Sunidhi Chauhan | |
|---|---|
 Chauhan performing atJawaharlal Nehru Stadium for her I AM HOME Tourc. 2024 | |
| Born | Nidhi Chauhan[1] (1983-08-14)14 August 1983 (age 42) New Delhi, India |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 1 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels | |
Musical artist | |
| Signature | |
 | |
Sunidhi Dushyant Chauhan[2] (pronounced[sʊnɪd̪ʱiːʧɔːɦäːn]; bornNidhi Chauhan, 14 August 1983) is an Indianplayback singer. Known for her boldvocal range,[3] she has recorded songs for films in several Indian languages andreceived accolades including threeFilmfare Awards and aFilmfare Award South. She is considered one of the most versatile singers. She is often praised for her charismatic stage presence andvocal belting ability.
Born inDelhi, she began performing at local gatherings at the age of 5 and made her career debut at the age of 13, with the filmShastra (1996). During the year, she won the first singing reality show titledMeri Awaz Suno and rose to prominence after recording "Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi" fromMast (1999). It won herFilmfare RD Burman Award for New Music Talent and was nominated for theBest Female Playback Singer. She is known for her versatility as a vocalist.[4]
Her second breakthrough was released in 2000, with the song "Mehboob Mere" fromFiza, for which she received another Filmfare nomination. Sunidhi received her third Filmfare nomination with the songDhoom Machale fromDhoom (2004) followed by two more nominations during the next year for "Kaisi Paheli" fromParineeta and "Deedar De" fromDus (2005). In 2006, she was bestowe with her first Filmfare award for her rendition of the song "Beedi" fromOmkara and further two nominations for "Soniye" fromAksar and "Aashiqui Main" from36 China Town.
The following year, Chauhan recorded the title song ofAaja Nachle (2007) and "Sajnaaji Vaari", both critically and commercially well received. Chauhan received her twelfth Filmfare nomination with "Chor Bazaari" ofLove Aaj Kal (2009) preceded by "Dance Pe Chance" fromRab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008). In 2010, she received her second Filmfare award with the item song "Sheila Ki Jawani" (2010) and was nominated for international styled carnival song "Udi" fromGuzaarish (2010). The year marked her International singing debut, where she was featured in an alternate version of the song "Heartbeat" byEnrique Iglesias.
Apart from playback singing, Chauhan has appeared as a judge on several television reality shows and she also appears in music videos. Besides her career in music, she has also been involved in various charities and social causes. She has appeared four times inForbes Celebrity 100 of India (2012–2015).
Sunidhi Chauhan was born on 14 August 1983, in New Delhi, India into aRajput family.[5] Her father, Dushyant Kumar Chauhan, who is fromBulandshahr,Uttar Pradesh, is a theatre personality at theShriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra.[6] Her mother, a homemaker, influenced Chauhan to pursue a career in music.[6] She also has a younger sister.[6] At the age of four, Chauhan started performing at competitions and local gatherings, subsequently convinced by her father's friends to take singing seriously.[5] During that time, she was doing live shows and trained herself with "regular riyaaz by listening to cassettes and CDs of popular numbers".[7]
She did her studies from Greenway Modern School and used to stay with her family members inDilshad Garden, Delhi.[8][9] She discontinued her studies right after schooling to pursue a career in the music industry.[citation needed] She said: "I quit because I did not feel like studying. I made the decision to pursue my dream as a singer and I don't regret it one bit".[10]
When actressTabassum spotted her, she made her sing live in her showTabassum Hit Parade and asked her family to shift toMumbai.[11] She then introduced Chauhan toKalyanji Virji Shah andAnandji Virji Shah.[12] Upon meeting, Kalyanji changed her name from Nidhi to Sunidhi as he felt that it is a lucky name.[1] When she was 11, her dad quit his job and brought her to Mumbai. Initially, the family had financial difficulties in adjusting life to the city. After that she worked in Kalyanji's academy for few years and became the lead singer in his "Little Wonders" troupe.[13] She was then offered many shows, though her father insisted on her singing for films.[5]
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In 1995, Chauhan performed at the40th Filmfare Awards with the group "Little Wonders", when late music directorAadesh Shrivastava heard her and recorded her voice for the film,Shastra.[5] She made her career debut at the age of eleven, with the song "Ladki Deewani Dekho" from the film, alongsideUdit Narayan.[14] During the year, she won the first singing reality show onDD National titledMeri Awaz Suno, where she was honoured with the "Lata Mangeshkar Trophy" for the best female singer of India.[15][16] Besides, she recorded her first solo album,Aira Gaira Nathu Khaira which was ultimately promoted as a children's album.[17] Chauhan then realised her "limitations" and got formal training in classical singing from Gautam Mukherjee.[15] For the next two years, she worked as a background vocalist.[13]
Chauhan met singerSonu Nigam, who recommended her toSandeep Chowta.[18] During the time, Chowta was working as the music director forRam Gopal Varma's filmMast (1999).[19] Within two weeks' time, Chauhan was signed to lend her voice for the film's song where she recorded the title track along with "Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi" and "Suna Tha".[20] For the song "Ruki Ruki Si", she won theRD Burman award, at the AnnualFilmfare awards, and was nominated for theBest Female Playback Singer, at the same ceremony.[21] By the end of the year, she worked withAnand–Milind forJaanwar and with Shrivastava for two films:Dahek andBade Dilwala.[22]
