywood: Bitterness of struggle makes success sweeter |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/exclusive-udit-narayan-on-completing-40-years-in-bollywood-bitterness-of-struggle-makes-success-sweeter-qd00cc |access-date=17 November 2020 |publisher=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |date=5 July 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Outlook_int_2017"/> When his acceptance of the ''Padma Shri'' led to criticism in Nepal, he told the Nepalese daily ''[[Kantipur (daily)|Kantipur]]'' that he was "from Nepal but his mother's home was in Bihar."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Artistes-have-no-borders-Udit-Narayan-tells-Nepal/articleshow/4037648.cms |title=Artistes have no borders, Udit Narayan tells Nepal |work=The Times of India |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref> In a 2017 interview with the Indian magazine ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'', he clarified that he was born in Baisi, a village in [[Bihar]], and clarified that his father Harekrishna was a native of Nepal.<ref name="Outlook_int_2017">{{cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/song-of-life-diary/298795 |title=Song Of Life Diary |author=Udit Narayan |date=8 May 2017 |work=Outlook |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref> In September 2018, at a ceremony held by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, he stated that he identifies as a [[Bihari people|Bihari]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.patnadaily.com/index.php/news/13809-bihar-jharkhand-association-of-north-america-honors-singer-udit-narayan.html|title=Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America Honors Singer Udit Narayan|date=8 September 2018|work=PatnaDaily|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002441/https://www.patnadaily.com/index.php/news/13809-bihar-jharkhand-association-of-north-america-honors-singer-udit-narayan.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
He and his father Hare Krishna jha was a native of Bhardaha, saptari district, province No-2,Nepal.
Narayan studied at jageshwar High school Kunauli,supaul,Bihar India and later obtained his intermediate degree from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus Kathmandu Nepal.


== References ==
== Career ==
{{Reflist}}


== Other websites ==
=== 1970s: Early career ===
During his teen years, Narayan performed as a staff singer for [[Radio Nepal]] and sang in hotels around [[Kathmandu]].<ref name="auto2">{{cite web |title=We're a musical family |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/were-a-musical-family |website=Khaleej Times |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref> He made active efforts to pursue a musical career, which were not supported by his father, who urged him to pursue a profession as a doctor or engineer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Udit Narayan expresses gratitude to fan, wife, farmer parents |url=https://indiawest.com/udit-narayan-expresses-gratitude-to-fan-wife-farmer-parents/ |website=India West |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=When Udit Narayan revealed what his papa asked him |url=https://www.ap7am.com/en/101985/when-udit-narayan-revealed-what-his-papa-asked-to-make-it-big-in |website=AP7AM |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref>


* {{IMDb name|id=0621257}}
In 1978, he received a music scholarship through a cultural-exchange programme to study classical music at ''Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan'' in Mumbai.<ref name="auto4">{{cite web |title=Struggle Is Necessary for Any Artist; Its Bitterness Makes Success Sweeter: Udit Narayan |url=https://english.sahityapost.com/struggle-is-necessary-for-any-artist-its-bitterness-makes-success-sweeter-udit-narayan/ |website=Sahityapost English |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref>


{{commons category}}
While in Mumbai, he visited several music directors' offices and auditioned frequently, initially struggling to secure opportunities.<ref name="auto2"/>
 
=== 1980s-90s: Debut and breakthrough ===
Narayan’s Bollywood career began in 1980 when music director [[Rajesh Roshan]] offered him his first playback opportunity in the film ''Unees-Bees'', where he recorded a duet with Mohammed Rafi.<ref>{{cite web |title=ICYMI: Udit Narayan In A 41-Year-Old Pic From His Debut Song Recording |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/icymi-udit-narayan-in-a-41-year-old-pic-from-his-debut-song-recording-2480385 |website=NDTV |date=1 December 2023 |access-date=28 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
 
His major breakthrough came in 1988 with the soundtrack of ''[[Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak]]'', performed with [[Alka Yagnik]]. The song ''Papa Kehte Hain'' became a nationwide hit and earned him the [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |title=Udit Narayan looks back at his career with affection |url=https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/udit-narayan-looks-back-at-his-career-with-affection-14692.amp |website=Filmfare |access-date=28 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
 
[[File:Udit Narayan Jha in 1990s.jpg|thumb|right|Narayan in 1990s]]
Narayan won his second [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] for the song ''Mendi Laga Ke Rakhna'' from [[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]] at the 1996 Filmfare Awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Filmfare Awards Winners 1996 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-1996-1995 |website=Filmfare |access-date=18 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DDLJ Soundtrack |website=Filmfare |url=https://filmfare.com/features/filmfare-flashback-dilwale-dulhania-le-jayenges-memorable-big-win-at-the-filmfare-awards-26084.amp |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref>
 
