Music serves as the universal language of the soul, and the Greatest Indian Playback Singers can paint emotion and feelings into the colors of sound. Our Indian film industry has witnessed many talented and versatile Indian playback Singers who left their mark on the world of music.
These eminent Indian singers infuse vitality into music and breathe emotions into every lyric and melody. Some of the greatest Indian playback singers, known for their heart-touching voices, spirituality, complexity, classical touch, and soulful lyrics, have captivated global audiences.
The singers’ voices awaken our hearts, harmonize traditions, bring peace, and create an irresistible symphony that resonates with our hearts.
Here in this blog of the National Film Awards 2025, we have listed some of the Top 15 Greatest Indian Playback Singers of all time who have a large fan following worldwide.
Also check out: 10 Richest Indian Singers And Musicians
List of Greatest Indian Playback Singers of All Time
The Indian Film Industry has produced legendary Female and Male singers who are recognized globally and have left unbeatable marks in the music world. From Lata Mangeshkar to Shreya Ghosal, and from Kishore Kumar to Arjit Singh, these Indian vocalists influenced the soundscape of Indian music, enhancing its global appeal.
The Top singers in India are integrated deeply into our everyday existence. Whether it will be happiness, sadness, celebrations, or any kind of emotion, we try to find ourselves in their unforgettable songs and captivating voices.
This List included singers ranging from the greatest indian playback singers of all time to the most popular in 2025.
| Sr.No | Greatest Indian Playback Singers |
| 1. | Lata Mangeshkar |
| 2. | Mohammad Rafi |
| 3. | Udit Narayan |
| 4. | Shreya Ghoshal |
| 5. | Kishore Kumar |
| 6. | Kumar Sanu |
| 7. | Arjit Singh |
| 8. | Asha Bhosle |
| 9. | Sonu Nigam |
| 10. | Alka Yagnik |
| 11. | Mohit Chouhan |
| 12. | AR Rahman |
| 13. | Shankar Mahadevan |
| 14. | Sunidhi Chauhan |
| 15. | S P Balasubrahmanyam |
1. Lata Mangeshkar
Lata Mangeshkar is one of the best Indian female singers and the most celebrated voices in the history of Indian Music. She started singing at the early age of 13; his singing career has spanned over 8 decades. She sang over 50,000 songs in more than 26 languages.
She is recognized as a “Nightingale of India,” and she will be renowned for centuries for her melodious and versatile singing style.
Lata Mangeshkar received multiple National awards, Filmfare awards, and many more awards. She was one of the highest-paid female singers in India at that time.
In 2001, she was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s Highest civilian award. Lata Mangeshkar’s impact and contribution to the Indian music industry are immeasurable; her enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and Hindi singers.
Top 5 Best Songs of Lata Mangeshkar
- Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo
- Lag Jaa Gale
- Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya
- Tere Liye
- Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai
2. Mohammad Rafi
The legendary Indian singer Mohammad Rafi is considered one best and greatest indian playback singers in the history of Indian music. Rafi’s charming voice and extensive range of singing styles made him a beloved figure in the music world.
He possessed an exceptional skill to adjust his voice to various genres, styles, and moods. He could sing romantic songs, qawwalis, bhajans, classics, and retro songs with the same ability and proficiency or skills that he has.
Rafi Sahab possessed a flawless talent for infusing energy and emotion into various genres of singing, adapting his voice according to the different personalities of movie actors.
His impact on the Indian music industry was substantial, and his name continues to be widely recognized even years after his death.
Top 5 Best Songs of Mohammad Rafi
- Yeh Duniya Agar Mill Bhi Jaye
- Kya Hua Tera Vaada
- Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein
- Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega
- Maine Poochha Chand Se
3. Udit Narayan
Udit Narayan is a conspicuous and noticeable greatest indian playback singer known for his melodious voice and 90s romantic Bollywood songs. He was born in Nepal, and after retiring from Bollywood, he resumed his career in the Nepali music Industry.
The film “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” marked a significant milestone in his career as a prominent playback singer in Hindi cinema. He is one of the most loved and famous singers who has followed across the world.
Top 5 Best Songs of Udit Narayan
- Pardesi Pradesi
- Mitwa
- Papa Kahte Hain
- Main Yahaan Hoon
- Ae Mere Humsafar
4. Shreya Ghoshal
Shreya Ghosal is one of the finest and ranks among the richest female singers ever seen in the music Industry. She has been the most popular singer for the past 5 years in the Bollywood Industry. Shreya is known for extraordinary, remarkable singing skills and a soulful voice.