Chauhan's second breakthrough was released in 2000, where she collaborated with composer-singerAnu Malik, for the song "Mehboob Mere" fromFiza which was picturised onSushmita Sen.[23] She considered the track that came to her the "most naturally", as recording of the song was completed in 15 minutes.[18] Chauhan received another Filmfare nomination for Best Female Playback Singer for "Mehboob Mere".[24] She was also heard inShankar–Ehsaan–Loy-composed folksy flavoured "Bumbro" fromMission Kashmir, which was promoted from being a "background song into the foreground" because of "its beauty".[25] The director of the film,Vidhu Vinod Chopra, wanted an innocent voice for the song when he roped Chauhan to sing forPreity Zinta.[25] According to Chopra, "Chauhan could sound very girlish. So she sang the song with that slightly broken voice."[25]
In 2001, Chauhan was featured in four tracks from the album ofAjnabee. Mandeep Bhara of PlanetBollywood described her rendition ofAdnan Sami-duet "Mehbooba Mehbooba" as effortless, when talking about herKumar Sanu-duet "Meri Zindagi Mein Ajnabee" he said "Sunidhi Chauhan adds pure electricity to the song with her sizzling rendition leaving Kumar Sanu struggling to make an impact".[26] Both the songs were highly successful and highlighted Chauhan's versatility. "Meri Zindagi Mein Ajnabee" was her first romantic song.[27] She credited Malik for playing a major role in her "evolution", as he "fought" with the producers to give her the songs, because of that she was "accepted in typical heroines romantic numbers".[11] She then lent her voice for "Ek Baar Pyar" forAnand Raj Anand and "Yeh Kaisa Ehsaas Hai" forMilind Sagar; both fromEhsaas: The Feeling (2001) and a duet with Nigam.[28] Besides, she was heard in Malik'sYaadein; "Alaap", "Jab Dil Miley" and "Yaadein Yaad Aati Hain" were critically acclaimed.[29]
Chauhan collaborated with Malik for four films during the year 2002. Apart from the title track, she performed three other songs; "Maine To Khai Kasam", "More Sawariya" and "Ya Habibi" for the filmAwara Paagal Deewana.[30] During the year, she teamed up withIsmail Darbar for the first time and released the song "Ai Ajnabi" fromDeewangee which she described as her most difficult song.[18] Apart from featuring in the soundtrack album ofHimesh Reshammiya's filmHumraaz, Chauhan worked withM.M. Kreem forSur – The Melody of Life, where she performed "Aa Bhi Ja" and "Dil Mein Jaagi Dhadkan Aise"; which she considered "hummable" and different from her "usual style".[31][18] According to critic Priyanka Bhattacharya, "Chauhan's matured rendition surprises in the second half of "Aa Bhi Ja" and mentioned that other track is also "equally good".[31]
Chauhan made her second screen appearance in 2003 withRam Gopal Varma-directedBhoot, where she was featured in the promotional music video of "Bhoot Hoon Main", composed bySalim–Sulaiman.[32] According to Malik, he roped in Chauhan to playback forKareena Kapoor in two song ofMain Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, since "Chauhan came in for the passion, as she understands [him] in such songs".[33][34] She later worked with him for the song "Dekh Le" fromMunna Bhai M.B.B.S..[35] In 2004, she collaborated withSandesh Shandilya forChameli.[36] Chameli was a significant album in Chauhan's career as she sang all tracks for the album, out of which Chauhan received most recognition with the songs "Bhaage Re Mann" and "Sajna Ve Sajna". Her higher octave "carefree delivery" of the former was appreciated by the critics while she chose the latter as her "personal favorite" song in her career.[37][38]
Chauhan received her third Filmfare nomination for Best Female Playback Singer for the song "Dhoom Machaale" fromDhoom (2004), which was a critical and commercial success.[21] Besides, Chauhan performed four tracks forGarv, composed by Sajid–Wajid.[39] However, music critics labelled her "stereotyped" and noted that "all her songs sound alike".[39] Also, "Saiyan" fromGarv is "no different" fromA.R. Rahman-composed "Saiyyan" ofNayak (2001).[39] One of the dance numbers released during the year was "Aisa Jadoo" fromKhakee composed byRam Sampath, followed by "Ishq Kabhi Kario Na" and "Saaki" fromMusafir.[40][41] Reportedly, Sampath asked Chauhan to stand two feet away from the mike while recording the song "Aisa Jadoo", as the "equipment couldn't handle her pumped-up voice throw."[42] In her review ofMusafir, Verma wrote: "Chauhan's husky vocals do complete justice to "Ishq Kabhi Kario Na" by adding just the right amount of sauciness and oomph."[43]
2005, marked the first collaboration of Chauhan with composerShantanu Moitra where she recorded "Aao Nee Kudiyon" for7½ Phere and the seductive track "Kaisi Paheli Zindagani" forParineeta.[44] Sahaya Ranjit fromIndia Today called her voice a "westernised edge" and "sensuous texture" with a jazz influence in her rendition.[45] Apart from recording the Rajasthani folk influenced "Phir Raat Kati" inPaheli, alongsideSukhwinder Singh, she was heard in a slow pace club number "Jadoo" fromPadmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav.[46][47] During the year, she performed withAbhishek Bachchan in Vishal-Shekhar's composition, "Right Here Right Now" fromBluffmaster!.[48] She worked with Vishal-Shekhar in few other compositions includingDus (2005) andShabd (2005).[49] She was heard in "Chahaton Ka Silsila"—duet with Kumar Sanu, "Khoya Khoya"—duet with Sonu Nigam and "Sholon Si"—duet with Vishal Dadlani, fromShabd.[50] Chauhan received two more Filmfare award nominations for her rendition of the song "Deedar De" fromDus and "Kaisi Paheli Zindagani" ofParineeta.[51] Apparently, Sonu Nigam picked her as the most outstanding voice of 2005, for her rendition of those songs.[52]
