Anuradha Paudwal, a celebrated Indian playback singer, is renowned for her soulful and melodious voice. Her career spans various genres, showcasing her incredible versatility and range.
Wiki/Biography
Anuradha Paudwal, born Alka Nadkarni on October 27, 1954 (age 69 as of 2023), in Karwar, Bombay State (now Karnataka), India, completed her graduation from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. While she claims to have had no formal musical training, her mother enrolled her in a local music school. She cites Lata Mangeshkar as a major influence, practicing extensively to emulate her style. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 5″
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Born into a Konkani family in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, she was raised in Mumbai. Facing initial family disapproval of her singing career, her mother was a crucial support system. She married the late Arun Paudwal, a music composer. They had a son, Aditya Paudwal (deceased), and a daughter, Kavita Paudwal, who is also a singer. Sadly, they also lost another daughter shortly after birth.
Career
Her career began with a Shiv Shloka in the 1973 film Abhiman, offered by S. D. Burman. Her debut film was Yashoda (1973), followed by a popular Marathi album, “Bhav Geetan,” in 1974. Her breakthrough came with Kalicharan (1976). She gained significant recognition through songs in films like Hero (1983), Meri Jung (1985), Batwara (1989), Nagina (1986), and Ram Lakhan (1989).
After achieving Bollywood success, she focused primarily on devotional singing with T-Series, a move that significantly boosted her popularity. While she did return to Bollywood, her later work in that genre received less attention. Her extensive work includes songs in various languages such as Kannada, Marwari, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, and Punjabi.
Controversies
- A public challenge to Lata Mangeshkar regarding the number of songs recorded in a single day.
- Dubbing songs for other singers, including Alka Yagnik and Lata Mangeshkar.
- A paternity claim by a Kerala woman in 2020.
Awards and Honors
Anuradha Paudwal has received numerous accolades throughout her career. Here’s a summary:
| Year | Award | Awarded By |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar | Maharashtra Government |
| 2018 | Cultural Ambassador of Devotional Music | UNO |
| 2017 | Padma Shri | Government of India |
| 2016 | D Litt. Award | (Source not specified) |
| 2013 | Mohammed Rafi Award | Maharashtra Government |
| 2011 | Mother Teresa Award | (Source not specified) |
| 2010 | Lata Mangeshkar Award | Madhya Pradesh Government |
| 2004 | Mahakaal Award | Madhya Pradesh Government |
| 1989 | Best Playback Singer (Female) – “He Ek Reshami” | National Awards (Marathi) |
| 1986 | Best Female Playback Singer – “Mere Man Bajo Mridang” | Filmfare Awards |
| 1991 | Best Female Playback Singer – “Nazar Ke Saamne” | Filmfare Awards |
| 1992 | Best Female Playback Singer – “Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin” | Filmfare Awards |
| 1993 | Best Female Playback Singer – “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” | Filmfare Awards |
Favourite Things
- Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Facts
Anuradha Paudwal’s deep admiration for Lata Mangeshkar significantly shaped her career. A severe bout of pneumonia altered her voice, leading to a unique tonal quality. Her association with T-Series earned her the moniker “T-Series Queen”. She played a key role in launching the careers of several prominent singers. Her faith in Baba Mahakaal is also a significant aspect of her life. She maintains a foundation, “Suryoday,” in memory of her husband.
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