The release of her debut song “Bairi Piya” from the “Devdas” movie marked a significant turning point in her career. Shreya Ghosal is proficient in all singing genres, including classical, romantic, dance numbers, and bhajan.
She can naturally bring depth to emotional songs and energy to any dance number. She gave her voice to thousands of songs in 15+ different languages. If anyone wants to create a list of the top 10 singers in India of all time, then definitely she will make her spot.
Best Songs of Shreya Ghoshal
- Sunn Raha Hai
- Agar Tum Mil Jao
- Bahara
- Jaadu Hai Nasha
- Dola Re Dola
- Pal
- Hasi Ban Gaye
5. Kishore Kumar
Kishore Kumar, a musical trailblazer and famous singer in India, crafted a symphony of musical diversity. His voice, capable of serenading hearts or sparking laughter, he didn’t only sing, but he also told stories through his songs.
With the fame of the all-time greatest Indian playback singer, Kishore Kumar was also an outstanding comedian, actor, lyricist, and music composer. His incredible music continues to be cherished by people of all ages and reinterpreted by musicians, even after many years have passed.
His songs are like a fine wine that keeps getting more interesting and enjoyable with time. Kumar is one of the most famous male singers in India of all time.
Best Hits of Kishore Kumar
- Neele Neele Ambar Par
- Tu Hai Wahi Dil Ne Jise
- Rim Jhim Gire Sawan
- Chookar Mere Dil Ko
- Pal Pal Dil K Pas
- Dekha Ek Khawab
- O Mere Dil k Chain
- Tere Bina Zindagi Se
- Mere Sapno Ki Rani
- Chala Jata Hun
- Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein
- Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan
- Pyar Diwana Hota Hai
6. Kumar Sanu
The vocal magician Kumar Sanu is one of the top singers in India. In the early 90s, his calming voice and heart-touching songs captivated audiences, leading to his rise as a sensation.
Through his enchanting voice, Sanu can alive love and feeling in song. He effortlessly sang of variety of songs, spanning from romantic ballads to sad tunes.
His memorable melodies remain etched within our hearts and remind us of the magic of his soothing vocals.
Top 5 Best Songs of Kumar Sanu
- Aankh Hai Bhari Bhari
- Ae Kash Ke hum
- Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To
- Mera Chand Muje Aaya hai Nazar
- Main Duniya Bhula Dunga
7. Arijit Singh
Arijit Singh is the best Indian male playback singer of the year 2023 with the highest rating and the most-listened-to musician on Spotify. He is also the 3rd most followed artist on Spotify with 50+ million followers.
He is a musical sensation who captured millions of hearts with his soulful and deeply touching voice. He got a breakthrough from the Ashiqui movie song “Tum Hi Ho” and became a favorite among music lovers.
His voice possesses the ability to convey love, pain, and joy in every individual note. Currently, he is India’s no 1 singer according to various public surveys.
Best Songs from Arjit Aulbm
- Tum Hi Ho
- Channa Mereya
- Hamari Adhuri Kahani
- Agar Tum Saath Ho
- Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage Hum
8. Asha Bhosle
Asha Bhosle is one of the greatest Indian playback singers who has sung hundreds of timeless melodies with a career spanning over 5 decades. Asha Bhosle, a versatile singer in India who duets with renowned artists spanning from Mukesh Kumar to Arijit Singh, and from R D Burman to Oscar-winning A R Rahman.
She is popular for her versatile singing range, from soulful melodies to foot-tapping numbers.
Top Songs of Asha Bhosle
- Chura Liya Hai Tumne
- Piya Tu Ab To Aaja
- In Ankhon Ki Masti
- Jhumka Gira Re
- Ye Wada Raha
9. Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam is a prominent and noteworthy Indian singer, known for his diverse vocal range and expressive singing. His voice touches hearts with profound emotions and serene sounds.
He effortlessly sings across various music genres from serenades to sad songs to classical music. He has been one of the top singers in India for the last 3 decades.
Best Songs of Sonu Nigam
- Kal Ho Naa Ho
- Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin
- Sandese Aate Hai
- Suraj Hua Madham
- Tumhi Dekho Naa
10. Alka Yagnik
Alka Yagnik has been a prominent female Indian playback singer in the Bollywood film Industry for the last 3 Decades. Alka, with her affectionate and melodious voice, has garnered recognition and given hundreds of hit songs in Hindi and other languages.
