10 Best Classical Singers in India

India is a land of music. Its rich tradition of classical singing has inspired people for centuries. As legends have it - Lord Shiva is said to be the father of Indian classical music. Other deities associated with this include Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswati, and celestial beings known as the Gandharvas.

From the Gandharvas to the Munis and further to the human race - the journey and evolution of Indian classical music continues even today. And since eternity dedicated worshipers of classical music - the classical singers in India have dedicated their lives to their art. 

They have treated this art form as God. And it is their devotion and hard work that has made Indian classical music shine and prosper over the years. 

Here are ten such famous classical singers of India and their incredible journeys.

List of Top 10 Indian Classical Singers

1. Pandit Kumar Gandharva
2. MS Subbulakshmi
3. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
4. Kishori Amonkar
5. Dr. Balamuralikrishna
6. Parveen Sultana
7. Ustad Amir Khan
8. Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur
9. Pandit Jasraj
10. Shubha Mudgal

1. Pandit Kumar Gandharva

Pandit Kumar Gandharva was a unique voice in Hindustani classical music. Born in Karnataka, he showed immense talent as a child. His training began early, under B.R. Deodhar.

His career faced a major challenge when he contracted tuberculosis. Doctors advised him to stop singing, but his determination brought him back to music. Despite his health issues, he reinvented his style and emerged as one of the famous Indian classical singers. He focused on creating fresh interpretations of traditional ragas.

What made his gayaki special was his ability to seamlessly blend classical traditions with innovation. He introduced a unique way of presenting ragas, often focusing on their essence rather than strictly adhering to conventional formats. His minimalist approach, coupled with his deep emotional expression, left listeners spellbound.

Kumar Gandharva was also among the few classical singers in India who ventured into playback singing for Hindi films. He lent his voice to the 1953 film "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje," where his singing perfectly complemented the classical theme of the movie. His ability to innovate and push boundaries earned him immense respect. His story teaches us that resilience and a strong will can overcome any obstacle.

2. M.S. Subbulakshmi

M.S. Subbulakshmi is the queen of Carnatic music. She started learning music at the age of six. Her mother, a veena player, was her first teacher. Later, she trained under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Her voice was pure, divine, and filled with an emotional depth that connected her audience to a higher realm.

M.S. Subbulakshmi’s gayaki (singing style) was unique for its perfect pronunciation, emotive quality, and the ability to bring out the bhava (emotion) of every composition she performed. She mastered kritis, varnams, and devotional pieces with equal finesse, blending tradition and spirituality in her music. What made her music special was her ability to convey complex Carnatic compositions with such simplicity that even those unfamiliar with classical music could appreciate their beauty.

Subbulakshmi was revered as the best classical singer of India after her historic performance at the United Nations General Assembly, where she captivated an international audience. She became a household name after that. 

She also sang for films early in her career, most notably in the Tamil movies "Sevasadanam" and "Meera." Her portrayal of Meera in the latter became iconic, and the songs she sang, such as "Bhaja Govindam" and "Kaatrinile Varum Geetam," remain timeless classics.

She was deeply disciplined, practicing for hours every day, and believed in humility and dedication, which reflected in her performances. Subbulakshmi’s music was not just a performance; it was a spiritual experience. Her journey inspires us to aim high, stay grounded, and dedicate ourselves fully to our passions.

3. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan belonged to the Patiala Gharana. His father, Ali Baksh Khan, was his first teacher, imparting him with the foundational skills of music. Bade Ghulam Ali Khan’s voice was often described as magical for its rich timbre and unparalleled flexibility. He could switch between high and low notes effortlessly, often surprising his audiences with his vocal acrobatics. His renditions of ragas like Malkauns, Darbari, and Rageshree are unforgettable, reflecting a perfect balance of emotion and technical mastery.

What made his gayaki (singing style) special was his emphasis on intricate ornamentation and his ability to convey deep emotions through subtle variations in notes. He redefined the Patiala Gharana's style, blending its traditional fast-paced taans with an emotional depth that resonated universally. Bade Ghulam Ali Khan believed in perfection, and his intense practice sessions often focused on achieving flawless clarity in every note. He approached music not just as a form of entertainment but as a profound expression of human emotion.

Apart from his classical contributions, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan also left a mark in the world of Hindi cinema. He lent his voice to the iconic film "Mughal-e-Azam" (1960), where he sang the immortal "Prem Jogan Ban Ke." This song, characterized by its classical depth, showcased his ability to adapt to different formats while maintaining his authenticity. Despite financial struggles in his early days, he remained committed to his art. His story is a testament to how persistence, passion, and an unyielding dedication to quality can lead to greatness, no matter the challenges.

4. Kishori Amonkar

Kishori Amonkar was one of the greatest female Indian classical singers. She belonged to the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, and her mother, Mogubai Kurdikar, was her guru. Kishori’s music stood out for its emotional depth, innovation, and her ability to personalize traditional ragas with profound expressions. 

She often departed from the conventional Jaipur-Atrauli style by introducing slower tempos and a focus on emotional resonance, blending technical precision with artistic creativity. Her performances were known for their ability to evoke deep emotions, creating a spiritual connection with her audience. Kishori’s daily routine involved rigorous riyaaz (practice) and constant learning, which she believed was a way to connect with the divine. 

