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{{short description|Indian playback singer}}
{{short description|Indian playback singer (born 1957)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox person
| name             = Kumar Sanu
| name         = Kumar Sanu
| image             = Kumar sanu young age 1994.jpg
| image         = Kumar Sanu at colors indian telly awards.jpg
| caption           = Kumar Sanu with Alka Yagnik in 1990s
| caption       = Kumar Sanu at Indian Telly Awards
| native_name      =
| birth_name   = Kedarnath Bhattacharya
| native_name_lang  = bn
| birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1957|10|20|df=y}}
| birth_name       = Kedarnath Bhattacharya
| birth_place   = [[Calcutta]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]] (present-day Kolkata)
| alias            = Melody King of Bollywood<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=31 August 2017|title=Notes to note from the melody king of the Bollywood, Kumar Sanu|work=The Hindu|url=  https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/kumar-sanu-on-melody-his-schools-for-the-underprivileged-and-the-changing-music-industry/article19580801.ece| access-date=28 July 2021}}</ref>
| occupation    = [[Playback singer]]
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1957|10|20|df=y}}
| years_active  = 1983–present
| birth_place       = [[Calcutta]], [[West Bengal]], India (present-day [[Kolkata]])
| known_for    = Playback singing in 1990s Bollywood films
| genre            = {{flatlist|
| notable_works = ''[[Aashiqui]]'' (1990), ''[[Saajan]]'' (1991), ''[[Deewana (1992 film)|Deewana]]'' (1992)
* [[Filmi]]  
| awards        = [[List of awards and nominations received by Kumar Sanu|Full list]]
* [[Ghazals]]  
|honors        = [[Padma Shri]](2009)
* [[Hindustani Classical]]  
| spouse        = {{plainlist|
* [[Pop music|Pop]]  
* {{marriage|Rita Bhattacharya|1986|1994|reason=divorce}}
* [[Blues]]  
* {{marriage|Saloni Bhattacharya|2001}}}}
* [[Rabindra Sangeet]]}}
| module2            = {{Infobox youtuber
| occupations      = [[Playback singer]]
| child = yes
| instruments      = [[Vocals]], [[tabla]], [[piano]]
| youtube_handle        = @thekumarsanuofficial
| years_active      = 1983–present
| youtube_display_name  =  
<!-- | children         = [[Shannon K]] -->| label            = [[Yash Raj Films]], [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]], [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]], [[Zee Music]], [[Tips Industries|Tips]], [[Saregama]], Music Records, [[Venus Records & Tapes]] and [[Vishesh Films]]  My Fun Music
| youtube_years_active  = 2014–present
| website          =  
| youtube_genre        = Music
| youtube_subscribers  = 1.25 million<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW -->
| youtube_views         = 2.2 billion<!-- PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE WITHOUT UPDATING stats_update BELOW -->
| stats_update        = 1 December 2025
}}
}}
| alias        = Melody King of Bollywood<ref name=":0"/>
| website      =
}}
'''Kumar Sanu''' (born Kedarnath Bhattacharya on 20 October 1957 {{audio|LL-Q9610 (ben)-Titodutta-কুমার শানু.wav|pronunciation}}) is an Indian [[playback singer]] who gained recognition in [[Hindi cinema]] during the 1990s.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Tripathi |first1=Shailaja |date=29 August 2017 |title=Notes to note from the melody king of Bollywood, Kumar Sanu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/kumar-sanu-on-melody-his-schools-for-the-underprivileged-and-the-changing-music-industry/article19580801.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref> He is known for his melodious voice and prolific output, recording songs in multiple languages including [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada language|Kannada]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] and [[Odia language|Odia]].<ref name="VeethiBio" />


'''Kedarnath Bhattacharya''' (born 20 October 1957), professionally known as '''Kumar Sanu''', is an Indian [[playback singer]]. He is known as the King of Melody in [[Hindi cinema|Bollywood]]. He is famous for singing thousands of Bollywood [[Hindi]] super hit songs. Also as one of the most successful playback singers of 90s era of [[Bollywood]]. Apart from Hindi, he has also sung in other languages including [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Languages of Nepal|Nepali]], [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Bhojpuri]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Manipuri language|Manipuri]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Odia language|Odia]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kumar Sanu Odia Songs|url=https://gaana.com/artist/kumar-sanu/odia-songs|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chhattisgarhi]], [[Urdu]], [[Pali]], [[English language|English]] and his native language [[Bengali language|Bengali]], both in [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. He holds the record for winning five consecutive [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] from 1991 to 1995. He holds the Guinness Book of world records since 1993 for recording the maximum number of songs in a single day.
Sanu gained widespread recognition with the soundtrack of ''[[Aashiqui]]'' (1990), which featured him in nearly all of the male solo songs and established him as a leading playback singer of that period.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Rao |first=Justin |date=16 March 2023 |title=Kumar Sanu on his 35-year career, Bollywood music over the years |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/kumar-sanu-on-his-35-year-career-bollywood-music-8494924/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref>


For his contribution to Indian [[Cinema of India|cinema]] and music, he was awarded the [[Padma Shri]] in 2009 by the [[Government of India]]. Many of his tracks feature in [[BBC|BBC's]] "Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://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|access-date=14 August 2020}}</ref>
He won the [[Filmfare Awards]] for Best Male Playback Singer for five consecutive years from 1990 to 1995, for films including ''[[Aashiqui]]'' (1990), ''[[Saajan]]'' (1991), ''[[Deewana]]'' (1992), ''[[Baazigar]]'' (1993) and ''[[1942: A Love Story]]'' (1994).<ref>{{cite web |title=Filmfare Awards Winners |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners |website=Filmfare |access-date=11 November 2025}}</ref>


== Early life ==
In 1993, Sanu entered the [[Guinness World Records]] for recording 28 songs in a single day.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu records 28 songs in 24 hours |date=20 October 2025 |url=https://navbharatlive.com/entertainment/kumar-sanu-recorded-28-songs-in-24-hours-entering-guinness-world-records-1397233.html |publisher=Navbharat Live |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref> 


