Shailendra Singh is an Indian playback singer and actor who became one of the recognizable male voices of Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. He is particularly associated with the romantic songs of Rishi Kapoor, and his youthful and melodious voice became popular through films such as Bobby, Khel Khel Mein, Saagar, Rafoo Chakkar and Chalte Chalte.
Some of his best-known songs include “Main Shayar To Nahin” and “Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho” from Bobby, “Humne Tumko Dekha” from Khel Khel Mein, “Jaane Do Na” from Saagar, “Tumko Mere Dil Ne Pukara” from Rafoo Chakkar, “Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi” from Chalte Chalte, and “Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun” from Zamaana Ko Dikhana Hai. His extensive recorded catalogue includes more than 260 songs listed by HindiLyrics4U. Birth Date: 4 October 1952 Birth Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Profession: Playback Singer, Singer, Actor Genres: Bollywood, Hindi Film Music, Ghazal Years Active: 1971–PresentShailendra Singh was born on 4 October 1952 in Mumbai into a Punjabi family. He studied at Hill Grange High School in Peddar Road and graduated from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. Although his initial ambition was to become an actor, he joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he trained in acting and also studied classical Hindustani music.
His breakthrough as a playback singer came while he was still in his second year at FTII. Filmmaker Raj Kapoor gave him the opportunity to sing for Bobby (1973). The song “Main Shayar To Nahin” became one of his signature recordings and earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Male Playback Singer in 1974.
Singh subsequently recorded numerous Hindi and some Marathi songs. His voice was especially associated with Rishi Kapoor, for whom he sang several popular numbers. His collaborations with leading composers and singers produced memorable songs including “Humne Tumko Dekha,” “Jaane Do Na,” “Aaya Mausam Dosti Ka,” “Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate,” and “Tere Mere Pyar Mein.”
Alongside playback singing, Shailendra Singh also pursued acting. His screen credits include films such as Do Jasoos, Ginny Aur Johnny, Janta Hawaldar, Nauker and Agreement. He also appeared in the Bengali film Ajasra Dhanyabaad.
In 1994, Singh was hospitalized following complications related to diabetes. He later spoke about rumours in the film industry that he had died during that period, explaining that he survived the hospitalization but believed the rumours negatively affected his career.