She also sang for films, with one of her notable contributions being the song "Geet Gaya Patharon Ne" from the 1964 film of the same name. Her journey teaches us the importance of staying true to one’s roots while embracing creativity and innovation.

5. Dr. Balamuralikrishna

Dr. Balamuralikrishna was a genius in Carnatic music. He started performing at the age of six. He was a self-taught musician who mastered over 400 compositions. Balamuralikrishna’s voice had an amazing range and control, spanning three octaves. He created new ragas like Mahati and Lavangi, showcasing his innovative spirit. 

What made his gayaki special was its extraordinary blend of technical mastery and emotional depth, along with his unique ability to experiment within the classical framework. Despite his fame, he remained a humble learner. 

He collaborated with various artists, breaking barriers between classical and contemporary music. Additionally, Balamuralikrishna sang for films, bringing his distinctive Carnatic touch to movies like "Hamsageethe," where his compositions and singing gained critical acclaim. His journey shows us the power of creativity and the importance of staying open to new ideas.

Also read - Top 6 Famous Classical Musicians 

6. Begum Parween Sultana

Begum Parween Sultana is a celebrated voice in Hindustani classical music. Born in Assam, she started her training under her father, Ikramul Mazid. Later, she learned from Acharya Chinmoy Lahiri and Ustad Dilshad Khan. 

Known for her melodious voice and technical brilliance, she excelled in khayals and thumris. Her voice is characterized by its immense range, spanning multiple octaves, which allows her to traverse the lower and higher registers effortlessly. Her renditions of ragas such as Yaman, Puriya Dhanashree, and Rageshree are particularly celebrated for their melodic depth and virtuosity.

Her most notable playback performance was for the song "Hamein Tumse Pyar Kitna" from the 1981 movie Kudrat. Composed by R. D. Burman, the song is a gem that blends the essence of classical music with the sensibilities of Bollywood, earning her immense acclaim.

Parween Sultana remains a monumental figure as one of the classical singers in India. She inspires countless aspiring vocalists. Her rich gayaki, exceptional collaborations, and contributions to both classical and popular music have earned her a place among the legends of Hindustani classical vocal music.

7. Ustad Amir Khan

Ustad Amir Khan was the founder of the Indore Gharana. He learned music from his father, Shahmir Khan. Ustad Amir Khan’s style was unique and introspective. 

He focused on the meditative aspect of ragas. His voice was deep and soothing. He was known for his slow and detailed renditions. His music emphasized the emotive and spiritual aspects of ragas, focusing on slow elaboration and intricate ornamentation. 

His approach to khayal singing was unique, blending profound emotional depth with technical precision. Ustad Amir Khan introduced several innovations, including the use of bol-taans (syllabic improvisations) and meend (gliding between notes), which added a unique lyrical quality to his renditions

Ustad Amir Khan’s dedication to his craft was unmatched. He showed that simplicity and depth can create timeless art. He was a recipient of numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, in recognition of his contributions to Indian classical music. His legacy as a guru and innovator continues to inspire both contemporary and traditional musicians.

8. Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur was a master of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Born in Karnataka, he started his training under his father. Later, he learned from great gurus like Neelkanth Bua and Manji Khan. His mastery of rare ragas made him stand out. He was known for his deep understanding of ragas and emotive singing. Despite facing hardships, he continued to innovate and inspire. His story teaches us the importance of perseverance and passion.

9. Pandit Jasraj

Pandit Jasraj belonged to the Mewati Gharana. He trained under his elder brother, Pandit Maniram. Pandit Jasraj’s music was a blend of devotion and technique. 

Pandit Jasraj is known for popularizing the Madhura Bhakti rasa (the sentiment of divine love) in classical music, making it accessible and relatable to a wider audience. He innovatively introduced haveli sangeet (temple music) into the khayal tradition, blending devotional compositions with traditional classical forms. His use of a "Jasrangi Jugalbandi"—a unique duet where two singers perform different ragas simultaneously—was another hallmark of his creativity and musical genius.

He introduced semi-classical elements to reach a wider audience. His unique style of presenting ragas won hearts worldwide. Pandit Jasraj practiced for hours every day to perfect his voice. His journey proves that passion and persistence can take you far.

10. Shubha Mudgal

Shubha Mudgal is one of the modern legends of Hindustani classical music. She started learning music as a child. She trained under great gurus like Pandit Ramashreya Jha and Pandit Vinaya Chandra Maudgalya. Shubha Mudgal is known for her versatility. She excels in khayal, thumri, and even fusion music. Her continuous effort to innovate while respecting tradition is inspiring. She proves that classical music can stay relevant in any era.

Conclusion - Best Classical Singers of India

The journeys of these classical Indian singers show us the power of dedication, hard work, and love for art. They trained under great teachers and practiced tirelessly. Their lives teach us that success is not instant. It is a result of years of effort and learning. These legends continue to inspire millions to pursue music with passion and discipline. If they can achieve greatness, so can we.

If you're inspired to follow in their footsteps, these online Hindustani music classes and online Carnatic music classes offer excellent opportunities to begin your journey.