Kumar Sanu's father, Pashupati Bhattacharya, was a vocalist and composer. His ancestral home and birth place is in Hasara village of Vikrampur near Dhaka. He moved to Calcutta in search of livelihood and Kumar Sanu was born in Calcutta. The two and Sanu's elder sister lived in the [[Sinthee]] area of [[Calcutta]] (now Kolkata) near Biswanath Park. Kumar Sanu lived at Panchanan tala at Gopal Bose Lane in Sinthi area at North Kolkata.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Singer Acts |url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/anmil.htm |work=The Indian Express |access-date=13 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970419144738/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/anmil.htm |archive-date=19 April 1997}}</ref>
Several of his songs were included in the [[BBC]] "Top 40 [[Hindi film music|Bollywood soundtracks]] of all time".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/features/top40_soundtracks_10_01.shtml |title=BBC – Asian Network – Top 40 Soundtracks of All Time |work=BBC |access-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530050854/http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/features/top40_soundtracks_10_01.shtml |archive-date=30 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> He has also appeared as a mentor and judge on television music reality shows.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sharma |first=Rohit |title=Kumar Sanu judges music reality show |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/kumar-sanu-judges-reality-show/articleshow/90023456.cms |work=Times of India |date=5 March 2022 |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref>


==Career==
In recognition of his contributions to Indian music, Sanu was awarded the [[Padma Shri]] by the Government of India in 2009.<ref name="pa">{{Cite web |title=Padma Awards |url=https://www.padmaawards.gov.in |website=Government of India |access-date=11 November 2025}}</ref>
{{Main|Kumar Sanu discography and filmography}}
Sanu started his playback career as Sanu Bhattacharya from 1983. In 1986, he was in the Bangladeshi film ''Teen Kanya'',<ref name=Sanu>{{cite web |last=Khole |first=Purva |title=Kumar Sanu, happy birthday |url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/kumar-sanu-happy-birthday/ |work=Bollywoodlife.com |access-date=13 November 2013 |date=23 September 2013}}</ref> directed by Shibli Sadiq. He had his first major Bollywood song in ''[[Hero Hiralal]]'' (1988).


In 1989, Jagjit Singh introduced Sanu to Kalyanji in Vimal Bunglow, Mumbai. On their suggestion, Sanu changed his early name from "Sanu Bhattacharya" to "Kumar Sanu" after his idol Kishore Kumar. Sanu then relocated to [[Mumbai]], where [[Kalyanji-Anandji]] gave him a chance to sing in the film ''[[Jaadugar (1989 film)|Jaadugar]]''.
== Early life ==
Kumar Sanu's father, Pashupati Bhattacharya, was a vocalist and composer.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Joshi |first=Sumit |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cEuBCgAAQBAJ&dq=kumar+sanu+father&pg=PT382 |title=Bollywood through Ages + Affairs of Bollywood Stars Revealed ( Special Edition ) |publisher=Best Book Reads |isbn=978-1-310-09978-6 |language=en}}</ref> He and his elder sister lived in Panchanantala at Gopal Bose Lane in the [[Sinthee]] area of [[North Kolkata]].<ref>{{cite web |title=A Singer Acts |url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/anmil.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970419144738/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/anmil.htm |archive-date=19 April 1997 |access-date=13 November 2018 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>


For the 1990 film ''[[Aashiqui]]'', Sanu sang 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 film)|''Deewana'']] (1992), ''[[Baazigar]]'' (1993) and ''[[1942: A Love Story]]'' (1994). He won 5 back to back Filmfare awards for singing, between 1990 and 1994.
==Personal life==
Kumar Sanu's first marriage was to Rita Bhattacharya in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/kumar-sanu-s-daughter-shannon-reveals-she-was-depressed-self-harmed-after-being-trolled-online-101682422858129.html|title=Kumar Sanu's daughter Shannon K reveals she was depressed as a teen due to online trolls: 'I self-harmed' |work=Hindustan Times |date=25 April 2023 }}</ref> The couple had three children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/kumar-sanu-says-son-jaan-kumar-sanu-should-change-his-name-he-should-write-jaan-rita-bhattacharya/story-nz1FtM2krZYCJY9p7hSg7J.html|title=Kumar Sanu says son Jaan Kumar Sanu should change his name: 'He should write Jaan Rita Bhattacharya' |work=Hindustan Times |date=25 November 2020 }}</ref> They divorced in 1994. During their marriage, Kumar Sanu had entered a six-year relationship with actress [[Kunickaa Sadanand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/jaan-kumar-sanu-it-was-very-daunting-to-know-kumar-sanu-is-my-father-exclusive/articleshow/99194813.cms|title=Jaan Kumar Sanu: It was very daunting to know Kumar Sanu is my father - Exclusive |work=The Times of India |date=3 April 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/exclusive-bigg-boss-14s-jaans-mom-rita-bhattacharya-on-kumar-sanu-commenting-on-his-upbringing-he-should-have-realised-that-he-is-talking-about-his-own-son/photostory/79339433.cms?picid=79339500|title=Exclusive - Bigg Boss 14's Jaan's mom Rita Bhattacharya on Kumar Sanu commenting on his upbringing: He should have realised that he is talking about his own son |work=The Times of India |date=21 November 2020 }}</ref>


== Significant collaborations ==
After separating from [[Kunickaa Sadanand]], Kumar Sanu married Saloni Bhattacharya. They have two daughters, including [[Shannon K]], a singer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=thomasowen408 |title=Meet Shannon K, The Summer's Best Up And Coming Artist ! |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/thomasowen408/meet-shannon-k-the-summeras-best-up-and-coming-2uxps |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=BuzzFeed Community |date=17 May 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/kumar-sanus-daughter-turns-singer-at-12/articleshow/39756820.cms|title=Kumar Sanu's daughter turns singer at 12 |work=The Times of India |date=7 August 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kumar-sanus-daughter-shannon-on-making-her-own-identity-not-here-because-of-my-dads-name-3981197|title=Kumar Sanu's Daughter Shannon On Making Her "Own Identity": "Not Here Because Of My Dad's Name"}}</ref>


