Discover the captivating life and career of Rekha Bhardwaj, a renowned Indian playback singer celebrated for her melodious voice and contributions to the music industry.
Wiki/Biography
Rekha Bhardwaj was born on Thursday, 23 January 1964 (age 60 years; as of 2024) in Delhi. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius. She earned a B.A. in Music (Hons) from Hindu College, Delhi. Her early musical foundation stemmed from lessons with her elder sister, followed by formal training at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Delhi, under the guidance of Shri Vasant Thakar, Pandit Vinay Chandra Mudgal, and Shri Madhup Mudgal. In November 1982, she began studying under Guru Pandit Amarnath, a disciple of Ustad Amir Khan Sahab of Indore Gharana, whom she considers her “eternal guru.” She learned the intricacies of Gharana Singing from him. Following his passing in 1996, she continued her training with his disciple, Shushri Amarjeet Kaur.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’2″
- Eye Colour: Hazel
- Hair Colour: Black (sometimes dyed brown)
Family, Caste & Husband
Born into a musically inclined family with five sisters and a brother, Rekha married Vishal Bhardwaj in 1991. They have a son named Aasmaan.
Career
Her singing debut was with “Ek Woh Din Bhi” from the film “Chachi 420” (1997). Her Bollywood breakthrough arrived with “Namak Ishq Ka” in “Omkara” (2006). She’s since lent her voice to numerous hit songs, including “Humari Atariya Pe,” “Ek Ghadi,” “Darling,” “Sasural Genda Phool,” and “Phir Le Aya Dil,” among many others. In 2012, she released her debut album, “Ishqa Ishqa,” featuring Ghazals.
Rekha’s musical journey extended beyond Hindi cinema. Her Marathi debut was with “Unn Matlabi” (“Kuni Mulgi Deta Ka Mulgi,” 2012), her Bengali debut with “Swapno Bheja Alo” (“Doshomi,” 2012), and her Malayalam debut with “Doore Doore” (“Carbon,” 2018). In 2013, her work on the Pakistani TV serial “Humnasheen” earned her a Hum Award nomination for Best Original Soundtrack.
Awards
- National Award for Best Female Playback Singer: Awarded in 2011 for “Badi Dheere Jali” (“Ishqiya”).
- Filmfare Awards:
- Best Female Playback Singer (2009) for “Sasural Genda Phool” (“Delhi-6”).
- Best Female Playback Singer (with Usha Uthup, 2011) for “Darling” (“7 Khoon Maaf”).
Favourite Things
Here’s a glimpse into Rekha Bhardwaj’s preferences:
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Food | Sarson Ka Saag |
| Singers | Mehdi Hassan, Ustad Amir Khan, Madhurani Faizabadi, Begum Akhtar, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Girija Devi, Rasoolan Bai |
| Musician | Ustad Rashid Khan |
| Poet | Rumi |
| Spiritual Leader | Osho |
Facts
Rekha began singing at the tender age of 3. Her parents diligently encouraged regular practice, shaping her musical journey. Her father hosted monthly musical gatherings during her childhood, where she favored Hindustani classical pieces and Ghazals over popular Bollywood numbers.
Her college years saw her as a tomboy with short hair, a mischievous leader of a close-knit group of friends. Despite her marriage to a prominent filmmaker and composer, she faced initial struggles to establish herself in the industry. Their first meeting was at their college’s annual function in 1984; she was a year senior to Vishal.
After their 1991 marriage and move to Mumbai, Rekha assisted Vishal in his work. It was during this time that she met Gulzar, who, impressed by her voice, promised to write songs for her future album. While Vishal initially promised an album in 1993, only one track (“Raat Ki Jogan”) was completed. Gulzar, despite promising lyrics in 1994, took nearly 10 years to fulfill his commitment due to his busy schedule. During these challenging years, Rekha sought spiritual growth at the Osho Ashram in Pune, incorporating whirling and Zikra into her performances.
