Falguni Pathak, the renowned Indian singer and composer, is affectionately known as the “Queen of Dandiya.” Her captivating voice and vibrant stage presence have made her a beloved figure in the world of Gujarati and Hindi music. Let’s delve into her fascinating life, both personal and professional.

Biography/Wiki

Born on March 12, 1969 (age 54 as of 2023), Falguni Pathak boasts a massive fan following across India and internationally. Her professional journey began in 1998, marking the start of a prolific career filled with countless traditional Gujarati and Hindi love songs. Beyond her recordings, she enthralls audiences with electrifying live performances, supported by her eighteen-member band, Ta Thaiya. Her appearances extend to Hindi television serials and reality shows, further solidifying her multifaceted career.

She’s particularly celebrated for her Navratri songs, which are staples during the festive season. Her musical talent was evident early on; she recorded her first song at just 10 years old for a Gujarati film alongside Alka Yagnik.

Family

The fifth daughter of her parents, Falguni Pathak was born in Vadodara, Gujarat. An eight-year age gap separates her from her fourth sister. Interestingly, her unique style is sometimes attributed to the expectation of a son and her childhood experiences of being dressed as a boy by her elder sisters.

Currently, she remains unmarried.

Career

After completing her B.Com from Smt. M.M.K. College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai, she debuted in Bollywood with the song “Kya Mil Gayi Dusri” in the film Aandhiyan (1990). However, her debut album arrived in 1998. Initially, PolyGram envisioned a “Dandiya” album, but later opted for a pop album to broaden her appeal.

Her musical training includes tutelage under Diwaliben Bhil and five years of learning from Bhavdeep Jaipurwale. Her songs predominantly focus on love, drawing inspiration from her spiritual guru, Shri Aniruddha Bapu. Her Hindi debut song, “Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi” (1998), followed by hits like “Maine Payal Hai Chhankai,” “Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye,” and “Saawan Mein,” cemented her position in the music industry.

She has also graced the screens of Hindi TV serials like “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” and “Baa Bahoo Aur Baby,” along with reality shows including “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” “Star Dandiya Dhoom,” and “Comedy Nights Bachao.”

Salary

Falguni Pathak commands a significant fee, reportedly earning ?20-25 lakh per show.

Controversies

Double-meaning words in her songs

In October 2010, during a Navratri celebration in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, Falguni Pathak and actress Shefali Jariwala faced accusations of using suggestive language and gestures on stage.

Row with Neha Kakkar over her song ‘O Sajna’

September 2022 saw considerable criticism directed at Neha Kakkar for her remake of Pathak’s song “Maine Payal Hai Chhankai,” retitled “O Sajna.” Pathak herself shared fan reactions on Instagram, expressing their disapproval.

Car Collection

Falguni Pathak is known to own a Mercedes-Benz.

Favourite Things

Her preferences highlight a balance of simple pleasures and diverse tastes:

• Food: Dal Dhokla, Pasta, Pizza, Pani Puri, Sev Puri
• Drink: Chamomile Tea
• Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, R.D. Burman, Shankar Mahadevan, Usha Uthup, Shubha Mudgal, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Boyzone, Diwaliben Bhil, Divya Kumar, and Parthiv Gohil
• Restaurants: Elco Restaurant (Bandra) and Puranmal (Vile Parle West, Mumbai)
• Activities: Long drives, traveling, and visiting new places
• Attire: Chinos, loose-fitting T-shirt, and black waistcoat

Facts

Several interesting facts contribute to Falguni Pathak’s unique persona:

• She considers everything a gift from God.
• She has never worn nail polish.
• She has mostly kept short hair throughout her life, only growing it to shoulder length once at her mother’s request.
• In 2014, she signed a lucrative deal worth ?1.6 crore with Mangal Entertainment and 3rd Rock Multimedia for Navratri performances.
• She has never worn a salwar-kameez or ghagra-choli.
• She only wears makeup during her shows.
• Her early passion for singing stemmed from listening to the radio as a child.
• At age 9, she gave her first stage performance, singing “Laila O Laila” from the film Qurbani (1980).
• Her father initially disapproved of her stage performances.
• Her upbringing in a Gujarati family fostered her love for Garba music, learned from her mother.

Further Details