=== 2000s ===
{{moresources|section|date=December 2025}}
Narayan won his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song ''Chand Chhupa Badal Mein'' from the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (2000), making him the only singer in [[Filmfare]] history to win in three different decades.{{cn|date=December 2025}}
 
He won his fifth Filmfare Award for the song ''Mitwa'' from the film Lagaan (2001). For the same song, he also won his first [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]], sharing the honor with his other song ''Jaane Kyon Log'' from [[Dil Chahta Hai]] (2001). His second National Film Award in this category came for ''Chhote Chhote Sapne'' from [[Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai]] (2002), and his third for "Yeh Taara Woh Taara" from [[Swades]] (2004). In addition, he won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri in 2005 as the producer of ''Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar''.
 
He received the [[Padma Shri]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Getting Padma Shri a dream come true |website=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/getting-padma-shri-a-dream-come-true/story-yiohUwVr91LVN8cLJ8GR3H.html |date=28 January 2009 |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref>
 
=== 2010s ===
 
[[File:UditNarayan5.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Narayan at an album launch event in 2010]]
 
In 2016, Narayan was awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]], India’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contribution to Indian music and playback singing.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/padma-awards-2016-full-list-1269936
|title=Padma Awards 2016: Full List
|website=NDTV
|publisher=NDTV
|date=25 January 2016
|access-date=11 December 2025
}}</ref>
 
== Discography ==
{{Main|List of Hindi songs recorded by Udit Narayan|Bollywood selected discography of Udit Narayan|List of non-Hindi songs recorded by Udit Narayan|}}
 
== Accolades ==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Udit Narayan}}
 
Narayan has won four [[National Film Awards]] and five [[Filmfare Awards]]. He was awarded the Order of Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Fourth Class by the King of Nepal in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Udit Narayan |website=Top Nepal Information |url=https://top-nepal.com/udit-narayan/ |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> In India, he received the Padma Shri in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/musicindia/receiving-padma-shri-is-a-dream-come-true-udit-narayan_21649.html|title=Receiving Padma Shri is a dream come true: Udit Narayan|website=Zee News|date=26 January 2009|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> and the Padma Bhushan in 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2016/01/25/udit-narayan-to-receive-indias-padma-bhushan|title=Udit Narayan to receive India’s Padma Bhushan|website=Kathmandu Post|date=25 January 2016|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/udit-narayan-on-padma-bhushan-i-am-speechless-it-feels-like-a-dream/|title=Udit Narayan on Padma Bhushan: “It feels like a dream”|website=The Indian Express|date=25 January 2016|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award in 2023,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rajbhavan-maharashtra.gov.in/en/12-01-2023-governor-presents-dr-babasaheb-ambedkar-national-awards-to-udit-narayan-kumar-sanu-ranvir-shorey/|title=Governor presents Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Awards to Udit Narayan|website=Raj Bhavan (Maharashtra)|date=12 January 2023|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/ani-press-releases/bhagat-singh-koshyari-governor-of-maharashtra-confers-dr-babasaheb-ambedkar-national-contribution-award-to-deserving-indians/1317041/|title=Governor confers Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award to Udit Narayan|website=The Print|date=16 January 2023|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> and the International Buddha Peace Award & Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Award in 2023, awarded by the Maitry Peace Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maitrypeace.in/raj-bhavan-kolkata/|title=Kolkata Governor graces the Buddha Peace Award|website=Maitry Peace Foundation|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://maitrypeace.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Award-Details-1.pdf|title=International Buddha Peace Award & Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Award – 2023 ceremony document|website=Maitry Peace Foundation|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> Additionally, in 2012, he served as a jury member for film music at the [[Global Indian Music Academy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highonscore.com/gima-awards-2012-press-conference|title=GIMA Awards 2012 – Press Conference|website=HighOnScore.com|date=9 August 2012|access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>
 
== Acting career ==
Although primarily known as a playback singer, Narayan also made appearances as an actor, primarily in [[Cinema of Nepal|Nepali cinema]].
 
