7 Indian Musicians who Defined Music For Us

Indian Music Industry which was termed as the sleeping giant has finally started to pick a pace post the 19th century. For decades, India has been accredited to produce the most brilliant musicians of all time, from Tansen to Kailash Kher everyone has proved their extraordinary skills in the music industry.

While the world focused on transforming music by confining it to high volumes and bass, Indian musicians came forward with unmatchable lyrics which helped the people ascertain peace every time.

Do you believe that the ‘Golden Era’ of Music will diminish easily? Hell No!

Trying to match up with the western forefront Modern Indian Music lost its soul, but the millennials never forgot the contributions of the Legends for all time.   

To relive the golden days of music, Let's take a ride on this musical journey to take ourselves back in the 90s, commemorating the Top Indian Musicians of all time.

1. Ustad Bismillah Khan

The shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan inspired millions of people to choose a career in the music industry. From his first appearance before the start of the Republic Day parade every year to the closing segment of a number of music festivals, he made a place in the hearts of everyone.

Top Awards: Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Vibhushan (1980), Padma Bhushan (1968), Padma Shri (1961).

2. Zakir Hussain

The man who is associated with the roles of tabla virtuoso, composer, percussionist, music producer, film actor cannot be attributed to something ordinary but can only be accredited as a prodigy.

Zakir Hussain’s inane talent of playing tabla has always been able to mesmerize the audience and helped them in connecting with the beautiful world of music.

Top Awards: Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), Grammy (2009).

3. Lata Mangeshkar

The Nightingale of India, her voice has given our country most impactful and paramount songs over the course of her decade long career. Lata Mangeshkar who is profoundly acknowledged as ‘Lata Didi’ made a major contribution towards the resurrection of Indian Musical Industry.

Top Awards: Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Bhushan (1969), Padma Vibhushan (1999), Filmfare Award (1993,1994,2004).

4. Alisha Chinai

The women who with the help of her charismatic voice brought forward the first ‘Hinglish’ album which represented our country in the foreign land. Alisha gave out songs portraying discreet emotions taking her legacy to be remembered for a lifetime. She is regarded as the "Queen of Indipop” and acknowledged for her talent throughout the world.

Top Awards:- International Billboard Award (1995), Filmfare Award (2005).

5. Mohammed Rafi

The most versatile musician of India who recorded more than 7000 songs in his musical career, proved to be an asset to the playback industry. Mohammed Rafi not only mastered the art of playback singing but he also became a maestro at Qawaali. He won the most number of musical awards both in singing and in playing the instrument harmonium.

Top Awards: Silver Medal (1948), Padma Shri (1967), National Film Award (1977).

7. Jagjit Singh

Jagjit Singh made us believe in all the emotions of life, he made us cry, laugh, love and a lot of other things which transformed the way people anticipated the music. He transformed his gazals into songs, adding spice to the Bollywood movies.

Popularly known as the ‘King of Ghazal’, Jagjit Singh resurfaced the meaning of music and popularized the art of singing.

Top Awards: Sahitya Academy Award (1998), Padma Bhushan (2003).

Music runs through our veins, it not only heals a hectic day at work but it also connects you to nirvana. While we drench all our energy at the workplace it energizes our soul to prep for the day ahead.