Suneeta Rao is an Indian pop singer, playback singer, dancer, and stage actress known for her contribution to the Indian Indipop music scene. She rose to fame in the 1990s with her hit song “Paree Hoon Main” from the album Dhuan (1991). Recognised for her distinctive voice, energetic performances, and memorable music videos, she became one of the notable female voices of India's independent pop music movement. Her other popular songs include “Kesariya,” “Dehka Dehka,” and “Chhoti Chhoti Baatein.”
Suneeta Rao was born on 5 April 1967 in Germany into a Telugu-speaking family. Her father, Dr. D. K. Rao, was from Andhra Pradesh, and her mother, Komala Sista Rao, also had roots in the region. She grew up in Mumbai, where she completed her schooling and later attended St. Xavier's College.
Rao began her professional music career in 1989 with the album Senorita. She gained widespread popularity with her Hindi pop album Dhuan, released in 1991. The song “Paree Hoon Main” became her signature hit and earned her recognition as a prominent artist in the Indipop movement. Throughout her career, she explored pop music, playback singing, dance, and theatre. She also collaborated with composer A. R. Rahman on the Tamil film song “Adi Paru Mangatha” from May Madham (1994). Her other musical projects include Talaash, Ab Ke Baras, and Waqt. Songs such as “Kesariya” and “Dehka Dehka” further strengthened her popularity. Alongside her music career, Suneeta Rao has participated in stage productions and supported social initiatives, including the Laadli campaign, which promotes awareness and empowerment of the girl child. She is married to cinematographer Jason West and continues to be associated with India's independent music scene.