His most prominent acting role was in the 1985 Nepali film [[Kusume Rumal]], directed by [[Tulsi Ghimire]], in which he both played the lead character and performed the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian Idol 10: Udit Narayan reveals he was paid Rs 1,500 to act as a lead hero |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/television-news/article/indian-idol-10-udit-narayan-reveals-he-was-paid-rs-1500-to-act-as-a-lead-hero-20101178 |work=Mid-Day |date=10 November 2018 |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Udit Narayan – Singer and Actor |url=https://www.thebiodiary.com/home/biograph/entertainment-singer-Udit-Narayan-en |publisher=The Bio Diary |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>
 
In interviews, Narayan has stated that he took the acting role to support his career while establishing himself as a singer.<ref name="Filmfare_Feb2021">{{cite magazine |last=Sharma |first=Devesh |date=19 February 2021 |title=Udit Narayan reflects on his career |url=https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/udit-narayan-looks-back-at-his-career-with-affection-14692.html |magazine=Filmfare |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>
 
== Personal life ==
[[File:Udit and Deepa.jpg|thumb|Narayan with his wife Deepa Narayan Jha|upright=1.2|250px|left]]
In 2006, Ranjana Narayan claimed to be Narayan's first wife, but Narayan consistently denied it. Later, he accepted her as his wife, whom he married in 1984, and promised to provide for her maintenance.<ref name="firstwifecase2">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Udit-Narayan-meets-first-wife-Ranjana/articleshow/1694218.cms |title=Udit Narayan meets 'first wife' Ranjana |work=The Times of India |date=30 June 2006 |agency=PTI |access-date=13 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Tale-of-two-wives/articleshow/1833057.cms|title=Tale of two wives|website=The Times of India |access-date=13 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Udit Narayan's first wife Ranjana Jha files case amidst kiss controversy |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/udit-narayans-first-wife-ranjana-jha-files-case-amidst-kiss-controversy-71702.html |magazine=Filmfare |date=24 February 2025 |access-date=29 November 2025}}</ref> Udit began a relationship with Deepa Gahatraj while still married to Ranjana. Udit and Deepa were married in 1985. With Deepa Gahatraj, he has one son, [[Aditya Narayan]], who is also a playback singer.<ref name="uditson">{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sa-re-ga-ma-pa-l-il-champs-host-sa-re-ga-ma-pa-l-il-champs-aditya-narayan-today-people-know-me-by-my-name/story-1gH4kJrnmRyEXrFEHb7DYJ.html |title=Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs' Aditya Narayan: Today people know me by my name |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=10 March 2017 |access-date=13 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="firstwifecase2" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/indian-celebrities-who-married-their-mistresses-277600-32.html|title=Indian Celebrities Who Married Their Mistresses|website=Indiatimes.com|date=26 October 2015|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=31 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151731/http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/indian-celebrities-who-married-their-mistresses-277600-32.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/28udit.htm|title=Udit Narayan wants compromise with first wife|website=Rediff.com|date=28 June 2006|first=Anand Mohan|last=Sahay|access-date=12 December 2018}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[List of Indian playback singers]]
 
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
 
==External links==
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{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2010–19}}
{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestMaleSinger}}
{{ScreenAwardBestMalePlaybackSinger}}
{{ZeeCineAwardBestPlaybackMale}}
{{IIFAAwardBestMalePlaybackSinger}}
{{BollywoodMovieAwardBestPlaybackMale}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Narayan, Udit}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Narayan, Udit}}
[[Category:Udit Narayan| ]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Bhajan singers]]
[[Category:Hindi-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Nepali-language Indian singers]]
[[Category:Hindi-language singers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
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[[Category:Tamil-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Singers from Bihar]]
[[Category:Kannada-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Telugu-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]]
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:Nepalese actors]]
[[Category:Best Male Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
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[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Nepalese singers]]
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[[Category:International Indian Film Academy Awards winners]]
[[Category:Bollywood playback singers]]
[[Category:Mithila (region)]]
 
[[Category:Indian people of Nepalese descent]]
{{simple-Wikipedia}}
[[Category:Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus alumni]]
[[Category:Zee Cine Awards winners]]

Latest revision as of 17:06, 17 March 2026


For the Fijian politician, see Udit Narayan (politician).

Udit Narayan
Narayan in 2019
Born
Udit Narayan Jha

(1955-12-01) 1 December 1955 (age 70)
Baisi, Supaul district, Bihar, India
Alma materRatna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Tribhuvan University
OccupationPlayback singer
Years active1980–present
Spouse(s)
  • Ranjana Jha
    ​
    (
    m. after 1984,
    separated
    )
  • Deepa Gahatraj
    (
    m. 1985)
ChildrenAditya Narayan
RelativesShweta Agarwal (daughter-in-law)
AwardsFull list
Honours
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocal
Labels
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2020–present
GenreMusic
Subscribers3.5 million
Views3.3 billion
Last updated: 1 December 2025
2=

Udit Narayan Jha (born 1 December 1955; About this soundpronunciation (help·info)) is an Indian playback singer whose songs are featured in Indian cinema, primarily Hindi films.