Chauhan was bestowed with her first filmfare award for her rendition of the song "Beedi Jalaile" fromOmkara (2006).[53] The song being a critical and commercial success,Bipasha Basu—who was featured in the song—said: "Sunidhi is a goddess. Her singing is so powerful. She added another dimension to my dancing".[54] She received further two nominations during the year for "Soniye" fromAksar and "Aashiqui Main"36 China Town.[55] Apart from the latter, she worked withHimesh Reshammiya in ten other films. Songs like "Keh Do Naa" and "Meethi Meethi Baataan" fromAap Ki Khatir, along with "Ishq Kiya Kiya" and "Let's Rock" fromAnthony Kaun Hai? were moderately received by the critics.[56][57] Chauhan made her third screen appearance with the promotional song "Dheemey Dheemey" fromBas Ek Pal, along withKK.[58] She performed with him for two other tracks, "Ashq Bhi" and "Hai Ishq Ye Kya Ek Khata" for the film, where all the songs were critically favoured.[58][59]Komal Nahta wrote: "Sunidhi Chauhan and KK have sung brilliantly throughout the album. They have modified their style to convey the feel and emotion of every song".[58]
Chauhan's collaboration with Pritam during the year was appreciated by the music critics. Her rendition of "Tere Bin", "Aa Kushi Se Khud Kushi Karle" and Opera-style singing of "Afreen" was well received.[60][61] Besides, their work in "Crazy Kiya Re" ofDhoom 2 was widely acclaimed, howeverGangster's "Lamha Lamha" was labelled as a "romantic irritant" song by Rediff.com.[62][63] During the year, she performed her only duet withShreya Ghoshal—though they have contributed in multi-singer songs together—with theSalim–Sulaiman's composition, "Imaan Ka Asar" fromDor.[11] Apart from rendering two soft tracks, "Mere Haath Mein" and "Dekho Na" forJatin–Lalit composedFanaa, Chauhan voiced for the remixed track of "Yeh Mera Dil" which was originally sung byAsha Bhosle.[64][65][66] According to Rediff.com; "The usually confident Sunidhi Chauhan appears to be conscious of inevitable comparisons to Asha Bhosle's version of the same".[67] The song was met with mixed reactions; some people considered her voice more huskier than it requires, while other complimented her vocals.[68] However, she personally felt that the song would sound much better if she had "sung the song on a higher note".[68] Moreover, she also performed the English language song "Reach Out" at theopening ceremony of the 2006 Asian Games at Doha.[69]
In 2007, Chauhan lent her voice forMadhuri Dixit in her comeback filmAaja Nachle, where she rendered "Soniye Mil Ja" along withSukhwinder Singh and "Koi Patthar Se Naa Maare" alongside Nigam and Ghoshal, apart from the title track.[70] In spite of rendering the title track for Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composedJhoom Barabar Jhoom, Chauhan lent her voice forShantanu Moitra inLaaga Chunari Mein Daag, where she performed "Hum To Aise Hain" along with Ghoshal which also hadSwanand Kirkire and Pranab Biswas lending supporting vocals.[71][72] In a review from Rediff.com,Raja Sen wrote; "The two-sister song works, from moustache-and-cow similes to paan spits to a fantastic 3–2–1–2–7–2 count, the female vocalists doing the upbeat words justice".[73] However, he found "Kachchi Kaliyaan" from the same film less appealing with its "bad remix background" though praised Chauhan, Ghoshal, KK and Nigam for giving the song the "required vim".[73] Besides, she recorded the soft romantic melody song "Hey Shona" for Vishal-Shekhar for whom she performed "Pyaar Ki Yeh Kahani" and "Sajnaaji Vaari Vaari" fromHoneymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., which resulted in another Filmfare nomination along with "Aaja Nachle".[74][75]
Chauhan received her eleventh Filmfare nomination for Best Playback Singer Award with Salim–Sulaiman's composition, "Dance Pe Chance" fromRab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008).[76] Apart from rendering the club dance song "Lucky Boy" from Vishal-Shekhar'sBachna Ae Haseeno, Chauhan provided vocals for "Dekho Nashe Mein", "Mujh Pe Jadoo", "Race Saason Ki" and its "high-on-English lyrics" version titled "Race Is on My Mind" for Pritam-composedRace, which were equally well received for its energy on vocals and composition.[77][78] Another release of the year, "Desi Girl" fromDostana was a commercial success.[79][80] She later worked with Vishal Bhardwaj forU Me Aur Hum, where she recorded both "Phatte" and "Saiyaan" along withAdnan Sami.[81] Besides, Chauhan dubbed for Kareena Kapoor with her "husky vocals" in the song "Chhaliya" and "Dil Dance Maare", included in the soundtrack album ofTashan.[82]
2009 marks Chauhan's second collaboration withIlaiyaraaja by singing "Batla De Koyi" fromChal Chalein and "Hichki Hichki" fromPaa. In a review of the latter bySify, they considered it a "situational number that does not impress too much".[83] During the year, Chauhan received critical acclaim with the Vishal Bhardwaj-composed "Raat Ke Dhai Baje" fromKaminey for having a "seamless" transition of alternating voices by Chauhan and co-singerRekha Bhardwaj.[84][85] Along with "Gazab" fromAa Dekhen Zara, Chauhan worked with Pritam inDil Bole Hadippa! and performed the club song "Hotty Naughty" forDe Dana Dan.[86] Despite the positive response received for songs like "Chor Bazaari" fromLove Aaj Kal, Chauhan was criticised for her pronunciation in the title track ofKambakkht Ishq, composed by Anu Malik.[87] Chauhan received another Filmfare nomination for the former. During the year, she also worked with Sajid–Wajid for filmsMain Aurr Mrs Khanna andWanted where she performed both "Happening" and "Mrs. Khanna" for the former and both "Ishq Vishq" and "Tose Pyar Karte Hain" for the latter.[88][89]
