Udit Narayan Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Udit Narayan is one of the most beloved playback singers in Indian cinema, known for his sweet, melodious, and youthful voice that defined Bollywood music in the 1990s and early 2000s. With unforgettable hits like Papa Kehte Hain, Pehla Nasha, Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, and Mitwa, he became the voice of romance for a generation. Having sung in more than 30 languages, Udit Narayan remains one of the most versatile and decorated playback singers in India.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Udit Narayan Jha
- Date of Birth: 1 December 1955
- Birthplace: Baisi Village, Supaul District, Bihar, India
- Nationality: Indian-Nepali
- Occupation: Playback Singer
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Parents: Harekrishna Jha (father), Bhuvaneshwari Devi (mother)
- Spouse: Deepa Narayan Jha
- Children: Aditya Narayan (singer, actor, television host)
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 68 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Udit Narayan was born in a Maithil Brahmin family in Bihar and grew up listening to folk and classical music. He pursued his early education in Bihar before moving to Nepal, where he began his career as a Maithili and Nepali folk singer for Radio Nepal in the 1970s.
His big break came after he received a music scholarship to Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, where he trained formally and entered the world of Bollywood playback singing.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Early Struggles
Udit Narayan started his Bollywood journey in the early 1980s, with small playback assignments. His first big chance came with the song Unees Bees (1980), but he struggled for recognition in the industry initially.
Breakthrough with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
His career skyrocketed when he sang “Papa Kehte Hain” for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, starring Aamir Khan. The soundtrack became a blockbuster, earning him his first Filmfare Award and establishing him as a leading playback singer.
Iconic Bollywood Songs
- Papa Kehte Hain (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, 1988)
- Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, 1992)
- Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, 1995)
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, 1998)
- Mitwa (Lagaan, 2001)
- Tip Tip Barsa Paani (Mohra, 1994, duet with Alka Yagnik)
- Bholi Si Surat (Dil To Pagal Hai, 1997)
Collaborations
Udit Narayan’s duets with Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu became iconic. He worked with top composers including Anand–Milind, Nadeem–Shravan, Jatin–Lalit, and A. R. Rahman.
Regional Singing
Apart from Hindi, Udit has sung extensively in Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, and Oriya, expanding his fanbase nationwide.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Bhushan (2016) – India’s third-highest civilian honor.
- Padma Shri (2009) – India’s fourth-highest civilian honor.
- 4 National Film Awards for Best Playback Singer.
- 5 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer.
- Numerous IIFA, Zee Cine, and state-level awards.
- Honored in both India and Nepal for his contribution to music.
Personal Life
Udit Narayan married Deepa Narayan Jha, a singer. Their son, Aditya Narayan, is also a singer, actor, and well-known television host. Despite his fame, Udit is admired for his humility and continues to perform worldwide.
Legacy & Influence
Udit Narayan’s legacy is that of the voice of the romantic hero in Bollywood. His songs for Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan in the 1990s and 2000s defined an era of music. His youthful, melodious voice combined with his versatility across genres made him one of the most celebrated playback singers of Indian cinema.
FAQs
1. What was Udit Narayan’s breakthrough song?
Papa Kehte Hain from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988).
2. How many National Awards has Udit Narayan won?
He has won 4 National Film Awards.
3. Has Udit Narayan received Padma Awards?
Yes, the Padma Shri (2009) and Padma Bhushan (2016).
4. In which languages has Udit Narayan sung?
He has sung in more than 30 languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Telugu.
5. Who is Udit Narayan’s son?
Aditya Narayan, a singer, actor, and TV host.