He has won four National Film Awards[1] and five Filmfare Awards, with twenty nominations among many others. He won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer three times for the songs Mitwa from Lagaan (2001), Jaane Kyon Log from Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Chhote Chhote Sapne Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai (2002) and Yeh Taara Woh Taara from Swades (2004). He also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri in 2005 as the producer of Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar. He was awarded the Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2015.[2][3] The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2009[4] and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution to arts and culture.[5]

His contribution to the Indian music industry was recognised by Lata Mangeshkar, who bestowed upon him the title Prince of Playback Singing.[6]

He made his Hindi playback debut with Mohammed Rafi in Unees-Bees (1980).[7]

In recognition of his contribution to Nepalese music, the King of Nepal, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, awarded him the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu in 2001.[8] He is the only male singer in Filmfare Awards history to have won across three decades: the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.[9]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Udit Narayan Jha was born on 1 December 1955 in an ethnic Maithil Brahmin family to Nepalese national Harekrishna Jha and Indian national Bhuvaneshwari Jha.[10][11][12] When his acceptance of the Padma Shri led to criticism in Nepal, he told the Nepalese daily Kantipur that he was "from Nepal but his mother's home was in Bihar."[13] In a 2017 interview with the Indian magazine Outlook, he clarified that he was born in Baisi, a village in Bihar, and clarified that his father Harekrishna was a native of Nepal.[12] In September 2018, at a ceremony held by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, he stated that he identifies as a Bihari.[14]

Career[edit | edit source]

1970s: Early career[edit | edit source]

During his teen years, Narayan performed as a staff singer for Radio Nepal and sang in hotels around Kathmandu.[15] He made active efforts to pursue a musical career, which were not supported by his father, who urged him to pursue a profession as a doctor or engineer.[16][17]

In 1978, he received a music scholarship through a cultural-exchange programme to study classical music at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in Mumbai.[18]

While in Mumbai, he visited several music directors' offices and auditioned frequently, initially struggling to secure opportunities.[15]

1980s-90s: Debut and breakthrough[edit | edit source]

Narayan’s Bollywood career began in 1980 when music director Rajesh Roshan offered him his first playback opportunity in the film Unees-Bees, where he recorded a duet with Mohammed Rafi.[19]

His major breakthrough came in 1988 with the soundtrack of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, performed with Alka Yagnik. The song Papa Kehte Hain became a nationwide hit and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1989.[20]

Narayan in 1990s

Narayan won his second Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Mendi Laga Ke Rakhna from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge at the 1996 Filmfare Awards.[21][22]

2000s[edit | edit source]

Narayan won his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Chand Chhupa Badal Mein from the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (2000), making him the only singer in Filmfare history to win in three different decades.[citation needed]

He won his fifth Filmfare Award for the song Mitwa from the film Lagaan (2001). For the same song, he also won his first National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, sharing the honor with his other song Jaane Kyon Log from Dil Chahta Hai (2001). His second National Film Award in this category came for Chhote Chhote Sapne from Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai (2002), and his third for "Yeh Taara Woh Taara" from Swades (2004). In addition, he won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri in 2005 as the producer of Kab Hoi Gawna Hamar.

He received the Padma Shri in 2009.[23]

2010s[edit | edit source]

Narayan at an album launch event in 2010

In 2016, Narayan was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contribution to Indian music and playback singing.[24]

Discography[edit | edit source]

Main articles: List of Hindi songs recorded by Udit Narayan, Bollywood selected discography of Udit Narayan, and List of non-Hindi songs recorded by Udit Narayan

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Udit Narayan

Narayan has won four National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards. He was awarded the Order of Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Fourth Class by the King of Nepal in 2001.[25] In India, he received the Padma Shri in 2009[26] and the Padma Bhushan in 2016,[27][28] the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award in 2023,[29][30] and the International Buddha Peace Award & Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Award in 2023, awarded by the Maitry Peace Foundation.[31][32] Additionally, in 2012, he served as a jury member for film music at the Global Indian Music Academy Awards.[33]

Acting career[edit | edit source]

Although primarily known as a playback singer, Narayan also made appearances as an actor, primarily in Nepali cinema.

