Top 7 Indian Classical Singers: Masters of Tradition & Art

Indian classical singing is a profound art form that intertwines deep emotion with intricate techniques, nurtured and refined over generations. Rooted in the rich traditions of Indian and Carnatic music, excelling in this art form demands years of rigorous training and dedication.
The best Indian classical singers have not only safeguarded this invaluable heritage but have also introduced it to global audiences.
So, do Indian classical singers captivate your attention? This comprehensive guide is for you. It entails the seven influential artists whose extraordinary voices continue to inspire and fascinate music lovers worldwide.
List of Best Indian Classical Singers
1: Kaushiki Chakraborty

Date of Birth: October 24, 1980, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Best Songs:
- Khyals
- Dadras
- Thumris
- Bhajans
Accolades:
- BBC Radio
- Jadu Bhatta
Guided by her father, the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, Kaushiki Chakraborty began her formal training at the age of 10. She trained under the legendary Jnan Prakash Ghosh. She later honed her craft at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy, where her talent flourished.
Kaushiki’s versatility is one of her defining strengths—she excels in Khayals, Thumris, and Dadras, while also showcasing a deep understanding of Carnatic music under the tutelage of the celebrated Vidwan Balamurali Krishna. Her ability to seamlessly bridge the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, paired with the emotional depth of her performances, sets her apart in the world of classical music.
Among her many accolades, one of the most notable is winning the BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music in 2005—a testament to her exceptional artistry and global appeal.
2: Shubha Mudgal

Date of Birth: 1959, Allahabad, India
Best Songs:
- Title track of Diya Aur Baati Hum
- Ab Ke Sawan
- Ali More Angana
- Pyaar Ke Geet
Accolades:
- Padma Shri
- Gold Plaque Award
Shubha Mudgal’s musical journey is rooted in a rich academic and cultural upbringing. Although she was initially trained in Kathak, her true calling was music, which she pursued under the guidance of Pandit Ramashreya Jha. Her training continued under the tutelage of Vinay Chandra Maudgalya, with further mentorship from Pandit Vasant Thakar and the legendary Pandit Kumar Gandharva.
By the 1980s, Shubha Mudgal had established herself as a prominent Khayal, Thumri, and Dadra vocalist, earning admiration for her technical precision and emotive expression. In the 1990s, she ventured into pop and fusion music, fearlessly blending genres and pushing creative boundaries.
Her ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes, combined with her deep emotional resonance and technical brilliance, has cemented her status as one of the most influential Indian classical singers.
3: Ajoy Chakrabarty

Date of Birth: December 25, 1953, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Best Songs:
- Aan Milo Sajna
- Maa Jar Anandamayi
- Mahabidya Adyashakti
- Charone Baje Manjir Rinijhini
- Bhagwate Vasudevay
Accolades:
- National Award
- Kumar Gandharva Award
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Padmashree
- Banga Bibhushan
Ajoy Chakrabarty is a revered figure among India’s classical vocalists, and he is noted for his devotional and semi-classical music. His musical path began with guidance from his father, Ajit Kumar Chakraborty, and he honed his vocal skills from great teachers like Kanaidas Bairagi, Jnan Prakash Ghosh, and Munawar Ali Khan.
He further enhanced his musical expression by learning Carnatic styles and composing lighter forms like Thumri, Tappa, Bhajan, Kirtan, Folk, and modern songs in various languages. He has performed at prestigious venues around the world, such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and the New Orleans Jazz Preservation Hall in the US.
He also became the first classical vocalist from India to be invited to perform in Pakistan, China, and the BBC for their Golden Jubilee Celebration of India’s Independence.
4: Lata Mangeshkar

Date of Birth: September 28, 1929, Indore, Indore State, Central India Agency, British India
Date of Death: February 6, 2022, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Best Songs:
- Aayega Aanewala
- Teri Bindiya Re
- Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya
- TujhSe Naraz Nahi Zindagi
- Mora Gora Ang Lai Le
Accolades:
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Bharat Ratna
- Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour
- National Film Awards
- Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards
Lata Mangeshkar’s extraordinary journey into playback singing began in the 1940s, at a time when her high-pitched voice was initially met with rejection.
She was born into a musical family. Her father, Dinanath Mangeshkar was a renowned classical singer and was also her first mentor and guiding influence.
Her breakthrough came in 1948 when the famous composer Ghulam Haider recognized her unique talent and gave her a chance in the film Majboor. By 1949, Lata’s voice had become iconic in Bollywood, with hits from films like Mahal, Barsaat, and Andaz.
Her sweet, high-pitched tone replaced the more nasal voices that were prevalent at the time, marking a turning point in the industry. Over her illustrious career, Lata Mangeshkar recorded over 40,000 songs in more than 36 languages, becoming one of the most prolific and celebrated playback singers in history. Her unmatched vocal range, technical precision, and ability to infuse emotional depth into every note made her one of the best Indian classical singers.
5: Kishori Amonkar