2010 marked Chauhan's international singing debut, where she featured in an alternate version of the song "Heartbeat" titled as "Heartbeat (India Mix)" alongside Spanish recording artistEnrique Iglesias, included on a Special Indian Edition ofEuphoria.[90][91][92] During the year, she performed aholi number, "Chhan Ke Mohalla" fromAction Replayy and a fast-paced Punjabi flavoured dance number "Ainvayi Ainvayi" fromBand Baaja Baaraat.[93][94] The year marked her only collaboration withSanjay Leela Bhansali, where she recorded the international styled carnival song "Udi" fromGuzaarish. Complimenting her "fiery" vocals in the song, Sukanya Verma wrote: "Sunidhi Chauhan aims to burn the floor with her fiery, spunky performance in Udi".[95] She was also part of the soundtrack albumHousefull, where she performed "Aapka Kya Hoga (Dhanno)" and "I Don't Know What To Do" in her usual "sensuous voice".[96] Apart from recording the title track and "Sanu Guzra Zamana" for Reshammiya'sKajraare, Chauhan was heard in Pritam's cabaret number "Parda" fromOnce Upon a Time in Mumbaai which has influences of "Piya Tu" and "Duniya Mein" while brought in an improvised "true retro feel".[97][98]
During the year, Chauhan collaborated with Vishal-Shekhar for three projects;Break Ke Baad,I Hate Luv Storys andTees Maar Khan. Both the songs, "Bin Tere" fromI Hate Luv Storys and "Sheila Ki Jawani" fromTees Maar Khan were commercial success and were included inThe Express Tribune's "Top 10 Bollywood songs of 2010".[99] Described as the "hottest item song of the year", the song along with its crew faced a controversy over the "raunchy" lyrics, though Chauhan felt that the "song has been written in sync with the storyline of the film and does not intend to hurt the female sentiments".[100] She won her second Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer for "Sheila Ki Jawani" and was nominated in the same category for "Udi".[101][102] During the year, she appeared as a judge alongsideAnu Malik andSalim Merchant in the 5th season of the Indian television music competition,Indian Idol.[103] Along with ten other artists, she performed a 30-minute segment titled theUniversal Music of Love comprised Sufi, folk, Indipop and world music performances during the2010 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.[104][105]
In 2011, Chauhan collaborated with Pritam for four films, out of which she was praised for her rendition of the slow-paced track "Te Amo" fromDum Maaro Dum.[106] Her performance inSangeet-Siddharth composed sensuous club song "Aa Zara" fromMurder 2 was widely acclaimed both critically and commercially.[107] The year marked her first collaboration with her husband Hitesh Sonik with the song "Tu" fromMy Friend Pinto.[108] Besides, she recorded the Sufi inflected love ballad "Ishq Sufiyana" and the disco nightclub song "Honeymoon Ki Raat", for Vishal-Shekhar'sThe Dirty Picture.[109] Complimenting her vocal range and flexibility, Verma wrote: "To Sunidhi's credit, she imbues her brand of spice and spunk toRajat Arora's [...] lines without making it in-your-face".[110]
In 2012, Chauhan appeared as a judge for the second time with the 6th season ofIndian Idol.[111][112] She teamed up withAmit Trivedi for thelavani track "Sava Dollar" fromAiyyaa, where her "boisterous and bouncy voice" was praised along with herMarathi accent.[113] The duo also worked with another Marathi styled song "Navrai Majhi" forSridevi's comeback film,English Vinglish, followed by the energetic "Chokra Jawaan" fromIshaqzaade.[114][115] She worked withAjay–Atul by recording "Gun Gun Guna" fromAgneepath along withUdit Narayan.[116] Two of the other well received songs were recorded with Pritam; "Kyon" fromBarfi! and "Yaariyan" fromCocktail, performed withPapon for the former andArijit Singh for the latter.[117][118] Besides, Chauhan performed some item songs during the year, including songs like "Halkat Jawani", "Kafirana", "The Disco Song" and "Laila". While reviewing the soundtrack album ofHeroine,NDTV wrote: "Chauhan, the queen of item songs, is flawless [in the song "Halkat Jawani"]. The way she croons Aaja in the beginning is simply mind-blowing".[119] Besides she provided her voice to the character of Sita in the animated filmSons of Ram.[120]
Chauhan collaborated with the Pakistani bandJunoon and sung songs like "Galiyan Galiyan Husan Diyaan" forMohabbataan Sachiyaan (2007), "Aap Dil Ke Anjuman Mein" and "Dil Dharke Main Tum Se" forAnjuman (2013), which brought her fame and recognition in the country.[121] She was part of the song "Apna Bombay Talkies" fromBombay Talkies which celebrated the 100th year ofIndian cinema.[122] In the song, the singers recorded for actors whom they generally do the playback singing, and Chauhan dubbed forPriyanka Chopra.[123] She performed a high pitched rendition of the energetic "Tu Hi Khwahish" forOnce Upon Ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara! which was the counterpart of "Parda" from the prequel.[124] She again worked with Pritam for performing the reprise version of "Janam Janam" ofPhata Poster Nikhla Hero and "Mat Maari" forR... Rajkumar where Rajiv Vijayakar of Bollywood Hungama appraised Chauhan for "dominating" the song.[125]
During the year, Chauhan voiced forSonakshi Sinha—who expressed her interest to dub for Chauhan in a reality show—for the first time for the disco song "Thank God It's Friday" fromHimmatwala composed bySachin–Jigar.[126][127] She recorded another track "Dhoka Dhoka" for the same film, composed by Sajid–Wajid, performed along withMamta Sharma.[128] The song was tagged as, when "Munni and Sheila" joins together, since the former was performed by Sharma and latter by Chauhan during the year 2010 and shared the Filmfare trophy for their respective songs.[128] Chauhan teamed up withAnu Malik for performing retro club songs "Aala Re Aala", "Ek Din Ke Liye" and "Babli Badmaash" forShootout at Wadala which NDTV mentioned that she is an "expert" in crooning such songs.[129][130] Another track composed by Pritam and performed along with Arijit Singh was met with mixed response with the music critics, where Mohar Basu from Koimoi thought Chauhan's "unsurpassable energy" fails in the song along with other factors.[131] The year marks her ever collaboration withAtif Aslam where the duo recorded the mellow track "Be Intehaan" forRace 2.[132] Chauhan made her debut in the domain ofRabindra Sangeet for the albumTagore & We – 2, where she recorded four tracks for the album.[133]