His most prominent acting role was in the 1985 Nepali film Kusume Rumal, directed by Tulsi Ghimire, in which he both played the lead character and performed the soundtrack.[34][35]

In interviews, Narayan has stated that he took the acting role to support his career while establishing himself as a singer.[36]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Narayan with his wife Deepa Narayan Jha

In 2006, Ranjana Narayan claimed to be Narayan's first wife, but Narayan consistently denied it. Later, he accepted her as his wife, whom he married in 1984, and promised to provide for her maintenance.[37][38][39] Udit began a relationship with Deepa Gahatraj while still married to Ranjana. Udit and Deepa were married in 1985. With Deepa Gahatraj, he has one son, Aditya Narayan, who is also a playback singer.[40][37][41][42]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Udit Narayan National award". Filmibeat.com. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  2. ↑ "Lata Mangeshkar Samman given to Usha Khanna, Udit Narayan and Anu Malik". NDTV. NDTV Convergence Ltd. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  3. ↑ "National Film Award Winners". Directorate of Film Festivals – Official. Directorate of Film Festivals, Government of India. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Seven years after Padma Shree, Udit Narayan honoured with Padma Bhushan". Radioandmusic.com. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  5. ↑ "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  6. ↑ Keshri, Shweta (12 February 2022). "Udit Narayan reveals Lata Mangeshkar gave him the title 'Prince of Playback Singing'". India Today. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  7. ↑ "Udit Narayan's breakthrough song". Outlook India. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  8. ↑ "Udit Narayan to receive India's Padma Bhushan". Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  9. ↑ "Udit Narayan: Latest News, Videos and Udit Narayan Photos". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  10. ↑ "Aditya bakes a cake for father Udit Narayan on birthday". Mid-Day. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  11. ↑ Shaw, Shri Ram (5 July 2020). "Exclusive – Udit Narayan on completing 40 years in Bollywood: Bitterness of struggle makes success sweeter". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Udit Narayan (8 May 2017). "Song Of Life Diary". Outlook. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  13. ↑ "Artistes have no borders, Udit Narayan tells Nepal". The Times of India. 27 January 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  14. ↑ "Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America Honors Singer Udit Narayan". PatnaDaily. 8 September 2018. Archived from the original on 11 September 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "We're a musical family". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  16. ↑ "Udit Narayan expresses gratitude to fan, wife, farmer parents". India West. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  17. ↑ "When Udit Narayan revealed what his papa asked him". AP7AM. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  18. ↑ "Struggle Is Necessary for Any Artist; Its Bitterness Makes Success Sweeter: Udit Narayan". Sahityapost English. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  19. ↑ "ICYMI: Udit Narayan In A 41-Year-Old Pic From His Debut Song Recording". NDTV. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  20. ↑ "Udit Narayan looks back at his career with affection". Filmfare. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  21. ↑ "Filmfare Awards Winners 1996". Filmfare. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  22. ↑ "DDLJ Soundtrack". Filmfare. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  23. ↑ "Getting Padma Shri a dream come true". Hindustan Times. 28 January 2009. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  24. ↑ "Padma Awards 2016: Full List". NDTV. NDTV. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  25. ↑ "Udit Narayan". Top Nepal Information. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  26. ↑ "Receiving Padma Shri is a dream come true: Udit Narayan". Zee News. 26 January 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  27. ↑ "Udit Narayan to receive India's Padma Bhushan". Kathmandu Post. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  28. ↑ "Udit Narayan on Padma Bhushan: "It feels like a dream"". The Indian Express. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  29. ↑ "Governor presents Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Awards to Udit Narayan". Raj Bhavan (Maharashtra). 12 January 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  30. ↑ "Governor confers Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award to Udit Narayan". The Print. 16 January 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  31. ↑ "Kolkata Governor graces the Buddha Peace Award". Maitry Peace Foundation. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  32. ↑ "International Buddha Peace Award & Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Award – 2023 ceremony document" (PDF). Maitry Peace Foundation. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  33. ↑ "GIMA Awards 2012 – Press Conference". HighOnScore.com. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  34. ↑ "Indian Idol 10: Udit Narayan reveals he was paid Rs 1,500 to act as a lead hero". Mid-Day. 10 November 2018. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  35. ↑ "Udit Narayan – Singer and Actor". The Bio Diary. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  36. ↑ Sharma, Devesh (19 February 2021). "Udit Narayan reflects on his career". Filmfare. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Udit Narayan meets 'first wife' Ranjana". The Times of India. PTI. 30 June 2006. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  38. ↑ "Tale of two wives". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  39. ↑ "Udit Narayan's first wife Ranjana Jha files case amidst kiss controversy". Filmfare. 24 February 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  40. ↑ "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs' Aditya Narayan: Today people know me by my name". Hindustan Times. 10 March 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  41. ↑ "Indian Celebrities Who Married Their Mistresses". Indiatimes.com. 26 October 2015. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  42. ↑ Sahay, Anand Mohan (28 June 2006). "Udit Narayan wants compromise with first wife". Rediff.com. Retrieved 12 December 2018.

External links[edit | edit source]

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