Vasundhara Das is an Indian playback singer, actress and musician known for her versatile voice and work across Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam cinema. She became widely recognized for the hit song “Shakalaka Baby” from the Tamil film Mudhalvan, composed by A. R. Rahman. The song earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil.
She is also known for popular Hindi songs such as “Kahin To Hogi Woh” from Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, “Chale Jaise Hawaein” from Main Hoon Na, “It's the Time to Disco” from Kal Ho Naa Ho, and “Where's the Party Tonight” from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Her music catalogue also includes work with composers such as A. R. Rahman, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and Vishal–Shekhar.
Apart from playback singing, Vasundhara has acted in films including Hey Ram, Monsoon Wedding, Citizen, Ravanaprabhu, Lankesh Patrike and Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana.Vasundhara Das was born on 27 October 1977 in Bangalore, Karnataka. She studied at Cluny Convent High School and later graduated from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, where she studied subjects including economics, mathematics and statistics.
She began training in Hindustani classical music at the age of six, initially learning from her grandmother Indira Das. She later studied under Pandit Parameshwar Hegde and developed an interest in different musical styles and instruments. During her college years, she was involved in a girls' band and also sang in the college choir.
Her major breakthrough as a playback singer came with “Shakalaka Baby” from Mudhalvan. The song, composed by A. R. Rahman, became highly popular and established her as an important voice in South Indian film music.
Vasundhara subsequently expanded her career into Hindi cinema and acting. She made her acting debut in Hey Ram (2000), followed by notable appearances in Monsoon Wedding (2001), Citizen, Ravanaprabhu and Lankesh Patrike.
She has also explored independent and world music and has been associated with the world music band Arya. In addition to singing and acting, she has worked in commercial music and independent music projects and has developed interests in interactive music-making and music facilitation.