Chauhan's first release of 2014 was the Vishal-Shekhar composed "Punjabi Wedding Song" fromHasee Toh Phasee, which was a duet withBenny Dayal.[134] The "foot-tapping number" became popular at weddings that were scheduled soon after the film.[135] She was next heard in Rahman's traditional tuned "Tu Kuja" fromHighway. According toThe Times of India, "Though a devotional number, Chauhan's voice mixed with the music creates a very Western effect" to the song.[136] Apart from rendering Hitesh Sonik-composed "Ghoom Gayi" included in the albumHawaa Hawaai, She made an on-screen appearance in its music promotional video.[137][138] Moreover, Chauhan performed the "Mardaani Anthem" fromMardaani which was about women empowerment.[139] During the year, she recorded the track "Adhure" fromMary Kom sung in her "gentle", "soft" voice.[140] Apart from rendering "Qawali and rock fused" title track ofDaawat-e-Ishq along withJaved Ali, she collaborated with Vishal-Shekhar again forHappy New Year's "Dance Like a Chammiya".[141][142] She then made her second appearance in a music video, titled "Baal Khade" fromKhoobsurat, along with composerSneha Khanwalkar andSonam Kapoor.[143] She also lent her voice for the recreated version of Rajasthani folk song "Engine Ki Seeti" from the film.[144] Apart from Bollywood films, Chauhan lent her voice to the title track of the romantic thriller TV seriesEk Hasina Thi.[145]
Chauhan's first release of 2015 was Sajid–Wajid's Punjabi peppy track "Phatte Tak Nachna" fromDolly Ki Doli, which was recorded in one and a half-hour.[146][13] She also performed a Jazz style number, "Girls Like To Swing" for Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy inDil Dhadakne Do, which Chauhan considered as a type of song that she has not "attempted before".[147]The Indian Express appraised how Chauhan "crooned her lungs out" and "fitting the vocals in difficult structures" by not missing "even a quarter of a beat".[148] Moreover, Chauhan recorded the title track ofPiku where Surabhi Redkar from Koimoi felt that her "gifted bright voice" failed to "upbeat feel" of the song.[149]
Apart from rendering the song "Janib" fromDilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend along withArijit Singh in the duet version,[150] she recordedKrsna Solo-composed "Move On" fromTanu Weds Manu Returns whichIndia West labelled Chauhan as "brilliant", though Redkar from Koimoi was "surprised" how Chauhan had no problems singing a song that "seems like a blatant copy of her other song", "Bol Beliya" fromKill Dil.[151][152] Chauhan represented India at the 2015Global Citizen Festival in New York City, where she performed on the stage alongsideColdplay,Pearl Jam,Beyoncé and others.[153]
In 2016, Chauhan worked with Trivedi in two films;Fitoor andDear Zindagi. "Ranga Re" performed alongside Trivedi and "Tere Liye", a duet withJubin Nautiyal from the former were applauded for its arrangements and vocals.[154] Complimenting her "restrained vocals" in the album, Swetha Ramakrishnan reviewing fromFirstpost wrote: "Tere Liye is a loud cry to music directors to use Chauhan in such songs, because she sounds absolutely fantastic when she holds back a tad bit".[155] She continued to gain critical praise as she sang with "easy switches from desolation to angst around the title refrain" for the song "Just Go To Hell Dil" fromDear Zindagi.[156] She performed the songs "Aisa Kyun Maa" fromNeerja which was well received due to its theme; portrayal of love between a mother and daughter.[157][158] Apart from recording the track "Lamhon Ke Rasgulle" forClinton Cerejo-composedKahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh, she sang "Titliyan" fromRocky Handsome in 1950s cabaret style.[159][160] Among all her releases, she pickedMithoon-composed "Darkhaast" fromShivaay and Vishal–Shekhar's "Je t'aime" fromBefikre as her personal favourite tracks of the year.[161] In the year, she made her acting debut with Arif Ali-directed urban thriller short film,Playing Priya in which she played the role of an urban housewife.[162] Film critics were generally disappointed with the film but particularly praised Chauhan's performance; Namrata Thakker of Rediff.com noted, "[She] is quite impressive, as she doesn't have too many dialogues, and yet manages to convey her feelings through her expressions".[163]
In January 2017,Vishal Bhardwaj released two songs of Chauhan; "Bloody Hell" and "Tippa", recorded for the soundtrack album ofRangoon. Her rendition for both the tracks met with positive response from critics; Redkar from Koimoi noted, "Chauhan brings life into this song with her vocals as she croons it with the requirednakhra".[164] Ashwin Vinayan ofDeccan Herald picked "Tippa"—performed withSukhwinder Singh andRekha Bhardwaj—as "one of the classiest multi-star efforts in recent Bollywood music memory".[165] In spite of rendering the song, she also made a special appearance in "Bloody Hell".[166] She was next heard in aRochak Kohli composition; "Zinda" fromNaam Shabana.[167] She contributed to the album ofJab Harry Met Sejal by performing "Radha" withShahid Mallya and "Butterfly" alongsideAman Trikha,Nooran Sisters andDev Negi. Both songs met with mixed reception from critics; Vipin Nair ofThe Hindu appreciated Chauhan's rendition of "Radha" while criticising "Butterfly" as a "noisy mishmash".[168] She was next heard in a duet with Sukhwinder Singh; "Bakheda" fromToilet: Ek Prem Katha. Debarati Sen fromThe Times of India admired the track and praised her for bringing "the playful and folksy romance alive" with her rendition.[169] Sen was equally pleased with her "slow and soulful" rendition of Sachin–Jigar composed "Pinjra Tod Ke" fromSimran.[170] Also, she recorded the anthem of2017 AIBA World Boxing Championships, a song mix of Hindi, English andAssamese lyrics blended with arap performed by her.[171][172]