===Nadeem–Shravan===
==Career==
[[File:Thakur Doultani with Kumar Sanu & Shravan (Nadeem Shravan fame).jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Kumar Sanu is with other Thakur Doultani and Shravan|Sanu with [[Nadeem-Shravan|Shravan Rathod]] and Thakur Doultani]]
{{Main|Kumar Sanu discography and filmography}}
Kumar Sanu got his major break when Gulshan Kumar with music directors [[Nadeem–Shravan|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 ''[[Saajan]]'' (1991), ''[[Phool Aur Kaante]]'' (1991), ''[[Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin]]'' (1991), ''[[Sadak]]'' (1991), ''[[Deewana (1992 film)|Deewana]]'' (1992), ''[[Dil Ka Kya Kasoor]]'' (1992), ''[[Jaan Tere Naam]]'' (1992), ''[[Sapne Sajan Ke]]'' (1992), ''[[Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke]]'' (1993), ''[[Rang (1993 film)|Rang]]'' (1993), ''[[Damini]]'' (1993), ''[[Dilwale (1994 film)|Dilwale]]'' (1994), ''[[Aatish: Feel the Fire|Aatish]]'' (1994), ''[[Salaami]]'' (1994), ''[[Andolan (1995 film)|Andolan]]'' (1995), ''[[Barsaat (1995 film)|Barsaat]]'' (1995), ''[[Raja Hindustani]]'' (1996), ''[[Agni Sakshi (1996 film)|Agnisakshi]]'' (1996), ''[[Jeet (1996 film)|Jeet]]'' (1996), ''[[Saajan Chale Sasural]]'' (1996), ''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]'' (1997), ''[[Sirf Tum]]'' (1999), ''[[Dhadkan (2000 film)|Dhadkan]]'' (2000), ''[[Kasoor]]'' (2001), ''[[Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love]]'' (2001), ''[[Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa]]'' (2002), ''[[Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya]]'' (2002), ''[[Dil Hai Tumhaara]]'' (2002), ''[[Dil Ka Rishta]]'' (2003), ''[[Qayamat: City Under Threat|Qayamat]]'' (2003), ''[[Andaaz]]'' (2003), ''[[Bewafaa (2005 film)|Bewafaa]]'' (2005) and ''[[Barsaat (2005 film)|Barsaat]]'' (2005) He sang most of his songs for them (293 songs).
 
=== Anu Malik ===
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 ''[[Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee]]'' (1993), ''[[Sir (1993 film)|Sir]]'' (1993), [[Phool Aur Angaar|''Phool Aur Angaar'']] (1993)'','' ''[[Imtihaan]]'' (1994), ''[[Khuddar]]'' (1994)'','' ''[[Vijaypath]]'' (1994), ''[[Main Khiladi Tu Anari]]'' (1994), ''[[Naajayaz]]'' (1995), ''[[The Gambler (1995 film)|The Gambler]]'' (1995), ''[[Akele Hum Akele Tum]]'' (1995), ''[[Diljale]]'' (1996), [[Krishna (1996 Hindi film)|''Krishna'']] (1996)'','' ''[[Sapoot]]'' (1996), ''[[Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi]]'' (1996), ''[[Daraar (film)|Daraar]]'' (1996), ''[[Chaahat (1996 film)|Chaahat]]'' (1996), ''[[Virasat (1997 film)|Virasat]]'' (1997), ''[[Judwaa]]'' (1997), ''[[Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi]]'' (1997), ''[[Ishq (1997 film)|Ishq]]'' (1997), ''[[Duplicate (1998 film)|Duplicate]]'' (1998), ''[[Kareeb]]'' (1998), ''[[Soldier (1998 Indian film)|Soldier]]'' (1998), ''[[Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain]]'' (1999), ''[[Aarzoo]]'' (1999), ''[[Jaanam Samjha Karo]]'' (1999), ''[[Biwi No.1]]'' (1999), ''[[Ajnabee (2001 film)|Ajnabee]]'' (2001), ''[[Ishq Vishq]]'' (2003) and ''[[No Entry]]'' (2005). In 2015, they were again back with songs in ''[[Dum Laga Ke Haisha]]''
 
=== Jatin–Lalit ===
Sanu started his work with [[Jatin–Lalit]] on the 1992 film ''[[Khiladi (1992 film)|Khiladi]]''. From then on he provided his voice for hit movies including ''[[Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman]]'' (1992), ''[[Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa]]'' (1994), ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]'' (1995),  ''[[Khamoshi: The Musical|Khamoshi]]'' (1996), ''[[Yes Boss (film)|Yes Boss]]'' (1997), ''[[Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai]]'' (1998), ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]'' (1998), ''[[Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha]]'' (1998), ''[[Ghulam (film)|Ghulam]]'' (1998), ''[[Vaastav]]'' (1999), ''[[Sarfarosh]]'' (1999), [[Khoobsurat (1999 film)|''Khoobsurat'']] (1999) and ''[[Dil Kya Kare]]'' (1999) He has sung a total of 137 songs for them.
 
=== Himesh ===
Kumar Sanu worked for [[Himesh Reshammiya]], for all title tracks of TV serials which Reshammiya produced. All the title tracks were sung by Kumar Sanu, and then in his debut film as a music director, [[Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998 film)|''Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya'']] (1998) and further for many other films such as ''[[Bandhan (1998 film)|Bandhan]]'' (1998), [[Hello Brother (1999 film)|''Hello Brother'']] (1999)'','' [[Kurukshetra (2000 film)|''Kurukshetra'']] (2000), ''[[Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (2000 film)|Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye]]'' (2000), [[Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge|''Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge'']] (2000)'', [[Jodi No.1]]'' (2001)'','' [[Yeh Hai Jalwa|''Yeh Hai Jalwa'']] (2002)'','' ''[[Humraaz]]'' (2002) and [[Taarzan: The Wonder Car|''Taarzan'']] (2004).
 
=== Rajesh Roshan ===
Beginning with "Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye" in the movie ''[[Jurm (1990 film)|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 film)|Dastak]]'' (1996), ''[[Koyla]]'' (1997),  ''[[Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai]]'' (2000), ''[[Kya Kehna]]'' (2000), ''[[Karobaar]]'' (2000) and ''[[Aetbaar]]'' (2004).
 
=== Viju Shah ===
Kumar Sanu has rendered his voice for some of [[Viju Shah]]'s greatest compositions. ''[[Vishwatma]]'' (1992), ''[[Mohra]]'' (1994), ''[[Ravan Raaj: A True Story]]'' (1995), ''[[Tere Mere Sapne (1996 film)|Tere Mere Sapne]]'' (1996), ''[[Gupt: The Hidden Truth|Gupt]]'' (1997), ''[[Aar Ya Paar]]'' (1997), ''[[Bulandi (2000 film)|Bulandi]]'' (2000), ''[[Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat]]'' (2001) and  ''[[Kasam (2001 film)|Kasam]]'' (2001) are some of their notable albums.
 
=== Anand–Milind ===
Kumar 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 ''[[Trinetra]]'' (1991), ''[[Jigar]]'' (1992), ''[[Bol Radha Bol]]'' (1992), ''[[Anari (1993 film)|Anari]]'' (1993), ''[[Platform (1993 film)|Platform]]'' (1993), ''[[Lootere]]'' (1993)'', [[Krantiveer]]'' (1994)'','' ''[[Raja Babu (film)|Raja Babu]]'' (1994), ''[[Suhaag (1994 film)|Suhaag]]'' (1994), ''[[Gopi Kishan]]'' (1994), ''[[Jai Kishen]]'' (1994),  ''[[Coolie No. 1 (1995 film)|Coolie No 1]]'' (1995), [[Army (1996 film)|''Army'']] (1996)'', [[Rakshak]]'' (1996)'','' ''[[Hero No. 1]]'' (1997), ''[[Chal Mere Bhai]]'' (2000) and ''[[Chhupa Rustam (2001 film)|Chhupa Rustam]]'' (2001)''.''
 
