Punjabi-British singer Honey Singh is the latest pop star to give Bollywood a shot by turning into a playback singer with the upcoming movie ‘Mastaan’. The rapper has reportedly charged a whopping Rs 70 lakhs for the song! Moreover, his song ‘Angreji Beat’ from his Album ‘International Villager’ was featured in the movie ‘Cocktail’. We take a look at other pop stars who have had a successful run in Bollywood.
Mika: The powerhouse performer of Bollywood, who is known for such club hits like ‘Tu Mera Hero’, ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’ and ‘Pungi’, among many others, began his career as a solo artist. His blockbuster hit ‘Saawan Mei Lag Gayi’ from the album of the same name brought him to the limelight and he has not looked back since then!
Daler Mehndi: Most of us have danced to Mehndi’s desi Bhangra hits like ‘Bolo Ta Ra Ra’, ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’, ‘Ho Jayegi Balle Balle’, and many others. Daler, who is Mika’s elder brother, was the quintessential ‘baap’ of racy club anthems that had a generation of youngsters grooving to his rhythm. He eventually switched over to playback singing and has given such hits like ‘ Rang De Basanti’ and ‘Zor Ka Jhatka’.
Shaan: The dimpled singer, who has wooed us with his melodious voice and humility, started his music career by cutting albums with his sister Sagarika. His hit single ‘Tanha Dil’ from the album of the same name brought him instant fame. He went onto sing famous hits like ‘Musu Musu Hasi’, ‘Koi Kahe’, and many others. He is currently one of the top singers of Bollywood.
KK: A contemporary of Shaan’s, this Delhi-born singer gave us one of the finest songs on friendship ‘Pal’ from the album of the same name. The soulful singer has won numerous awards for his songs. Some of all time hits include ‘Aankhon Mein Teri’, ‘Tadap Tadap Ke’, ‘Khuda Jaane’ and others.
Alisha Chinai: The ‘Madonna of Bollywood’ is the original pop diva of India, who had the entire nation going crazy over her songs like ‘Made In India’, ‘Lover Girl’, and ‘Zoobi Zoobi’. The throaty singer ventured into movies and found instant fame because of her sexy voice and Madonna-esque attitude. Her film hits include ‘Sexy, Sexy’, ‘Tinka Tinka’, and her career’s highlight ‘Kajra Re’.
Anuskha Manchanda: The winner of a reality singing show, Manchanda started off with her band ‘Viva!’ with songs like ‘Ham Ne Rang Sajaye’ and ‘Jahan Pyaar Ka Ho Mausam’. The sexy singer soon turned to films and has crooned such hits like ‘Golmaal’, ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’ and ‘Mit Jaaye Gum’, among others.
Lucky Ali: He burst onto the music scene with the soothing ‘Oh Sanam’ ‘Gori Teri Aankhen’. Ali, who is comedian Mehmood’s son, is known for his unique voice and nasal twang. He made his Bollywood playback singing mark with many hits like ‘Hairat’, ‘Ahitsta Ahista’ and ‘Aa Bhi Jaa’.
Neha Bhasin: The sultry singer, who was also part of the band ‘Viva!’, started singing for Bollywood with low-budget films and tasted success only with the super hit number ‘Kuch Khaas Hai’ from the movie ‘Fashion’. The flamboyant singer has also sung in South India languages.
Sonu Niigam: Niigam began his star-studded career rather humbly with a virtually unknown album ‘Rafi Ki Yaadein’, which was a mash-up of Rafi’s greatest hits. His first bonafide hit in Bollywood was the song ‘Acha Sila Diya’ from the movie ‘Bewafa Sanam’, which made him a star overnight and had the entire nation craving for a fix of his magical voice.