Chauhan possesses ahigh octave vocal range,[3] and has the ability to reach lower octaves and dropping notes with transition.[173]The Indian Express described her as asoprano, though criticising her "high-pitched non-falsetto voice because of the "squeakiness it acquires while belting out those notes".[174]Lata Mangeshkar who described Chauhan's vocals as "different" from her contemporary, mentioned that her voice will not suit musical style oflori.[175] LyricistPrasoon Joshi described Chauhan as an effervescent and soulful singer who can lend her voice to any situation.[176] DirectorRam Gopal Varma calling her an extraordinary talent, said "I think it’s the various facets of her personality, that is so full of life and energy, which come through in a musical way in her diverse songs".[176] Chauhan has the ability to change her tonal quality with a lot of ease and charisma.[177] According to Rajani Kanikar, she has a "powerful" and "husky" voice which she attributes to her father.[178][13] Music composerAmit Trivedi considers Chauhan to be the most versatile female singer afterAsha Bhosle who is good with all the genres.[179] She feels that her vocals structure suits onPriyanka Chopra,Katrina Kaif,Kajol,Parineeti Chopra andUrmila Matondkar the most.[7] According toThe Daily Star, "be it a soft classical-like piece or an operatic pitch, Chauhan is spectacular with her vocals".[173] Though she has performs in high-pitched vocals songs, she is known for her "deeper pitched voice", on which Ajay Gehlawat wrote: "Chauhan's deeper timbre replaces Asha Bhosle's higher pitched vocals" in the song "Yeh Mera Dil", ensuring such "fuller female timbres become more commonplace' to a decidedly more forceful and sensual sounds".[180][181] Ganesh Anantharaman in his bookBollywood Melodies: A History of the Hindi Film Song wrote that Chauhan has a "good, expressive" voice but she crafted a particular image for herself as the singer of fast, racy songs.[182]
The Times of India considered her voice as the "liveliest voice in Bollywood".[17] According to MensXP.com, "her voice is orgasmic and extremely fierce. While singing a certain stanza, she gets into the mood so deeply, her voice breaks into a passionate squeal as she strikes a high note".[183] In an interview, classical musicianRahul Sharma said, "Chauhan's voice has an element of sensuality which [is] also very versatile and I admire the quality of her voice and the kind of emotions she can bring out".[184]
Chauhan's music contains elements of pop, hip hop and R&B.[185] Music composerSandeep Chowta while talking about the singer said "She is a brilliant singer with a wide range and an individual style. She does not copy anyone. She knows what she’s doing and is in total control. She’s not just a singer, she’s also a musician".[176] Chauhan has said that her audience feels more comfortable in hearing her singing item songs and she made her "name because of that genre".[186] The perception of singing only item songs was "broken" when Chauhan performed the romantic song, "Meri Zindagi Mein" forAnu Malik which was then followed by songs fromChameli andFanaa.[186] However, Chauhan declared that she "dislikes" tagging songs as item numbers and "they are treated specially, they have extra attention and they are picturised in a special way. So, I like being associated to any special song".[107][187]
Describing her singing style, Chauhan said; "I have no particular style; instead I only go with the music and the lyrics, and feel free to express my emotions through singing".[188] Though her singing style has a strong western influences, she has recorded some semi-classical songs in her career, including songs fromRang Rasiya.[189] She has not performed any classical songs or aghazal and has expressed her interest on releasing a ghazal album.[189][190] Though known for her high pitch renditions, she personally prefers soft and soothing songs.[191] Believing that singing all kinds of songs makes her grow as a musician she revealed that her "weakness remains for soft melodies".[192] "Even on live shows, I first sing my fast numbers to get the audience into the groove. But once they are happy with their favorite numbers, I switch on to slow scores".[192]
Chauhan's live rendition of songs is praised by the viewers for her power and energy. A newspaper published in the United Arab Emirates,The National wrote: "From flitting between fast and slow songs, to playing with the tempos and notes of the songs she sang, she didn't stick to the original format of any number".[193]
Chauhan was introduced to music by her father and credits her "powerful" voice to him.[6] She acknowledges that western music had a huge impact in her singing and confessed that she likes to perform "songs that have a western flavour in them".[194] Believing that her voice has a "global appeal", she feels that her exposure to international music has only "sharpened" her skills while she does not forcefully tries to imply a western feel to the song.[195] She considersLata Mangeshkar as her biggest inspiration, calling her "a temple of music".[196][197] She grew up listening to music by Mangeshkar andAsha Bhosle and is equally influenced by singers likeKavita Krishnamurthy,Sadhana Sargam,K.S.Chithra,Alka Yagnik,Kishori Amonkar,Kishore Kumar andManna Dey.[191][198]
Sonu Nigam who helped her get her first break in the industry was named as one of the biggest influences in shaping her career along with her parents and she described him as a "catalyst to fuel my career".[15][199] She was mainly compared with her contemporary singerShreya Ghoshal for which Chauhan stated, "I am contented to have my own area in the current music world. Likewise, Shreya Ghoshal has her own. I personally respect Shreya for her talents and nice songs, whom people consider as a threat to me".[15] Moreover, Chauhan's versatility is compared with Bhosle, where she described Bhosle as a "singing institution", whereas, Chauhan is like a "student to her".[15]