== Other work ==
Sanu has released albums of [[Kishore Kumar]]'s songs including ''Kishore Ki Yaadein'', a collection early in his career. Then came the ''Yaadein'' series where he sang many of the songs of Kishore Kumar along with singers [[Abhijeet Bhattacharya]] and [[Vinod Rathod]].<ref>"Kumar Sanu: The Melody Of His Voice Lingers On - Odisha Bytes" https://odishabytes.com/kumar-sanu-the-melody-of-his-voice-lingers-on/amp/</ref><ref>"Singer Kumar Sanu on Being the King of Melody | Entertainment" https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/bollywood/i-will-always-remain-king/24242</ref>
 
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 (singer)|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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/television/kumar-sanu-makes-cameo-appearance-in-yeh-un-dinon-ki-baat-hai/article_03443294-d37f-11e8-b0d4-73aa57eb3c7f.html|title=Kumar Sanu Makes Cameo Appearance in 'Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai'|first=R. M. VIJAYAKAR, Special to|last=India-West|website=India West}}</ref> In 2019, he made a little singing for the Star Plus's "Kulfi Kumarr Bajewala".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UOx8oKlBmrU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/UOx8oKlBmrU| archive-date=13 December 2021 |url-status=live|title = Kulfi Kumar Bajewala &#124; Kumar Sanu & SiKulfi|website = [[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


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''.
Kumar Sanu, born Kedarnath Bhattacharya, began his playback career in 1984 with the film ''[[Yeh Desh]]'', followed by the Bangladeshi film ''Tin Konya'' (1985). He gained recognition in Hindi cinema with "''Jashn Hai Mohabbat Ka''" from ''[[Hero Hiralal]]'' (1988).<ref name=":1" />


Sanu was on the panel of judges on [[Sony Entertainment Television (India)|Sony TV]] for ''[[Waar Parriwar]]'', a reality show based on the bringing together of a singing gharana (family of singers) and on [[Zee TV]] in a music reality show called ''[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa]]''. In 2012, he judged the [[Zee Bangla]] musical reality show ''[[Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Bangla|Sa Re Ga Ma Pa – Gane Gane Tomar Mone]]''. At present, he is one of the judges of the [[Star Jalsha]] popular musical reality show ''[[Super Singer (Bengali reality show)|Super Singer]]''.
===1980s: Early career===
In 1989, singer [[Jagjit Singh]] introduced him to composers [[Kalyanji Virji Shah|Kalyanji]] and [[Kalyanji–Anandji|Anandji]], who encouraged him to adopt the stage name "Kumar Sanu". He contributed to the soundtrack of ''[[Jaadugar (1989 film)|Jaadugar]]'' (1989).<ref name="FilmfareJourney">{{cite web |title='90s rockstar Kumar Sanu opens up about his musical journey over the years' |work=Filmfare |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/90s-rockstar-kumar-sanu-opens-up-about-his-musical-journey-over-the-years-54473.html |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref>


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. He also made special appearances as an actor in the movies [[Sapne Sajan Ke|S''apne Sajan Ke'']] (1992) ''[[Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain]]'' (1999) and ''[[Dum Laga Ke Haisha]]'' (2015).
===1990s: Prime===
Sanu rose to prominence with ''[[Aashiqui]]'' (1990), recording nearly all male solo numbers, and won his first [[Filmfare Award]]. He subsequently won Best Male Playback Singer for five consecutive years for ''[[Aashiqui]]'' (1990), ''[[Saajan]]'' (1991), ''[[Deewana (1992 film)|Deewana]]'' (1992), ''[[Baazigar]]'' (1993), and ''[[1942: A Love Story]]'' (1994).<ref name="AAEMusic">{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu Artist Profile |website=AAE Music |url=https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/kumar-sanu |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref><ref name="VeethiBio">{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu – Biography & Profile |url=https://www.veethi.com/india-people/kumar_sanu-profile-1045-1.htm |website=Veethi |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref>


Sanu is a trustee and Brand Ambassador of Bishwa Bandhan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bishwabandhan.org/en/foundation/whatisbishwabandhan.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320220710/http://bishwabandhan.org/en/foundation/whatisbishwabandhan.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 March 2016 |title=BishwaBandhan: PURPOSE |date=20 March 2016 |access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> a foundation for cerebral palsy.
He recorded songs in multiple languages, including Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Odia, and Urdu.<ref name="VeethiBio" /> In 1993, he entered the [[Guinness World Records]] for recording 28 songs in a single day.<ref name=":3" /> Some of his notable songs from the decade include tracks from ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]'' (1995), ''[[Raja Hindustani]]'' (1996), ''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]'' (1997), [[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]] (1998) and ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'' (1999).<ref name="AAEMusic" />


Sanu opened a primary school, Kumar Sanu Vidya Niketan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kumarsanuvidyaniketan.org/ |title=Kumar Sanu Vidya Niketan – An NGO for underprivileged children |website=kumarsanuvidyaniketan.org |access-date=26 October 2018 | url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026232716/http://kumarsanuvidyaniketan.org/ |archive-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> for underprivileged children in Karol Bagh, Delhi. The students are given uniforms and books free of cost.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywood.com/celebrities/kumar-sanu/news/singer-kumar-sanu-opens-school-underprivileged |title=Singer Kumar Sanu opens school for the underprivileged.. - Bollywood.com News |access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref>
During the 1990s, Sanu and [[Udit Narayan]] were two of the leading male playback singers. Their professional rivalry was widely noted in media coverage, though both maintained a cordial relationship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu opens up about his infamous rivalry with Udit Narayan |website=Times of India |date=3 November 2023 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kumar-sanu-opens-up-about-his-infamous-rivalry-with-udit-narayan-kuch-gaane-aise-lagte-the-ki-udit-gata-ya-main-gata-toh-acha-hota-tha/articleshow/104926054.cms |access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>


