Neha Kakkar Singh, professionally known as Neha Kakkar, is a standout example of talent, resilience, and triumph in the lively realm of Indian playback singing. Born on June 6, 1988, in Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), Neha's musical journey began at a young age, displaying a remarkable passion for singing.
Neha's initial encounters with music occurred at local gatherings and religious events, where her budding talent shone. In 2005, she decided to test her skills on a grander stage, participating in the second season of the renowned singing reality show, Indian Idol. Although eliminated early, this marked the commencement of a remarkable journey.
In pursuit of her dreams, Neha, accompanied by her brother Tony Kakkar, relocated to Mumbai in 2004. The city of dreams embraced her with opportunities, leading to her debut as a chorus singer in the film "Meerabai Not Out." Little did she know that this was just the prelude to her meteoric rise in the Bollywood music industry.
The turning point in Neha's career occurred in 2012 with the release of the dance track "Second Hand Jawaani" from the movie "Cocktail." This foot-tapping number propelled her to stardom, opening doors to a plethora of opportunities. Subsequently, she delivered hit after hit, including "Sunny Sunny" from "Yaariyan" and "London Thumakda" from the soundtrack of "Queen."
Neha's versatility as a singer was showcased not only in party anthems but also in soulful renditions like "Mile Ho Tum" from the film "Fever," which became the most-viewed Bollywood song on YouTube.
Neha Kakkar's success transcends traditional music industry realms. In 2019, she emerged as one of the most-viewed female artists on YouTube, accumulating a staggering 13.9 billion views. Her dominance continued as she clinched the prestigious YouTube Diamond Award in January 2021, making her the first Indian singer to achieve this feat.
Her digital influence extended to music streaming platforms, where she became the most-followed female Indian artist and the 22nd most-followed artist globally on Spotify.
Recognising her impact, Forbes included Neha in the Forbes Celebrity 100 in 2017 and 2019. In December 2020, she earned a spot on the list of Asia's 100 Digital Stars, further solidifying her status as a digital powerhouse.
As of 2023, Neha Kakkar's net worth is $14 Million.
Neha Kakkar's musical journey spans various phases, each marked by notable achievements. From her debut album, "Neha The Rockstar," to collaborations with renowned composers like Pritam and A.R. Rahman, she consistently pushed boundaries.
The years 2017 onwards saw Neha's collaboration with Tanishk Bagchi, leading to a wave of remade songs that stirred both acclaim and controversy. Hits like "Badri Ki Dulhania," "Cheez Badi," and "Dilbar" showcased her ability to reinvent classics while maintaining her unique style.
In 2022, Neha continued to mesmerise audiences with songs like "Mud Mud Ke" and "Baarish Mein Tum" from the movie "Govinda Naam Mera," demonstrating her enduring relevance in the industry.
Despite her undeniable success, Neha Kakkar and her brother, Tony Kakkar, have faced accusations of plagiarism. Several instances of allegedly copying lyrics, visuals, and harmony from classic Indian songs have sparked controversies.
The criticism intensified when Neha continued to remake songs despite appeals from original playback singers and fans to honour the authenticity of the originals.
Neha Kakkar's voice has been described as distinct, chirpy, seductive, and partially nasal by the media. Despite lacking formal vocal training, her natural talent has earned her a unique place in the industry. She credits her elder sister Sonu and brother Tony as inspirations and pillars of support.
Active on various social media platforms, Neha's popularity soared, making her the first Indian musician and the fifth Indian overall to receive the Instagram trophy in October 2019.
In 2017, she was recognised as one of the 35 boldest entrepreneurs in India, and her inclusion in the Forbes Celebrity 100 highlighted her impact on both income and popularity. Her continuous success on YouTube further solidified her position among the most-viewed female artists globally.
Not only confined to music, Neha Kakkar expanded her influence by launching an exclusive Masterclass for aspiring singers in December 2020.
Neha's personal life has also been under the spotlight. A romantic relationship with actor Himansh Kohli took centre stage in 2018 but ended in a publicised breakup. In a serendipitous turn of events, she found love with Punjabi musical artist Rohanpreet Singh, and the two tied the knot in a Gurdwara in New Delhi on October 24, 2020.
Neha Kakkar's contributions to the music industry have earned her accolades, including a Brit Asia TV Music Award for "Dilbar." Her filmography, though not extensive, includes notable appearances in films like "Isi Life Mein...!" and "Tum Bin II."
As she continues to evolve and contribute to the ever-changing landscape of Indian music, Neha Kakkar remains a force to be reckoned with—a true rockstar who has not only weathered controversies but also emerged stronger, captivating audiences worldwide with her melodious voice.