Chauhan has also been influenced by many artists outside the country likeBeyoncé,Michael Jackson,Mariah Carey,[200]Celine Dion[201] andWhitney Houston.[202][9] According to Chauhan, she started listening English songs after she turned 11, and she grew up listening to "Always Be My Baby" by Carey.[203] Chauhan who admires the work ofShakira was keen to be part of theIndian version ofThe Voice, since she served as a coach on theAmerican version of the show.[204]
Known for experimenting with her style and image, Chauhan's music and fashion sense are noted by the media.[205] In 2010, while she appeared a judge in theIndian Idol (Season 5), her look was discussed in the media;Rediff.com considered her wardrobe sense a "real shame" considering that she is "young", "slim" and "pretty".[206] However,Mid-Day praised her style in the show for "dressing in normal clothes" while compared to other judges, though they mentioned that "her hairstyle changes too often for our liking".[207] Prior toIndian Idol, Chauhan's face was not so familiar with the public and according to her, people imagined her to be a "30 to 40 years old woman in a sari", while she is "dressed casually in denims and a tee".[208] Reportedly, during a concert in Kolkata, the local people did not recognise her when she entered the venue, until the host introduced her to them.[208]
After Chauhan got married in 2012, she had put on weight of about 20 kg.[209][6] During the time, she was getting breathless on stage and wanted to get fit, as she had to perform at concerts and regular shows.[6] Besides, she likes "glamorous" outfits which she feels uncomfortable wearing with too much weight.[210] She then followed a strict diet and regularly went to gym or for jogging.[6][211] She knocked off 12 kg by jogging and working out.[18] Post a hairdo in 2014, she worked on her wardrobe and chose a trendy image to "open up" to the fashion.[18] She appeared onThe Voice after the weight loss,[212] though clarified that "losing weight was not intentional. Neither was it forThe Voice India. It's just that one day I decided that I need to go to gym and eat a healthy diet".[213]
In 2012, Chauhan appeared in theForbes Celebrity 100, a list based on income and popularity of India's celebrities. She was listed at the seventy-second spot in 2012, fifty-eighth spot in 2013, fifty-sixth spot in 2014, sixtieth spot in 2015.[214][215][216][217] In 2013, Chauhan appeared in the list of "World's Sexiest Asian Woman" byFHM India at the twenty-eighth position,[218] and was named the "Hottest Female Bollywood Lead Singer" by MensXP.com.[219] Chauhan was selected in the list of "Top 5 Celeb100 Singers and Musicians" compiled byForbes India.[220] She was also voted as Bollywood's most favourite Female Playback Singer in the "Vuclip Icons of the Year 2012" mobile survey.[221] Apart from public appearances, Chauhan began to use social media to respond directly to her fans. She opened a Twitter account in 2010, and use a Facebook Fan page both manage by herself.[222] She was included at the twenty-second position of the "50 Most Influential Indians on Social Media", a list created by taking account of number of followers on Facebook and Twitter.[223]
Chauhan's work has received praise from several artists.Lata Mangeshkar called her the "Numero Uno" singer of the generation, and said: "Sunidhi can sing all kinds of songs. And her voice and style have all the elements that Gen- Now hankers after."[224]Asha Bhosle,[225]Alka Yagnik,[226]Kavita Krishnamurthy,[227] andUsha Uthup[228] picked Chauhan as one of the best female singers from the generation.Manna Dey,Amjad Ali Khan,Bombay Jayashri,[229]Kavita Seth,[230] andRahat Fateh Ali Khan[231] praised the musical abilities of Chauhan.[232][233][234] Ghoshal, who is considered as the toughest competition to Chauhan, complimented her professionalism and said; "When we are in the studios, we chat and talk. I respect her as an artist and she does too."[235]Alisha Chinai remarked; "Chauhan works hard on her voice and has good technique."[236]
Naming Chauhan as her most favourite singer,Shalmali Kholgade found her musical skills "utterly" inspirational.[237]Shaan (singer) confessing to being a massive fan of Sunidhi and said "She is just amazing" and loves to see Sunidhi singing live.[238]Papon called her a "versatile vocalist" and complimented how she "brings life into any kind of song".[239] British Indian rapperHard Kaur affirmed that Chauhan as a person is as "good as her voice".[240] ComposerShantanu Moitra perceived that Chauhan is an artist who would "excel in any time and age".[241]Mika Singh stated that "Chauhan serves as a role model for the youngsters".[242] SingerShibani Kashyap remarked that Chauhan is a fabulous singer who "can sing all types of songs with the same ease".[243] SingerHimani Kapoor considers Chauhan her Idol "because of the range she sings in".[244] SingerMonali Thakur admitting to be a huge fan of Chauhan has said that "she has always really admired the singer".[245] Director and ComposerVishal Bhardwaj considers Chauhan as his favourite singer that he wants to make more music for.[246]Prakriti Kakar,[citation needed]Aditi Singh Sharma mentioned Chauhan as an inspiration for herself.[247]Aastha Gill considers Chauhan her ultimate Idol and "loves the texture of her voice".[248]Neha Bhasin credited Chauhan for bringing the "much-needed" change in the music industry.[249]Shilpa Rao also credited Chauhan for paving the path for original, unique, and different voices and said, "You are the pioneer and many of us wouldn't be on music records if it weren't for you to change the scene".[250]Sonu Nigam has said that the industry calls Chauhan his female version.[251] Chauhan's work has been praised byShefali Alvares,[252]Ankit Tiwari,[253]Neha Kakkar,[254]Richa Sharma,[255]Amit Mishra,[256]Jonita Gandhi,[257]Vaishali Mhade,[258]Sukhwinder Singh,[259]Kaushiki Chakraborty,[260]Pawni Pandey,[261]Shashaa Tirupati,[262]A. R. Rahman,[263]Amit Trivedi,[179] andRaghav Sachar.[264]
