Alka Yagnik Birthday: 10 Evergreen Songs of the Singer That are Unmissable

Alka Yagnik needs no introduction. She is regarded as one of the greatest Indian playback singers of all time. She has reigned supreme in Bollywood for over four decades. Her mellifluous voice has lent melody to countless Bollywood classics. Born into a Gujarati family, Alka is a classically trained singer, and she began singing bhajans for Akashvani (All India Radio), Kolkata, at the age of six. Her soothing vocals have struck a chord with listeners across age groups and continents.

Alka Yagnik got her first break with Payal Ki Jhankaar, followed by the track Mere Angne Mein from the film Laawaris. The singer shot to fame with the evergreen hit number Ek Do Teen from the film Tezaab in 1988. The two-time recipient of the National Film Award has sung the maximum number of female solos in her Bollywood career. The melodious singer had won the first Filmfare Best Female Playback Award for the Madhuri Dixit starrer ‘Tezaab’.

Here on her 58th birthday, let’s go down the memory lane and check out ten of her evergreen songs that continue to resonate with listeners across generations:

1. Ek Din Aap (Yes Boss)Packed full of love and emotions, this soul-stirring track takes us to a dreamy land. The melodious song crooned by Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu is a magical ballad from the movie Yes Boss (1997), which introduces Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, and we couldn’t help but fall in love.
2. Tip Tip Barsa Paani (Mohra)We all remember Raveena Tandon and Akshay Kumar’s chemistry in the movie Mohra (1994) as they set the stage ablaze with their performance in Tip Tip Barsa Paani. The sensuous and passionate song is a perfect example of Alka Yagnik’s ability to emote through her singing. The album still holds its crown as a favourite track to date.
3. Jaane Kyon Log Pyaar (Dil Chahta Hai)Another gem from Alka Yagnik’s collection is ‘Jaane Kyon Log Pyaar karte hai’ featuring Preity Zinta and Aamir Khan in Farhan Akhtar’s directorial Dil Chahta Hai. This playful number’s lyrics were penned by Javed Akhtar, and the duet records Alka Yagnik singing about the power of love, while Udit Narayan, on the other hand questions the need for romance in life.
4. Taal Se Taal (Taal)Enjoy this jugal bandi of music maestro AR Rahman and Alka Yagnik in this track that created magic. The popular song from the movie Taal (1999) featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and was a huge hit during the 90s.
5. Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha)This heartbreak song from the movie Tamasha, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, gives you goosebumps every time you listen to it. Composed by AR Raman and penned by Irshad Kamil, this song was performed by Alka Yagnik and Arijit Singh.
6. Ek Do Teen (Tezaab)This upbeat and energetic song, Ek Do Teen from Tezaab, proved to be Alka Yagnik’s first true smash hit that can make anyone groove. Madhuri’s sexy moves, the hype of the song, the iconic number, the track, and the outfit—the melody had everything that made every child in the nation humming along. Alka clinched the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer for this song.
7. Chamma Chamma (China Gate)If you love to groove on peppy numbers, then this track from the film China Gate is the perfect song for you. Featuring Urmila Matondkar, this song was composed by Anu Malik and the lyrics were penned by Sameer.
8. Chura ke Dil Mera (Main Khiladi Tu Anari)This playful and flirtatious upbeat romantic track from the film Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) is another hit song of the 90s showcasing Alka Yagnik’s range. The infectious song features Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty dancing on the beach.
9. Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai (Saajan)Nadeem Shravan’s Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai from the film Saajan remains an all-time hit due to its heartfelt lyrics. The soulful love ballad was picturised on Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit. It was later reused in the film The Lunchbox.
10. Gali Mein Chand (Zakhm)Another soulful song ‘Gali Mein Chand’ from the Mahesh Bhatt’s directorial Zakhm is a massive hit. The love-filled track picturised on Pooja Bhatt and Nagarjuna is evergreen and is crooned by Alka Yagnik. The lyrics were penned by Anand Bakshi and composed by MM Keeravani.

These are just a few of the countless gems in Alka Yagnik’s vast repertoire. Her soothing voice and soulful renditions have won her numerous accolades and a place in the hearts of millions of music lovers.