Kailash Kher is one of India's most distinctive playback singers, widely known for his powerful, soulful and high-pitched voice. His music combines Sufi and Indian folk traditions with contemporary pop and rock, giving his songs a unique spiritual and emotional character. He has worked extensively in Hindi cinema and has also recorded songs in numerous Indian languages.
He became widely popular with songs such as “Allah Ke Bande,” “Teri Deewani,” “Saiyyan,” “Chand Sifarish,” “Ya Rabba,” “Arziyan,” “Tauba Tauba” and “Mangal Mangal.” His contribution to Indian music earned him several honours, including the Padma Shri in 2017.Kailash Kher was born on 7 July 1973 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, into a family with Kashmiri roots. His father, Mehar Singh Kher, was a traditional folk singer, and music became an important part of Kailash's childhood. He developed a strong interest in music at a very young age and began singing when he was a child.
At the age of 14, Kher began looking for a guru who could teach him Indian classical and folk music. He spent years learning and listening to renowned Indian musicians and was particularly influenced by the traditions of Indian folk, classical and Sufi music.
Before becoming a successful singer, Kher experienced several professional struggles. After working in an export business, he eventually moved to Mumbai in 2001 to pursue a career in music. He initially supported himself by working as a singer for advertising jingles. His career began to gain momentum after he started receiving opportunities in the music industry.
Kher's major breakthrough came in the early 2000s. His official website describes 2002 as the year his career began taking off through advertising jingles, followed by his important musical breakthrough in 2003 with “Allah Ke Bande.” The song became one of his signature works and established his distinctive Sufi-influenced sound among Hindi music listeners.
He subsequently became a popular playback singer in Bollywood, contributing vocals to films such as Swades, Fanaa, Kaminey, Love Sex aur Dhokha, Baahubali and many other films. His notable songs include “Teri Deewani,” “Chand Sifarish,” “Saiyyan,” “Arziyan,” “Ya Rabba” and “Mangal Mangal.”
Kailash Kher is also the lead vocalist of the music group Kailasa, through which he has explored Sufi, folk and contemporary music beyond Bollywood. He has performed extensively in India and internationally and has released several albums with the group.
His contribution to Indian music has been recognised with numerous awards and honours. Among his most significant achievements is the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, awarded to him in 2017 for his contribution to the arts. He has also received Filmfare and other music-industry awards. Profession: Playback Singer, Composer, Lyricist, Live Performer Birth Date: 7 July 1973 Birth Place: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India Death Date: Not applicable — Kailash Kher is alive. Years Active: 2003–present Music Genres: Sufi, Indian Folk, Pop Rock, Sufi Rock, Spiritual