Date of Birth: April 10, 1932, Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
Date of Death: April 3, 2017, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Best Songs:
- Geet Gaaya Pattharon Ne
- Drishti
Kishori Amonkar was introduced to music at a very young age by her mother, the renowned classical vocalist Mogubai Kurdikar. Early exposure to rigorous training in classical music provided Amonkar with a solid foundation.
As she continued to grow as an artist, she studied under various respected musicians from different gharanas, including Anjanibai Malpekar, Anwar Hussain Khan, and Sharadchandra Arolkar, each influencing her unique vocal style.
Amonkar’s breakthrough came with her performances in Khayal, Thumri, and Bhajan, where her mastery of intricate techniques like meend (gliding between notes) and her development of a distinctive tonal quality set her apart.
Her voice, known for its depth and control, allowed her to deliver emotionally powerful renditions that resonated with audiences.
6: Bhimsen Joshi

Date of Birth: February 4, 1922, Ron, Karnataka, India
Date of Death: January 24, 2011, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Best Songs:
- Basant Bahar
- Sandhya Raga
- Devaki Nandan Gopala
Accolades:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
- Bharat Ratna
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was drawn to music from an early age, with a particular fascination for instruments like the harmonium and tanpura.
He was trained under the guidance of Sawai Gandharva. His breakthrough came through his mastery of the khayal form, a genre of Hindustani classical music known for its intricate and emotive vocal techniques.
Bhimsen Joshi’s unique style—marked by his powerful voice and deeply expressive renditions of devotional bhajans and abhangs—set him apart as one of the greatest vocalists in Indian classical music.
His skillful improvisations and emotional depth earned him recognition both within India and internationally. His tours between 1964 and 1982, including landmark concerts in New York, were groundbreaking, making him the first Indian musician to have posters advertising his performances in the city.
7: Ustad Rashid Khan

Date of Birth: July 1, 1968, Sahaswan, Badayun, Uttar Pradesh
Date of Death: January 9, 2024, Kolkata, West Bengal
Best Songs:
- Yaad Piya Ki Aaye
- Mora Piya Mose Bolat Nahi
Accolades:
- Padma Shri
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Padma Bhushan
Rashid Khan’s journey in Hindustani classical music began under his grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, a strict disciplinarian who emphasized the importance of swar sadhana through relentless practice.
At the age of eleven, Rashid gave his first concert and began gaining recognition, with a pivotal performance at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in 1978 marking a turning point in his career.
Known for his mastery of khayal, intricate sargam, and tarana, Rashid Khan fused tradition with innovation. He experimented with Sufi fusion and jugalbandis, blending diverse influences into his music. However, it was his unrivaled ability to convey deep emotion through his renditions of raags that solidified his legacy as one of the best Indian classical singers.
FAQs
Who are the most famous Indian classical singers?
Icons like Kaushiki Chakraborty, Shubha Mudgal, Lata Mangeshkar, Bhimsen Joshi, and Kishori Amonkar are among the most famous Indian classical singers who are known for their exceptional contributions to classical singing.
Which Indian classical singer received the Bharat Ratna?
Renowned artists such as Lata Mangeshkar and Bhimsen Joshi have been honored with the Bharat Ratna.
Are there any young Indian classical singers gaining popularity?
Yes, talents like Kaushiki Chakraborty and Rakesh Chaurasia are among the emerging stars in Indian classical music.
Who is known as the Nightingale of Indian classical music?
Lata Mangeshkar, known for her pitch quality, is often referred to as the Nightingale of India for her melodious and timeless voice.
What are some iconic performances by Indian classical singers?
Bhimsen Joshi’s Sawai Gandharva Festival renditions are one of the legendary examples of iconic performances by Indian classical singers.