Anupama Deshpande is an Indian playback singer known for her work in Hindi, Marathi and other Indian-language films. She became widely recognised in the 1980s after recording “Sohni Chenab Di” for Sohni Mahiwal (1984), a song that earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Her other popular songs include “Humko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar” from Sailaab, “O Yaara Tu Pyaaron Se Hai Pyaara” from Kaash, “Tumse Mile Bin Chain Nahin Aata” from Kabzaa, “Main Teri Rani” from Lootere and “Teri Jawani Badi Mast Mast Hai” from Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.
Anupama Deshpande is an Indian playback singer known for her work in Hindi, Marathi and other Indian-language films. She became widely recognised in the 1980s after recording “Sohni Chenab Di” for Sohni Mahiwal (1984), a song that earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Her other popular songs include “Humko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar” from Sailaab, “O Yaara Tu Pyaaron Se Hai Pyaara” from Kaash, “Tumse Mile Bin Chain Nahin Aata” from Kabzaa, “Main Teri Rani” from Lootere and “Teri Jawani Badi Mast Mast Hai” from Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.
Anupama Deshpande was born on 2 October 1953 in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India. Multiple biographical sources list 2 October 1953 as her birth date.
She began her singing career through stage performances, gradually developing a reputation as a talented vocalist. Her transition into Hindi film playback singing brought her opportunities to work with leading music directors including Laxmikant–Pyarelal, Rajesh Roshan, Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik, Anand-Milind, Sajid-Wajid and Dilip Sen–Sameer Sen.
Her major breakthrough came with “Sohni Chenab Di” from Sohni Mahiwal. The song was originally intended for Asha Bhosle, but composer Anu Malik recorded it in Anupama's voice. After hearing the recording, Asha Bhosle reportedly recommended that Anupama's original version be retained. The performance subsequently earned Anupama the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Anupama went on to sing for a variety of Hindi films during the 1980s and 1990s. Her repertoire included romantic songs, folk-inspired compositions and energetic film numbers.
One of her best-known later songs was “Humko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar” from Sailaab (1990). The song became especially popular and remains one of the most remembered performances of her career.
She also contributed extensively to Marathi cinema and music, recording songs for films including Prem Karuya Khullam Khulla, Thartharat, De Dhadak Bedhadak, Changu Mangu and Dhadakebaaz.
Her singing career extended into several other Indian-language productions. Her filmography includes work in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada and other regional music projects.
Anupama has recorded a substantial catalogue of songs. One biographical source credits her with approximately 124 songs across 92 films, while her more recent music catalogue continues to feature her recordings.
She has also received recognition beyond her Filmfare Award, including honours associated with the Maharashtra Government and other musical organisations.
Her recordings continue to appear on music platforms, and Apple Music lists releases associated with Anupama Deshpande as recently as 2026, indicating that her musical catalogue remains active and available to contemporary listeners.