In 2022 Sanu collaborated with music director [[Vaibhav Saxena]] and two young singers for "Mohabbat Mein tere sanam" which was released and distributed worldwide by new-age Record Label Vusic Records.<ref>"Kumar Sanu teams up with youngsters to bring melody back- Gunjan Jha, Vaibhav Saxena create magical tunes; Kshitij, Diksha lend velvet voice - The Week" https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2022/03/04/mohabbat-mein-tere-sanam--melody-is-back.html</ref>
===Collaborations with female singers===
During the 1990s, Kumar Sanu frequently collaborated with prominent female playback singers, particularly [[Alka Yagnik]]. Several sources noted that their duets were among the most popular of the decade.<ref name="AlkaCollab">{{cite news |title=Kumar Sanu: A look at the 90s playback singer's career |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/kumar-sanu-a-look-at-the-90s-playback-singers-career/articleshow/74221091.cms |work=Times of India |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref> He also sang with [[Anuradha Paudwal]], [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]], and [[Sadhana Sargam]].<ref name="AlkaCollab" />


== Work with other singers ==
===2000s–present===
Sanu had multiple hit duet numbers with singers [[Lata Mangeshkar]], [[Asha Bhosle]], [[K.S.Chithra]], [[Anuradha Paudwal]], [[Alka Yagnik]], [[Kavita Krishnamurthy]], [[Sadhana Sargam]], [[Alisha Chinai]], [[Sunidhi Chauhan]], [[Sapna Mukherjee]], [[Poornima (singer)|Poornima]], [[Sapna Awasthi]], [[Hema Sardesai]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]], [[Akriti Kakkar]], [[Monali Thakur]], [[Neha Kakkar]], [[Jaspinder Narula]] and others.
Sanu's presence in mainstream Bollywood declined during the 2000s, though he continued recording songs and performing live shows domestically and internationally.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu – Music, Videos & Playlists |url=https://www.frogtoon.com/music/-kumar-sanu/ |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref><ref name="LiveShows">{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu belts romantic hits at evening of nostalgia |date=9 June 2015 |url=https://indiapost.com/kumar-sanu-belts-romantic-hits-at-evening-of-nostalgia/ |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref>
Sanu also multiple duets with his daughter [[Shannon K]], pop singer and songwriter, who has launched her career in the United States in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://creativinn.com/interview-with-talented-pop-singer-shannon-k/ |publisher=CreativInn Art Mag |title=Interview with talented Pop Singer Shannon K}}</ref>


In 2023 Sanu Collaborate With [[Arijit Singh]] for a album.
In 2009, he was awarded the [[Padma Shri]] by the Government of India.<ref name="Padma">{{cite web |title=Padma Awards 2009 |url=https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/ |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref>


Sanu is also credited with the highest number of version songs and male duet hits with the finest singers of (1980) and (1990). Some of the notable songs are as follows:
From the 2010s onward, Sanu focused on nostalgia concerts and stage events celebrating 1990s and early 2000s Bollywood music.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu celebrates legacy of 90s music, calls it a 'golden era' of soulful compositions |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/kumar-sanu-celebrates-legacy-of-90s-music-calls-it-a-golden-era-of-soulful-compositions/articleshow/123169558.cms |work=Times of India |date=7 August 2025 |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Song
! Film
! Other version sung by singer(s)
|-
| "O Priya Suno Priya"
| ''[[Arjun Pandit (1999 film)|Arjun Pandit]]'' (1999)
| [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]]
|-
| "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 (singer)|Amit Kumar]]
|-
| "Raja Ko Rani Se"
| ''[[Akele Hum Akele Tum]]'' (1995)
| [[Udit Narayan]] and Kumar Sanu?
|-
| "Pardesi Pardesi"
| ''[[Raja Hindustani]]'' (1996)
| [[Udit Narayan]] and [[Suresh Wadkar]] (sad version)
|-
| "Aakhon Main Base ho Tum"
| ''[[Takkar (1995 film)|Takkar]]'' (1995)
| [[Abhijeet Bhattacharya]]
|-
| "Tum Dil Ki"
| ''[[Dhadkan (2000 film)|Dhadkan]]'' (2000)
| [[Abhijeet Bhattacharya]]
|-
| "Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dilse"
| ''[[Dhadkan (2000 film)|Dhadkan]]'' (2000)
| [[Sonu Nigam]], [[Udit Narayan]]
|-
| "Woh Aankh Hi Kya"
| ''[[Khuddar]]'' (1994)
| [[Sonu Nigam]]
|-
| "Jeeye Toh Jeeya Kyse"
| ''[[Saajan]]'' (1991)
| [[Pankaj Udhas]] and [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
|-
| "Dil Kya Kare"
| ''[[Dil Kya Kare]]'' (1999)
| [[Udit Narayan]]
|-
| "Janam Meri Janam"
| ''[[Mr. Bechara]]'' (1996)
| [[Udit Narayan]]
|-
| "O Dil Tod Ke Hasti Ho Mera"
| ''[[Bewafa Sanam]]'' (1995)
| [[Udit Narayan]]
|-
| "Is Tarah Aashiqui Ka"
| ''[[Imtihaan]]'' (1994)
| [[Amit Kumar (singer)|Amit Kumar]]
|-
| "Dil Mera Churaya Kyu"
| ''[[Akele Hum Akele Tum]]'' (1995)
| [[Udit Narayan]]
|-
| "Cahaton Ka Silsila"
| ''[[Shabd (film)|Shabd]]'' (2005)
| [[Udit Narayan]]
|-
| "Jis Ghadi Tujhko"
| ''[[Prithvi (1997 film)]]''
| [[Udit Narayan]]
|-
| "Salma Pe Dil Aa Gaya"
| ''Salma Pe Dil Aa Gaya'' (1997)
| [[Udit Narayan]], Asha Bhosle and Amit Kumar Aaina Aaina Dil ko [[Ravan Raaj: A True Story]] [[Pulan Visaranai]]
|}


== Politics ==
==Other works==
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.<ref name="Kumar Sanu">{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu will "sing" for BJP |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/17/stories/2004031705631100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040404131901/http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/17/stories/2004031705631100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 April 2004 |access-date=6 November 2013 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=17 March 2004}}</ref>
Kumar Sanu has released several tribute albums of [[Kishore Kumar]]'s songs including ''Kishore Ki Yaadein'' and the Yaadein Series, which he performed along with singers [[Abhijeet Bhattacharya|Abhijeet]] and [[Vinod Rathod]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kumar Sanu: The Melody Of His Voice Lingers On |url=https://odishabytes.com/kumar-sanu-the-melody-of-his-voice-lingers-on/ |website=Odisha Bytes |access-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411164246/https://odishabytes.com/kumar-sanu-the-melody-of-his-voice-lingers-on/amp/ |archive-date=11 April 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Singer Kumar Sanu on Being the King of Melody |url=https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/bollywood/i-will-always-remain-king/24242 |website=iDiva |date=13 September 2013 |access-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201145032/https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/bollywood/i-will-always-remain-king/24242 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
He rejoined BJP on 2 December 2014, inducted by [[Amit Shah]].<ref name="Kumar Sanu2">{{cite web |title=Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu joins BJP |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bollywood-singer-Kumar-Sanu-joins-BJP/articleshow/45349978.cms |work=Times Of India |access-date=3 December 2014 |date=2 December 2014}}</ref>


