Udit Narayan: A Legendary Voice of Indian Cinema
Udit Narayan, an iconic Indian playback singer, has left an indelible mark in Bollywood and regional music industries. With a career spanning decades, his melodious voice has graced Hindi films and multiple other languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, Nepali, Malayalam, Assamese, Bagheli, and Maithili. Over the years, he has been honored with four National Film Awards, five Filmfare Awards, and an impressive twenty nominations.
For his immense contributions to the arts, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. Remarkably, 21 of his songs have featured in BBC’s Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of All Time.
In 2001, he was honored with the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu by Nepal’s King Birendra, recognizing his contributions to music. Additionally, in 2015, he received the Chitragupta Cineyatra Samman for his impact on Bhojpuri cinema. Narayan holds the unique distinction of being the first male vocalist to win Filmfare Awards across three decades—1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.
Udit Narayan’s Early Life and Education
Born on December 5, 1955, in Baisi, Bihar, Udit Narayan belongs to a Maithil Brahmin family. His father, Harekrishna Jha, was a farmer, and his mother, Bhuvneshwari Devi, a folk singer, greatly influenced his musical journey. Udit completed his schooling at Jageshwar High School in Kunauli, Supaul, Bihar, and pursued further education at Ratna Rajya Lakshmi Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal.
His mother’s encouragement and his exposure to folk music paved the way for his illustrious career. Udit moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in the late 1970s on a music scholarship, studying Indian classical music for six years at the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.
Udit Narayan’s Family and Relationships
Udit Narayan’s personal life has seen its share of highs and controversies. He has been married twice. His first marriage was to Ranjana Narayan Jha in 1984, a union that remained largely unknown until 2006 when Ranjana accused Udit of abandoning her. After much legal and media attention, Udit publicly acknowledged Ranjana as his wife.
In 1985, Udit married Deepa Narayan Jha, a Nepali actress and singer. Together, they have a son, Aditya Narayan, a well-known playback singer and television personality. Despite the controversies, Udit has balanced his family life and professional commitments admirably.
Udit Narayan’s Struggles and Breakthrough
Udit’s journey to stardom wasn’t easy. He began his career in the 1970s, singing Maithili, Nepali, and Bhojpuri songs for Nepal Radio. Moving to Mumbai marked a turning point, as he struggled to make a name for himself in the competitive Bollywood industry.
His big break came in 1980 when music director Rajesh Roshan offered him the chance to sing in the film Unees Bees, where he performed alongside the legendary Mohammed Rafi. However, true fame arrived in 1988 with the film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, where his duet “Papa Kehte Hain” became an instant classic. This film launched him into Bollywood’s spotlight, earning him widespread recognition.
Udit Narayan’s Career Achievements
Over the years, Udit Narayan has delivered countless hits in Bollywood and regional cinema. He has collaborated with legendary composers such as Anand-Milind, Jatin-Lalit, A.R . Rahman, and Ismail Darbar, and iconic singers like Alka Yagnik, Lata Mangeshkar, and Kishore Kumar.
Some of Udit Narayan’s Iconic Songs:
Pehla Nasha – Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar
Jaadu Teri Nazar – Darr
Aye Mere Humsafar – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Main Yahaan Hoon – Veer Zaara
Mitwa – Lagaan
Tere Naam – Tere Naam
Chand Chupa Badal Mein – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Papa Kehte Hain – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Udit Narayan’s Awards and Recognition
Udit’s exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards:
National Film Awards: Best Male Playback Singer (4 times)
Filmfare Awards: Best Male Playback Singer (5 times)
Padma Shri (2009) and Padma Bhushan (2016)
Numerous regional awards, including the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu in Nepal
Udit Narayan Net Worth
As of 2022, Udit Narayan net worth is estimated at $20 million (₹150 crore). His income stems from decades of playback singing, live performances, and appearances as a judge on reality TV shows. Udit owns several properties across India, including a luxurious house in Mumbai and a residence in Bihar. He also owns a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, reflecting his penchant for luxury.
Interesting Facts About Udit Narayan
Udit has sung over 15,000 songs in 32 languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Tamil, and Kannada.
His debut Bollywood song was “Mil Gaya Mil Gaya” from the film Unees Bees.
He gained fame with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), which featured multiple hit tracks.
He has appeared in Nepali films like Kusume Rumal and Pirati.
He collaborated with his wife, Deepa, on a pop album titled Dil Deewana.
Udit sang the track Dulhe Raja for the Hollywood film When Harry Tries to Marry (2011).
He holds the unique distinction of winning Filmfare Awards across three consecutive decades.
Udit Narayan’s Legacy
With a career that spans over four decades, Udit Narayan’s voice has become synonymous with romance, nostalgia, and timeless melodies. His journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated singers is nothing short of inspiring. His music continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying his place as a living legend in the world of Indian playback singing.
