Praful Dave is a veteran Indian Gujarati folk, devotional and playback singer, widely regarded as one of the prominent voices of Gujarati folk music. He is particularly known for Gujarati folk songs, bhajans, garba, traditional devotional music and Gujarati film songs. His distinctive voice and long association with Gujarati cultural music have made him a popular name among Gujarati music lovers.
Praful Dave began his professional music career in 1976 with the Gujarati folk song “Maniyaro.” He subsequently recorded thousands of songs across films, radio, television, audio albums and video releases. One source credits him with more than 7,000 songs across different formats.
He is especially remembered for preserving and popularizing the traditional musical heritage of Gujarat, including folk music, devotional songs and garba.
Praful Dave was born on 30 March 1951 in Amreli, Gujarat, India. His parents were Devsankar Dave and Maniben. He initially pursued a career in medicine and worked as a doctor before deciding to follow his passion for music and become a professional singer.
His decision to leave medical practice for music became a defining moment in his life. In an interview with The Times of India, Dave recalled that although he had a successful medical practice, he had always wanted to become a musician.
Praful Dave entered the professional music world in 1976 with the Gujarati folk song “Maniyaro.” The song helped establish him as a distinctive new voice in Gujarati folk music.
His early success led to opportunities to work with established singers and musicians. He also recorded the duet “Maaru Vanraavan Chhe Rudu” with legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, which became an important part of his early career.
Praful Dave's greatest contribution has been to Gujarati folk music.
His repertoire covers traditional forms such as:
His voice has become strongly associated with the traditional sound of Gujarat and its cultural celebrations.
Some notable songs associated with Praful Dave include:
A major part of Praful Dave's musical catalog consists of devotional and spiritual songs.
He has recorded bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga, Goddess Amba and other Hindu deities.
His recordings include “Shree Hanuman Chalisa,” “Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak,” “Shree Jalaram Bapa,” “Jay Adhya Shakti” and numerous Gujarati bhajans.
He has also performed and recorded Narsinh Mehta's devotional compositions, including Gujarati prabhatiya.
Praful Dave has made a significant contribution to Gujarati Garba and Navratri music.
His recordings include traditional Garba and folk songs such as:
Albums such as Gujarati Super Hit Ras-Garba demonstrate the importance of Garba in his recorded repertoire.
Praful Dave has also worked as a playback singer for Gujarati films.
His film-related recordings include songs such as “Popat Jani Re” from Raj Rajvan and numerous other Gujarati film songs.
His combination of folk singing and film playback helped bring traditional Gujarati musical styles to a wider audience.
During his long career, Praful Dave has collaborated with numerous prominent Indian and Gujarati singers.
His recordings include collaborations with:
His collaboration with Asha Bhosle on “Maaru Vanraavan Chhe Rudu” is particularly notable.
Praful Dave has also been associated with the musical presentation of compositions by Narsinh Mehta, one of Gujarat's most celebrated medieval poet-saints.
His recordings include Narsinh Mehtana Prabhatiya, bringing traditional devotional poetry into recorded music for modern audiences.
His performances of Gujarati devotional poetry have contributed to keeping these traditional compositions accessible to newer generations.
Praful Dave is particularly known for:
His singing style emphasizes clarity, emotional expression and traditional Gujarati musical character.
Praful Dave has received several honors for his contribution to Gujarati music and culture.
His recognized honors include:
These honors recognize his long-standing contribution to Gujarati folk and cultural music.
Praful Dave is married to Bhartiben Kunchala.
His children include:
Both his children have followed the family's musical tradition.
An interesting aspect of Praful Dave's biography is that he initially trained and worked as a doctor.
Despite having an established medical career, he chose to pursue music because of his deep passion for singing. In his own account, making the transition from medicine to music was a major risk, but it ultimately led to a long and successful career in Gujarati music.
Praful Dave's contribution extends beyond individual songs. His recordings have helped preserve Gujarati folk traditions, devotional poetry, Garba, Ras and traditional cultural songs.
His music is particularly important during Navratri, religious festivals and Gujarati cultural celebrations, where his Garba and devotional recordings continue to be played.
Praful Dave has enjoyed a career spanning several decades. His recordings are available across numerous albums and digital music platforms.
His catalog continues to be released and reissued. Apple Music currently lists new Praful Dave releases in 2026, including Ame Tamara Mandiria Aavya and Fali Aaj Gurukul, confirming that he continues to have an active presence in recorded music.
Praful Dave is remembered as one of the important voices of Gujarati folk and devotional music.
His decision to leave medicine and pursue singing led to a career spanning decades and thousands of recordings. His work with folk songs, Garba, bhajans, Gujarati cinema and traditional devotional poetry has helped preserve Gujarat's musical heritage.
His influence also continues through his children Ishani Dave and Hardik Dave, who have followed him into music.
Full Name: Praful Dave
Profession: Gujarati Folk Singer / Playback Singer / Devotional Singer
Date of Birth: 30 March 1951
Birth Place: Amreli, Gujarat, India
Nationality: Indian
Genres: Gujarati Folk, Garba, Bhajan, Devotional Music, Gujarati Film Music
Years Active: 1976–Present
Father: Devsankar Dave
Mother: Maniben
Spouse: Bhartiben Kunchala
Children: Ishani Dave, Hardik Dave