== Comeback ==
In 2017, he, along with [[Sadhana Sargam]], sang the title track of the 20th-century-based TV Series "[[Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hain]]", where he also made a cameo appearance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/television/kumar-sanu-makes-cameo-appearance-in-yeh-un-dinon-ki-baat-hai/article_03443294-d37f-11e8-b0d4-73aa57eb3c7f.html|title=Kumar Sanu Makes Cameo Appearance in 'Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai'|first=R. M. VIJAYAKAR, Special to|last=India-West|website=India West|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501032832/https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/television/kumar-sanu-makes-cameo-appearance-in-yeh-un-dinon-ki-baat-hai/article_03443294-d37f-11e8-b0d4-73aa57eb3c7f.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, he recorded a song for [[Star Plus]]'s "[[Kulfi Kumar Bajewala]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UOx8oKlBmrU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/UOx8oKlBmrU| archive-date=13 December 2021 |url-status=live|title = Kulfi Kumar Bajewala &#124; Kumar Sanu & SiKulfi|website = [[YouTube]] |date=20 February 2019 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Sanu returned to playback singing in 2012. He made a comeback at the urge of composers [[Sajid–Wajid]]. Sajid-Wajid gave him "Chhammak Chhallo Chhail Chhabili", a wedding song with [[Shreya Ghoshal]] for the film ''[[Rowdy Rathore]]'' (2012). In 2015, 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 45-year history that the voice of Mangeshkar was replaced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://businessofcinema.com/bollywood_news/lata-mangeshkar-replaced-kumar-sanu-ayushmann-khurranas-dum-laga-ke-haisha/194005 |title=Lata Mangeshkar Replaced By Kumar Sanu For Ayushmann Khurrana's Dum Laga Ke Haisha |date=18 February 2015 |access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref>


In 2023 Sanu sang for [[Rajkummar Rao]] in [[Guns & Gulaabs]].
In [[Delhi|Delhi's]] [[Karol Bagh]], Sanu also founded a primary school for underprivileged children that provides students uniforms and books free of cost.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywood.com/celebrities/kumar-sanu/news/singer-kumar-sanu-opens-school-underprivileged |title=Singer Kumar Sanu opens school for the underprivileged.. - Bollywood.com News |date=23 August 2015 |access-date=23 August 2016 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303105745/http://www.bollywood.com/celebrities/kumar-sanu/news/singer-kumar-sanu-opens-school-underprivileged |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Awards ==
In 2022, Kumar Sanu collaborated with music director Vaibhav Saxena and two other singers for "''Mohabbat Mein Tere Sanam''" which was released and distributed worldwide by new-age Record Label Music Records.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jha |first1=Gunjan |last2=Saxena |first2=Vaibhav |title=Kumar Sanu teams up with youngsters to bring melody back – Gunjan Jha, Vaibhav Saxena create magical tunes; Kshitij, Diksha lend velvet voice |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2022/03/04/mohabbat-mein-tere-sanam--melody-is-back.html |website=The Week |date=4 March 2022 |access-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824130144/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2022/03/04/mohabbat-mein-tere-sanam--melody-is-back.html |archive-date=24 August 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Filmfare Awards]] (1991–1995)
*
* [[Padma Shri]] (2009)
*


=== Civil honours ===
== Accolades ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Kumar Sanu}}
|-
! Year !! Award !! Honouring body
|-
| 2001
| 31 March – Kumar Sanu Day: first Indian singer to achieve such honour in America
| Michael R. Turner, Mayor, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.<ref name="Times">{{cite web |title=Day tripper: Kumar Sanu goes global |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/july2001/tunen1.html |access-date=5 March 2016 |date=July 2001 |work=Filmfare |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040830051537/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/july2001/tunen1.html |archive-date=30 August 2004}}</ref>
|-
| 2001
| [[Doctorate]] (honorary)
| [[University of America]]
|-
| 2009
| [[Padma Shri]]: India's 4th highest civilian honour
| [[Government of India]]
|-
| 2012
| Dr. Ambedkar Awards<ref name="Ambedkar">{{Cite news |url=http://m.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/international-human-rights-council-honours-veteran-actor-dharmendra-presents-him-with-dr-babasaheb-ambedkar-nobel-award-275610.html |title=International Human Rights Council Honours Dharmendra With Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award |work=indiatimes.com |access-date=20 April 2017 |language=en}}</ref>
| People Education Society
|-
| 2014
| Maharashtraratna Awards
| [[Government of Maharashtra]]
|-
| 2014
| Mahanayak Samman Lifetime Achievement: as Bengali Playback Singer
| [[Government of West Bengal]]
|-
| 2015
| Sangeet Samman Lifetime Achievement Award
| [[Government of West Bengal]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/bappi-lahiri-kumar-sanu-given-lifetime-achievement-awards/|title=Bappi Lahiri, Kumar Sanu given Lifetime Achievement awards|date=14 December 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2017
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award<ref name="Ambedkar" />
| International Human Rights Council
|-
| 2018
| Felicitation at the UK Houses of Parliament, along with Anuradha Paudwal for contribution in Indian Music and also social services.
| Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group<ref name="UK Parliament Felicitation">{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kumar-sanu-anuradha-paudwal-uk-houses-of-parliament-5251042/ |title=Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal honoured at UK Houses of Parliament |date=8 July 2018 |access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|Bishesh Sangeet Mahasanman
|[[Government of West Bengal]]
|-
|2021
| Honoured with a Doctorate for his contribution to music. He has also been recognized with the Maharashtra Samman Award. Talking about the same, Sanu told IANS: "American University of USA has honoured me with the Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award. It is a Doctorate and the certificate came from the United States. The Governors of 120 countries have approved this. The award was given in Pune."
| The American University of USA
|-
|2021
|[[Lata Mangeshkar Award]]
|[[Government of Madhya Pradesh]]<ref name="Lata Mangeshkar Award">{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kumar-sanu-shailendra-singh-anand-milind-to-get-lata-mangeshkar-award/article65943732.ece/amp/ |title=Kumar Sanu, Shailendra Singh, Anand-Milind to get Lata Mangeshkar Award |website=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 September 2022 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|[[Banga Bibhushan]], Highest Civilian Award of West Bengal
|[[Government of West Bengal]]
|}
|-
|2023
|[https://rajbhavan-maharashtra.gov.in/en/12-01-2023-governor-presents-dr-babasaheb-ambedkar-national-awards-to-udit-narayan-kumar-sanu-ranvir-shorey/ Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award], [National Award At Rajbhavan Mumbai]
|[[Bhagat Singh Koshyari|Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari]] Honourable Governor Of Maharastra And Organiser [https://rajbhavan-maharashtra.gov.in/en/12-01-2023-governor-presents-dr-babasaheb-ambedkar-national-awards-to-udit-narayan-kumar-sanu-ranvir-shorey/ Shri Gurubhai Sureshbhai Thakkar]
|}
 
