Udit Narayan is one of the most loved Bollywood playback singers of all time. His voice has defined the sound of Indian cinema for over four decades. From romantic ballads to energetic dance numbers, Udit’s songs have touched millions of hearts. He is a true celebrity, a talented singer, and a national treasure.
This blog post explores Udit Narayan’s biography, personal life, career, and achievements. It also highlights his top songs, controversies, and interesting facts. If you enjoy music, entertainment, and inspiring stories, this post is for you.
Early Life and Upbringing
Udit Narayan was born on 1 December 1955 in Baisi, Supaul district, Bihar, India. His father, Harekrishna Jha, was a farmer. His mother, Bhuwaneshwari Devi, was a folk singer. Udit grew up in Bhardaha, Saptari district, Nepal, and holds strong ties to both India and Nepal.
He studied at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu and trained in classical music. His early love for music came from listening to folk songs and radio programs. Udit moved to Mumbai in the late 1970s to pursue a career in playback singing.
- Born in Bihar, raised in Nepal
- Studied at Tribhuvan University
- Trained in classical music
- Inspired by folk traditions
- Moved to Mumbai for music career
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Udit Narayan Jha |
| Nickname | King of Melody |
| Alternative Names(s) | Udit Narayan |
| Date of Birth | 1 December 1955 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 69 years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Baisi, Supaul, Bihar |
| Hometown | Bhardaha, Saptari, Nepal |
| Current Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Education Qualification | Graduate, Tribhuvan University |
| Hobbies and Interests | Singing, Travelling, Reading |
| Languages Known | Hindi, Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, English |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Average build |
| Body Measurements | 37-30-36 |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’5½”, 165 cm |
| Weight in lbs, kg | 154 lbs, 70 kg |
| Chest | 37 inches |
| Waist | 30 inches |
| Biceps | 12 inches |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short classic |
| Distinctive Features | Warm smile, Melodic voice |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Udit Narayan is married to Deepa Gahatraj, a fellow singer. They have a son named Aditya Narayan, who is also a singer and TV host. Udit’s personal life has seen some public attention due to past relationships.
He was previously linked to Ranjana Jha, who claimed to be his first wife. The matter was resolved legally, and Udit continues to live with Deepa in Mumbai. He enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time with his family.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Deepa Gahatraj |
| Father | Harekrishna Jha |
| Mother | Bhuwaneshwari Devi |
| Children | Aditya Narayan |
| Siblings | Deepa Gahatraj |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Ranjana Jha |
| Significant Relationships | Deepa Gahatraj, Ranjana Jha |
Rise to Stardom
Udit Narayan made his Bollywood debut with the film Unees Bees in 1980. His big break came in 1988 with the song “Papa Kehte Hain” from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. The song became a youth anthem and won him his first Filmfare Award.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Udit became the voice of top Bollywood actors like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar. His songs were featured in blockbuster films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Raja Hindustani, Lagaan, and Swades.
Udit Narayan – Selfie
Udit Narayan – Debut Album – Unees Bees
Udit Narayan – Successful Album / Blockbuster Album – Papa Kehte Hain
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Udit Narayan has sung in over 36 languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Telugu. He has recorded more than 25,000 songs and worked with legendary composers like R. D. Burman, Anu Malik, A. R. Rahman, and Nadeem–Shravan.
He has received:
- 4 National Film Awards
- 5 Filmfare Awards
- Padma Shri (2009)
- Padma Bhushan (2022)
- Lifetime Achievement Awards from multiple organizations
Udit continues to perform in live concerts, appear on TV shows, and support music education.
- Debut with Unees Bees (1980)
- Breakthrough with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
- Over 25,000 songs recorded
- Sung in 36 languages
- Honored with Padma Bhushan
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Playback Singer |
| Debut Album | Unees Bees (1980) |
| Notable Songs | Papa Kehte Hain, Pehla Nasha, Mitwa, Chand Chupa, Jaadu Teri Nazar |
| Recent Albums – New Albums | Golden Voice, Evergreen Hits, Melodic Journey |
| Upcoming Albums | Timeless Melodies, Bollywood Classics |
| Popular Movies | Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, DDLJ, Lagaan, Swades, Raja Hindustani |
| Awards and Achievements | 4 National Awards, 5 Filmfare Awards, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | T-Series, Saregama, Sony Music |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Music Education, Cultural Promotion, Youth Empowerment |
| Professional Association | Indian Music Guild, Playback Singers Forum |
| Training and Education | Tribhuvan University, Classical Training |
| Production Company | Not applicable |
| Blockbuster Success – Hit Albums | DDLJ, Raja Hindustani, Lagaan, Swades |
| Critical Acclaim Album | Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Lagaan, Swades |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $20 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $15K–$25K |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $30K–$50K |
| Sponsorship Deals | T-Series, Saregama, Sony Music |
| Business Ventures | Music Shows, Live Events |
| Investments | Real Estate, Music Royalties |
| Real Estate Holdings | Mumbai Apartment, Nepal Property |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Designer Sarees, Jewelry |
| Cars Collection | Mercedes, BMW, Audi |
Favorite Things, Likes, and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Amitabh Bachchan |
| Favorite Actress | Madhuri Dixit |
| Favorite Film | Lagaan |
| Favorite Music Bands | Beatles, Pentagram |
| Favorite Sport | Cricket |
| Favorite Books | Music Biographies |
| Favorite Colour | Blue |
| Favorite Food | Dal Bhat, Sweets |
| Things s/he like | Singing, Travelling, Reading |
| Things s/he dislike | Dishonesty, Loud Noise, Negativity |
Top 5 Best Songs – Udit Narayan
| Song Name | Year of Release | Album/Movie Name |
|---|---|---|
| Papa Kehte Hain | 1988 | Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak |
| Pehla Nasha | 1992 | Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar |
| Jaadu Teri Nazar | 1993 | Darr |
| Mitwa | 2001 | Lagaan |
| Chand Chupa Badal Mein | 1999 | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
Controversies – Udit Narayan
- Marriage Dispute: Legal controversy over first wife Ranjana Jha.
- Nepal Citizenship Debate: Faced questions about nationality.
- Award Criticism: Some critics questioned Padma Bhushan timing.
- Lip Sync Mishap: Faced backlash for a live performance error.
- Political Comments: Criticized for comments on Indo-Nepal relations.
Interesting Facts – Udit Narayan
- Only singer to win National Awards in three decades.
- First Bollywood singer to perform at UN Headquarters.
- Holds dual identity in India and Nepal.
- Son Aditya Narayan is a TV host and singer.
- Sang for Hollywood film Slumdog Millionaire (background vocals).
- Ranked among top 100 Indian celebrities by Forbes India.
Udit Narayan is more than a Bollywood singer. He is a legend, a melody master, and a cultural icon. His voice has shaped the sound of Indian cinema for generations. Whether you hear him in a movie, see him on TV, or follow him on Instagram, Udit continues to inspire.
