Anup Jalota

Anup Jalota was born on July 29, 1953, in Nainital (now in Uttarakhand) into a musical family—his father, Purshottam Das Jalota, was a celebrated bhajan singer and his first guru. Trained at the Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow, he began his career singing in the chorus at All India Radio before emerging as a solo artist known for his soul-stirring bhajans and ghazals. In his musical style, Jalota blends devotional warmth with classical finesse. Accompanied typically by harmonium, santoor, sarangi, tabla, and other instruments, his renditions—like "Aisi Lagi Lagan", "Jag Mein Sundar Hai Do Naam", and "Chadariya Jhini Re Jhini"—resonate with spiritual intimacy. His mastery of both bhajans and Urdu ghazals reveals a versatile voice steeped in tradition yet accessible to many. Over his decades-long career, Anup Jalota has recorded hundreds of devotional albums, including ambitious cassette collections of the Ramcharitmanas and the Bhagavad Gita. His achievements are underscored by the Padma Shri awarded in 2012, over a hundred gold and platinum discs, and thousands of live performances globally. His presence extended into television as host of “Dharam Aur Hum” and even as a contestant on Bigg Boss 12, reflecting his cultural visibility beyond music. Jalota's legacy lies in his role as a bridge between classical devotional music and modern audiences. Affectionately known as the Bhajan Samrat, he carries forward a living tradition of bhakti through song. More than an entertainer, he is viewed as a musical custodian whose interpretations continue to offer solace and inspiration across generations. He remains an enduring figure in India’s devotional soundscape.