=== Filmfare Awards ===
;'''Won'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! '''Year'''
! '''Song'''
! '''Film'''
! '''Music director(s)'''
! '''Lyricist'''
|-
|'''1991'''
|'''"Ab Tere Bin"'''
|'''''[[Aashiqui]]'''''
|rowspan="3"|'''[[Nadeem-Shravan]]'''
|rowspan="3"|[[Sameer (lyricist)|'''Sameer''']]
|-
|'''1992'''
|'''"Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai"'''
|'''''[[Saajan]]'''''
|-
|'''1993'''
|'''"Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar"'''
|''[[Deewana (1992 film)|'''Deewana''']]''
|-
|'''1994'''
|'''"Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen"'''
|'''''[[Baazigar]]'''''
|'''[[Anu Malik]]'''
| '''[[Dev Kohli]]'''
|-
|'''1995'''
|'''"Ek Ladki Ko Dekha"'''
|'''''[[1942: A Love Story]]'''''
|'''[[R.D. Burman]]'''
|'''[[Javed Akhtar]]'''
|}
 
;Nominated
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Song
! Film
|-
| 1994
| "Baazigar O Baazigar"
| ''[[Baazigar]]''
|-
|-
| 1995
| "Kuch Na Kaho"
| ''[[1942: A Love Story]]''
|-
| 1996
| "Tujhe Dekha To"
| ''[[Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]]''
|-
|-
| 1996
| "Tu Mile Dil Khile"
| ''[[Criminal (1995 film)#Hindi Version|Criminal]]''
|-
| 1998
| "Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain"
| ''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]''
|-
| 1999
| "Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai"
| ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]''
|-
| 2000
| "Aankhon Ki Gusthakiyaan"
| ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]''
|-
| 2003
| "Sanam Mere Humraaz"
| ''[[Humraaz]]''
|-
| 2004
| "Kisise Tum Pyar Karo"
| ''[[Andaaz]]''
|}
 
=== Other awards ===
* 2016 : Featured in "Most searched and popular Indian singers on Google in the last 10 years"<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/salman-khan-sunny-leone-google-most-searched-actors-2915875/ |title=Salman Khan, Sunny Leone are Google's most searched Indian actors of last 10 years |date=15 July 2016 |access-date=29 July 2016}}</ref>
*
* 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 Anjaani Hai" – ''[[Kuch Kuch Hota Hai]]''
* 1998: Nomination: [[Zee Cine Awards]] Best Playback Singer – Male for "Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain" – ''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]''
* 1998: Nomination: [[Screen Awards]] Best Male Playback Singer for "Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain" – ''[[Pardes (1997 film)|Pardes]]''
* 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]]''
* 1993 : [[Guinness World Records]] Award For " Most number of songs recorded in a day"
* 2023 : World Records India Honored For "Most number of Bollywood songs recorded in a day"<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.worldrecordsindia.com/2023/07/10/maximum-bollywood-songs-recorded-in-a-single-day/ |title=Maximum Bollywood Songs Recorded in a Single Day |date=11 July 2023 |access-date=11 July 2023}}</ref>
*
*


== See also ==
== See also ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
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[[Category:Bengali singers]]
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[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from West Bengal]]
[[Category:Bollywood playback singers]]
[[Category:Hindi-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian film score composers]]
[[Category:Indian film score composers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Nepali-language singers from India]]
[[Category:Nepali-language Indian singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Singers from Kolkata]]
[[Category:Singers from Kolkata]]

Latest revision as of 21:57, 24 March 2026


Kumar Sanu
Kumar Sanu at Indian Telly Awards
Born
Kedarnath Bhattacharya

(1957-10-20) 20 October 1957 (age 68)
Calcutta, West Bengal, India (present-day Kolkata)
Other namesMelody King of Bollywood[1]
OccupationPlayback singer
Years active1983–present
Known forPlayback singing in 1990s Bollywood films
Notable work
Aashiqui (1990), Saajan (1991), Deewana (1992)
Spouse(s)
Rita Bhattacharya
​
(
m. 1986; div. 1994)
Saloni Bhattacharya
(
m. 2001)
AwardsFull list
HonorsPadma Shri(2009)
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2014–present
GenreMusic
Subscribers1.25 million
Views2.2 billion
Last updated: 1 December 2025
2=

Kumar Sanu (born Kedarnath Bhattacharya on 20 October 1957 About this soundpronunciation (help·info)) is an Indian playback singer who gained recognition in Hindi cinema during the 1990s.[1] He is known for his melodious voice and prolific output, recording songs in multiple languages including Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bhojpuri and Odia.[2]

Sanu gained widespread recognition with the soundtrack of Aashiqui (1990), which featured him in nearly all of the male solo songs and established him as a leading playback singer of that period.[3]

He won the Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer for five consecutive years from 1990 to 1995, for films including Aashiqui (1990), Saajan (1991), Deewana (1992), Baazigar (1993) and 1942: A Love Story (1994).[4]

In 1993, Sanu entered the Guinness World Records for recording 28 songs in a single day.[5]

Several of his songs were included in the BBC "Top 40 Bollywood soundtracks of all time".[6] He has also appeared as a mentor and judge on television music reality shows.[7]

In recognition of his contributions to Indian music, Sanu was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2009.[8]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Kumar Sanu's father, Pashupati Bhattacharya, was a vocalist and composer.[9] He and his elder sister lived in Panchanantala at Gopal Bose Lane in the Sinthee area of North Kolkata.[10]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kumar Sanu's first marriage was to Rita Bhattacharya in the 1980s.[11] The couple had three children.[12] They divorced in 1994. During their marriage, Kumar Sanu had entered a six-year relationship with actress Kunickaa Sadanand.[13][14]

After separating from Kunickaa Sadanand, Kumar Sanu married Saloni Bhattacharya. They have two daughters, including Shannon K, a singer.[15][16][17]

Career[edit | edit source]