Chauhan also received praise from many actors includingBipasha Basu andAmrita Rao.[265][266] Chauhan was named as one of the singersPriyanka Chopra looks up to.[267] Actor-directorFarhan Akhtar named Chauhan as his favourite singer and said that he "loves her voice and admires how she adapts herself to different kinds of songs.[268]Ram Gopal Varma confessed that, he "truly sincerity honestly" thinks Chauhan is the "greatest singer in the world".[269]
Besides her career in music, Chauhan has also contributed to various charities. She is associated with social causes like working for the underprivileged children, where she performed charity shows, donating money and buying clothes.[7]
In 2005, along with sixteen other artists, she recorded a single titled "Zindagi Pukaarti Hai" to raise money for the victims of the2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.[270] Performed atScreen Awards on 18 January 2005, the song was released as a cassette and a CD where the proceeds from sales were given to the victims.[271] She was also involved with fundraising events for charities involved in the disaster clean-up operation.[272] In 2006, she performed a concert held inTrafalgar Square to markInternational Widows Day and start a charity to educate the children of poor widows in India.[273] Besides, she performed in a musical show along with singers such asSuresh Wadkar andKK which helped to raise₹15 million (US$180,000) through sponsorships and donations in order to open a home for senior citizens from all castes and communities.[274] She also hosted the global campaign, "World of Betters" in Mumbai which was launched byAlicia Keys.[275] She has also assisted in raising funds for the "Save Our Tigers" campaign, initiated byAmitabh Bachchan.[276]
In October 2014, Chauhan was featured in a musical concert to raise awareness and funds for eye donations.[277][278] During the following month, she also performed inYuvraj Singh's social initiativeYouWeCan, which aims to fight cancer by spreading awareness about the disease.[279] Chauhan also lent her voice for a music video ofJohn Lennon's "Imagine".[280] The video was created as part of a global campaign byUNICEF to celebrate the 25th anniversary of theConvention on the Rights of the Child.[281] In September 2015, Chauhan represented India at the 2015Global Citizen Festival, an annual music festival created to mark the establishment of the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a "to-do list" of 17 tasks to end extreme global poverty by 2030.[282][283] It was followed by a fundraiser concert featuring Chauhan which was dedicated in raising funds to promote breast and ovarian cancer research and awareness.[284] In October 2017, Chauhan participated in a campaign to promote breast cancer awareness.[285]
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In 2002, at the age of 18, Chauhan married director and choreographer Bobby Khan (brother of choreographer and directorAhmed Khan) after working on the music video,Pehla Nasha.[286][287] It was reported that the couple married in a secretly arranged ceremony, attended only by very close friends.[288] However, the marriage caused a rift between Sunidhi and her parents, who considered the union "unsuitable" and consequently disowned her.[6][289][290] Despite that, she and Khan separated a year later, bringing about a reconciliation with her parents.[291] She lived with actorAnnu Kapoor and his wife Arunita during the separation, filed for divorce the same year, citing that she had realised that they "wanted different things from life".[292][288]
Later, Chauhan began a romantic relationship with the music composer Hitesh Sonik whom she was friends with, since the days she wonMeri Awaz Suno. After dating for more than two years, they married on 24 April 2012, at a low profile wedding ceremony inGoa and had a grand reception in Mumbai, attended by many prominent Bollywood celebrities.[293][294] On 1 January 2018, Chauhan gave birth to a boy whom she named Tegh.[295]
Throughout her career, Chauhan has several honours and awards, including threeFilmfare Awards: two for "Best Female Playback" and oneRD Burman Award for New Music Talent.[296]
She has also performed quite often in college festivals, including Thomso IIT Roorkee 2024, Rendezvous IIT Delhi fest 2022 and KIIT Silver Jubilee Karnival 2023 to name a few.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Ehsaas: The Feeling | Herself | Cameo appearance | [28] |
| 2003 | Bhoot | Herself | Special appearance in the promotional song "Bhoot Hoon Main" | [32] |
| 2004 | Uuf Kya Jaadoo Mohabbat Hai | Herself | Special appearance in the promotional song "Uuf Kya Jaadoo Mohabbat Hai" | [297] |
| 2006 | Bas Ek Pal | Herself | Special appearance in the promotional song "Dheeme Dheeme" | [58] |
| 2012 | Sons of Ram | Sita | Voice | [120] |
| 2014 | Hawaa Hawaai | Herself | Special appearance in the promotional song "Ghoom Gayi" | [137] |
| 2014 | Khoobsurat | Herself | Special appearance in the promotional song "Baal Khade" | [143] |
| 2016 | Playing Priya | Priya | Short film | [163] |
| 2016 | Rock on 2 | Herself | Special appearance as reality show judge |
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Indian Idol 5 | Judge | [103] |
| 2012 | Indian Idol 6 | Judge | [111] |
| 2015 | The Voice | Coach | [204] |
| 2018 | The Remix | Judge | [298] |
| Dil Hai Hindustani season 2 | Judge | [299] |
| Television | |
|---|---|
| Related albums | |
| Songs | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
