Kumar Sanu
Kedarnath Bhattacharya, better known by his stage name Kumar Sanu, is a name synonymous with the golden era of Bollywood music. Born on October 20, 1957, in Kolkata, India, Sanu's journey as a playback singer is not just a chronicle of chart-topping hits but a testament to his versatility and enduring impact on the Indian music industry. His estimated net worth is 9 Million dollars.
Kumar Sanu's musical roots can be traced back to his father, Pashupati Bhattacharya, a vocalist and composer. Hailing from Vikrampur near Dhaka (now in Bangladesh), the family moved to Kolkata in search of a livelihood. It was in this cultural melting pot that Kumar Sanu's passion for music began to flourish. His early years in the Sinthee area of Kolkata, near Biswanath Park, were marked by the influence of his father's musical pursuits.
Sanu embarked on his playback career in 1983 under the name Sanu Bhattacharya. His early exposure to the music scene in Kolkata set the stage for his foray into Bollywood. A significant turning point occurred in 1989 when Jagjit Singh introduced him to Kalyanji in Mumbai. Inspired by his idol, Kishore Kumar, Sanu changed his name to Kumar Sanu and never looked back.
His first major Bollywood song was in the film "Hero Hiralal" (1988), but the real breakthrough came with the 1990 film "Aashiqui." Sanu's soul-stirring renditions in the movie not only earned him acclaim but also marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
Kumar Sanu's voice quickly became a staple in the Bollywood music scene. His collaboration with music director Nadeem-Shravan proved to be a game-changer, especially with the success of "Aashiqui" (1990). He went on to win five consecutive Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer from 1991 to 1995, a feat that remains unmatched. Furthermore, Sanu holds a Guinness World Record since 1993 for recording the maximum number of songs in a single day.
Sanu's ability to adapt to various musical genres is evident in his collaborations with renowned music directors. His significant partnerships include Nadeem-Shravan, Anu Malik, Jatin-Lalit, Himesh Reshammiya, Rajesh Roshan, Viju Shah, Anand-Milind, and Bappi Lahiri. Notably, his association with Nadeem-Shravan yielded numerous chartbusters like "Saajan" (1991), "Phool Aur Kaante" (1991), and "Deewana" (1992).
Kumar Sanu's influence extends beyond the silver screen. He has explored various facets of the music industry, including composing music for films like "Utthaan" and "Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai." His work as a producer, philanthropist, and educator reflects his commitment to giving back to society.
In 2006, Sanu established the Kumar Sanu Vidya Niketan, a primary school for underprivileged children in Karol Bagh, Delhi, emphasising the importance of education. Additionally, he serves as a trustee and Brand Ambassador of Bishwa Bandhan, a foundation for cerebral palsy.
While music remains his primary passion, Kumar Sanu briefly ventured into politics. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 but later resigned to focus on his singing career. In 2014, he rejoined the BJP, further showcasing his multifaceted persona.
After a brief hiatus, Kumar Sanu made a comeback in 2012 at the insistence of composers Sajid-Wajid. His return saw him lend his voice to the wedding song "Chhammak Chhallo Chhail Chhabili" in the film "Rowdy Rathore" (2012). Subsequently, he replaced Lata Mangeshkar as the background voice for the Yash Raj Films logo in "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" (2015).
His recent collaborations, including an album called "Dua" and a song with Arijit Singh in 2023, demonstrate his enduring appeal and relevance in the ever-evolving music industry.
Kumar Sanu's musical journey is a kaleidoscope of melodies that have touched the hearts of millions. From winning accolades and breaking records to his philanthropic endeavours, Sanu's contributions extend far beyond the realm of playback singing. As he continues to enchant audiences with his timeless voice and adaptability, Kumar Sanu remains an emblematic figure in the tapestry of Indian music, reminding us of the enduring magic of melody.
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