Main article: Kumar Sanu discography and filmography

Kumar Sanu, born Kedarnath Bhattacharya, began his playback career in 1984 with the film Yeh Desh, followed by the Bangladeshi film Tin Konya (1985). He gained recognition in Hindi cinema with "Jashn Hai Mohabbat Ka" from Hero Hiralal (1988).[3]

1980s: Early career[edit | edit source]

In 1989, singer Jagjit Singh introduced him to composers Kalyanji and Anandji, who encouraged him to adopt the stage name "Kumar Sanu". He contributed to the soundtrack of Jaadugar (1989).[18]

1990s: Prime[edit | edit source]

Sanu rose to prominence with Aashiqui (1990), recording nearly all male solo numbers, and won his first Filmfare Award. He subsequently won Best Male Playback Singer for five consecutive years for Aashiqui (1990), Saajan (1991), Deewana (1992), Baazigar (1993), and 1942: A Love Story (1994).[19][2]

He recorded songs in multiple languages, including Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Odia, and Urdu.[2] In 1993, he entered the Guinness World Records for recording 28 songs in a single day.[5] Some of his notable songs from the decade include tracks from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Raja Hindustani (1996), Pardes (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).[19]

During the 1990s, Sanu and Udit Narayan were two of the leading male playback singers. Their professional rivalry was widely noted in media coverage, though both maintained a cordial relationship.[20]

Collaborations with female singers[edit | edit source]

During the 1990s, Kumar Sanu frequently collaborated with prominent female playback singers, particularly Alka Yagnik. Several sources noted that their duets were among the most popular of the decade.[21] He also sang with Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Sadhana Sargam.[21]

2000s–present[edit | edit source]

Sanu's presence in mainstream Bollywood declined during the 2000s, though he continued recording songs and performing live shows domestically and internationally.[22][23]

In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.[24]

From the 2010s onward, Sanu focused on nostalgia concerts and stage events celebrating 1990s and early 2000s Bollywood music.[25]

Other works[edit | edit source]

Kumar Sanu has released several tribute albums of Kishore Kumar's songs including Kishore Ki Yaadein and the Yaadein Series, which he performed along with singers Abhijeet and Vinod Rathod.[26][27]

In 2017, he, along with Sadhana Sargam, sang the title track of the 20th-century-based TV Series "Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hain", where he also made a cameo appearance.[28] In 2019, he recorded a song for Star Plus's "Kulfi Kumar Bajewala".[29]

In Delhi's Karol Bagh, Sanu also founded a primary school for underprivileged children that provides students uniforms and books free of cost.[30]

In 2022, Kumar Sanu collaborated with music director Vaibhav Saxena and two other singers for "Mohabbat Mein Tere Sanam" which was released and distributed worldwide by new-age Record Label Music Records.[31]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kumar Sanu

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Tripathi, Shailaja (29 August 2017). "Notes to note from the melody king of Bollywood, Kumar Sanu". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Kumar Sanu – Biography & Profile". Veethi. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Rao, Justin (16 March 2023). "Kumar Sanu on his 35-year career, Bollywood music over the years". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Filmfare Awards Winners". Filmfare. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Kumar Sanu records 28 songs in 24 hours". Navbharat Live. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  6. ↑ "BBC – Asian Network – Top 40 Soundtracks of All Time". BBC. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  7. ↑ Sharma, Rohit (5 March 2022). "Kumar Sanu judges music reality show". Times of India. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  8. ↑ "Padma Awards". Government of India. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
  9. ↑ Joshi, Sumit. Bollywood through Ages + Affairs of Bollywood Stars Revealed ( Special Edition ). Best Book Reads. ISBN 978-1-310-09978-6.
  10. ↑ "A Singer Acts". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 April 1997. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  11. ↑ "Kumar Sanu's daughter Shannon K reveals she was depressed as a teen due to online trolls: 'I self-harmed'". Hindustan Times. 25 April 2023.
  12. ↑ "Kumar Sanu says son Jaan Kumar Sanu should change his name: 'He should write Jaan Rita Bhattacharya'". Hindustan Times. 25 November 2020.
  13. ↑ "Jaan Kumar Sanu: It was very daunting to know Kumar Sanu is my father - Exclusive". The Times of India. 3 April 2023.
  14. ↑ "Exclusive - Bigg Boss 14's Jaan's mom Rita Bhattacharya on Kumar Sanu commenting on his upbringing: He should have realised that he is talking about his own son". The Times of India. 21 November 2020.
  15. ↑ thomasowen408 (17 May 2017). "Meet Shannon K, The Summer's Best Up And Coming Artist !". BuzzFeed Community. Retrieved 20 April 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ "Kumar Sanu's daughter turns singer at 12". The Times of India. 7 August 2014.
  17. ↑ "Kumar Sanu's Daughter Shannon On Making Her "Own Identity": "Not Here Because Of My Dad's Name"".
  18. ↑ "'90s rockstar Kumar Sanu opens up about his musical journey over the years'". Filmfare. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Kumar Sanu Artist Profile". AAE Music. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  20. ↑ "Kumar Sanu opens up about his infamous rivalry with Udit Narayan". Times of India. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Kumar Sanu: A look at the 90s playback singer's career". Times of India. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  22. ↑ "Kumar Sanu – Music, Videos & Playlists". Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  23. ↑ "Kumar Sanu belts romantic hits at evening of nostalgia". 9 June 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  24. ↑ "Padma Awards 2009". Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  25. ↑ "Kumar Sanu celebrates legacy of 90s music, calls it a 'golden era' of soulful compositions". Times of India. 7 August 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  26. ↑ "Kumar Sanu: The Melody Of His Voice Lingers On". Odisha Bytes. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  27. ↑ "Singer Kumar Sanu on Being the King of Melody". iDiva. 13 September 2013. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
  28. ↑ India-West, R. M. VIJAYAKAR, Special to. "Kumar Sanu Makes Cameo Appearance in 'Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai'". India West. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ↑ "Kulfi Kumar Bajewala | Kumar Sanu & SiKulfi". YouTube. 20 February 2019. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021.
  30. ↑ "Singer Kumar Sanu opens school for the underprivileged.. - Bollywood.com News". 23 August 2015. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  31. ↑ Jha, Gunjan; Saxena, Vaibhav (4 March 2022). "Kumar Sanu teams up with youngsters to bring melody back – Gunjan Jha, Vaibhav Saxena create magical tunes; Kshitij, Diksha lend velvet voice". The Week. Archived from the original on 24 August 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:ScreenAwardBestMalePlaybackSinger Template:Bengal Film Journalists' Association Best Male Playback Award

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