Kailash Kher, a renowned Indian singer and composer, has captivated audiences with his unique vocal style and diverse musical repertoire. His contributions to Indian music span various languages and genres, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.

Wiki/Biography

Kailash Kher was born on Saturday, 7 July 1973 (age 51 years; as of 2024) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Cancer. He completed his graduation from Delhi University through a correspondence program while simultaneously pursuing a diploma in Urdu and private music lessons at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5′ 3″
• Weight (approx.): 65 kg
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black

Family, Caste & Wife

Kailash Kher hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family. His father, Mehar Chand, was an amateur musician, and his mother’s name is Chandrakanta Kher. He has a brother and a sister named Nutan. He married Sheetal Bhan in 2009. They have a son named Kabir Kher. In a 2024 podcast, Kher mentioned a separation from his wife a few years after their marriage.

Career

Kailash Kher’s career began with a jingle for Nakshatra Diamonds. He then progressed to singing for numerous radio and TV commercials for brands like Coca-Cola, Citibank, Pepsi, IPL, and Honda Motorcycles. His Bollywood debut as a singer was with “Rabba Ishq Na Hove” in the film Andaaz (2003). He also debuted as a music director with Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! (2005) and as a lyricist with “Aankhiyaan Teriya Ve” from Kaal.

In 2004, he formed the band Kailasa with the Kamath brothers, Paresh and Naresh. Their debut album was a chart-topping success, and the band has since performed over 1000 concerts worldwide.

Controversies

Kailash Kher has faced several controversies throughout his career. One involved a misspelling of his name by the Times of India, which he publicly criticized. Another involved a debate about the selection of Sonakshi Sinha to perform at a Justin Bieber concert in India, a choice Kher publicly questioned. In 2018, during the #MeToo movement, Kher faced sexual harassment allegations.

Awards

Kailash Kher’s numerous awards include:

• Padma Shri (2017)
• Yash Bharti Award (Uttar Pradesh, 2015)
• Nepal Tourism Year Goodwill Ambassador (2011)
• Multiple Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh)
• United Nations felicitation for contribution to the Millennium Development Goals
• Several Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer (Hindi, Kannada, Telugu)

Favourite Things

• Food: Bread Pakodas, Samosa
• Films: Lagaan (2001), Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Sarkar (2005)
• Actor: Aamir Khan
• Music Composers: Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, A. R. Rahman
• Singer: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Facts

At 14, Kher left home seeking musical training. He initially taught music to children, using the earnings for his living expenses. After failing to find a guru, he learned by listening to masters like Pandit Kumar Gandharv, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Gokulotsav Maharaj, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He formed a choir group in college that won numerous competitions.

Facing initial setbacks in the music industry, he briefly ventured into handicrafts export, suffering significant losses and contemplating suicide. After a period in Singapore and Thailand, he returned to India in 2001 and, through connections, secured a jingle opportunity that marked a turning point in his career. Kher’s distinctive vocal style is known for its raw, soulful, high-pitched quality, primarily focused on Ghazal, Sufi, Qawwali, folk, and devotional music.

He’s participated in major concert tours, judged numerous singing reality shows, and even sang the anthem for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. His popular songs include “Teri Deewani” and “Allah Ke Bande,” with “Teri Deewani” reaching the top spot in the Indian edition of Rolling Stone magazine in 2009. He has also mentored several bands, including SurFira, Indie Routes, Sparsh, and A R Divine.

Awards Summary

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