She is recognized for her skill in emoting or conveying various emotions through her singing style and voice in romantic songs to item numbers in old Bollywood movies.
Top Songs of Alka Yagnik
- Dil Laga Liya
- Agar Tum Saath Ho
- Laal Dupatta
- Pardesi Pardesi
- Aaj Kehna Jaruri Hai
- Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai
- Odhni
11. Mohit Chouhan
Mohit Chouhan was one of the top singers in India from 2000-2015. He is mainly recognized for his soulful voice, unique tonal quality emotive singing style.
He sings many hit songs in the Hindi film industry and has won several awards.
Best Songs of Mohit Chouhan
- Tujhe Bhula Diya
- Phir Se Ud Chala
- Pee Loon
- Saiyaara
- Tune Jo Na Kaha
- Yeh Dooriyaan
- Tum Se Hi
12. A R Rahman
A R Rahman is one of the greatest Indian playback singers, a name that needs no introduction, who is recognized around the globe for his unique music and classical blends. He is a visionary musician, singer, and lyricist.
His combination of Indian melodies with contemporary elements brought about a revolutionary change in Indian music. He won an Oscar Award in the year 2008 for the song “Jai Ho” featured in the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
He won numerous national and international awards by working on hundreds of films and music albums.
Top 5 Must-listen Songs of A R Rahman
- Kaise Mujhe
- Jai Ho
- Nadhaan Parinde
- Kun Faya Kun
- Yeh jo Desh Hai Tera
13. Shankar Mahadevan
Shankar Mahadevan is a masterful artist who blends traditional and contemporary music seamlessly. He can sing both soulful depth and dynamic flair, crafting numerous melodies that will resonate across the generations.
He is an important part of the famous Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio, performed in thousands of songs.
Best Songs of Shankar Mahadevan’s
- Mitwa
- Sajdaa
- Breathless
- Dilbaro
- Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe
14. Sunidhi Chauhan
Sunidhi Chauhan is a top Indian female Singer who got fame at a very early age. She sings hundreds of popular and beloved songs ranging from sizzling dance numbers to soulful.
She gave her voice to most of the top leading Bollywood actresses in the film industry. Sunidhi’s versatile singing, soulful voice, and singing range make her one of the best singers in India.
Best Songs Of Sunidhi Chauhan
- Ishq Sufiyana
- Beedi
- Desi Girl
- Gun Gun Guna
- Bumbro
- Aaja Nachle
15. S P Balasubrahmanyam
S P Balasubrahmanyam was among the greatest Indian playback singers, music directors, and actors. He was regarded as one of the Indian music industry’s most prolific and versatile singers.
SPB had a lengthy career that extended over five decades and sang in many Indian languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and many more.
He received several awards and honors, including the National Award, Filmfare Awards, and many more. In his singing career, he gave her melodious voice to many South Indian actors as well as Bollywood actors.
He is recognized as among the finest Indian singers of all time for his versatility, soulful vocals, and nationwide fan following across all generations.
Best Songs of Bala Subrahmanyam
- Sathiya Tune Kya Kiya
- Dekha hai Pehli Baar
- Dil Deewana
- Didi Tera Devar Deewana
- Bahut Pyar Karte Ha
Conclusion
From stirring tunes evoking deep emotions to infectious beats that bring us together on dance floors, these greatest Indian playback singers excel across diverse music genres, enchanting listeners of all generations.
Renowned for their ability to turn ordinary voices into artistic expressions, blend rhythm and emotion seamlessly, and craft melodies that resonate beyond temporal and cultural boundaries.
FAQs on Greatest Indian Bollywood Playback Singers of All Time
Who is your preferred vocalist?
Mohammed Rafi is one of the greatest Indian playback singers, who is my favourite vocalist.
Who is the greatest playback singer in India?
Lata Mangeshkar is the greatest playback singer in India.
Who is the top 10 singer in India?
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Mohammad Rafi
- Udit Narayan
- Shreya Ghoshal
- Kishore Kumar
- Kumar Sanu
- Arjit Singh
- Asha Bhosle
- Sonu Nigam
- Alka Yagnik
Who is the top 10 richest singer in India?
- A. R. Rahman
- Arijit Singh
- Shreya Ghoshal
- Badshah
- Yo Yo Honey Singh
- Diljit Dosanjh
- Sonu Nigam
- Neha Kakkar
- Sunidhi Chauhan
- Armaan Malik
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