Kedarnath Bhattacharya (Kumar Sanu) is a famous singer, music maker, and actor from India. Kumar Sanu is a legendary Indian playback singer known as the “King of Melody”. He’s well-loved for his songs in Bollywood movies. Sanu started singing when he was just four years old. People think he’s one of the best singers in Indian movies. He has sung more than 10,000 songs in 14 different languages, like Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and Kannada.
Wiki
| Full Name | Kedarnath Bhattacharya |
|---|---|
| Profession | Singer, Music Director, and Politician |
| Famous As | Singer |
| Nick Name | Kumar Sanu, Sanu Daa |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1957 |
| Age | 67 Years Old |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Hometown | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Country | India |
| Mother Tongue | Hindi |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hobbies | Cooking |
| Food Habits | Non-vegetarian |
| Educational Qualification | Not Known |
| School Name | Not Known |
| College/University | Calcutta University, Kolkata |
| Debut | Singing: Tin Kanya (1986) |
Early Life
Kumar Sanu was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, on October 20, 1957. He lived in Kolkata’s Sindhi neighborhood with his father and older sister. His real name is Kedarnath Bhattacharya, and his father, Pashupati Bhattacharya Kumar, was also a musician and singer. He taught Sanu how to sing and play the tabla.
Kumar Sanu got married two times. First, in the 1980s, he married Rita Bhattacharya. They had three kids: Jiko, Jassi, and Jaan Kumar Sanu. Jaan Kumar Sanu was in the 14th season of Bigg Boss. He’s also a musician like his father. During Kumar Sanu’s famous days, people talked about him and Bollywood actress Meenakshi. This caused problems, and he had to divorce Rita. Later, Kumar Sanu married Saloni, not Meenakshi. She’s from Rajasthan. With Saloni, Kumar Sanu has two daughters: Sanno and Anna.
Sanu started performing regularly in 1979 after finishing his commerce degree from the University of Calcutta. He got more into singing professionally in 1984, performing at events and cafes all over Calcutta. Indian artist Kishore Kumar influenced his singing style, and he later developed his unique way of singing.
Career
Sanu got a chance to sing in the Hindi movie Andhiyan in 1987, thanks to music director and singer Jagjit Singh. After that, he shifted to Mumbai, where he got to sing in the film Jadoogar by Kalyanji-Anandji. In Bollywood, where people sometimes judge based on caste or region, Kalyanji-Anandji suggested that he change his name from Kedar Bhattacharya to Kumar Sanu. They believed this would help him appeal to a wider audience beyond just Bengalis.
A Career in the 90s
Sanu became a big deal in Bollywood in 1990 with the film Aashiqui. He sang almost all the songs in the movie except for one, which was thanks to the music duo Nadeem-Shravan. Sanu became very famous very quickly, almost like magic. Some of the popular songs from Aashiqui sung by him include “Tu meri Zindagi hain“, “Sanson ki zaroorat hai jaise“, and “Nazar ke saamne“.
After these big hits with Nadeem-Shravan, Sanu became a favorite of music fans. His popularity kept growing, and he even won five awards in a row for the best playback singer. His songs featured in many successful movies like Deewana, Sadak, Baazigar, Pardes, and Saajan.
However, while Sanu became famous in the 90s with many hits, his singing career started going downhill in the late 1990s. He later tried acting, appearing in a Bengali film, and hosting TV shows in Bengali and Hindi. He also performed at a few events. He started doing different things instead of just singing. He performed in front of people and acted in Bengali and Hindi TV shows. Here are some of his famous songs:
- Aane Waala Kal Ek Sapna Hai
- Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan
- Chori Chori Jab Nazarein Mili
- Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain
- Ek Ladki Ko Dekha
- Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
- Nazar Ke Saamne Jigar Ke Paas
- Rim Jhim Rim Jhim
- Teri Umeed Tera Intezaar
- Tu Mile Dil Khile
- Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana Sanam
- Tumhe Apna Banaane Ki Kasam
Politics
In 2004, Kumar Sanu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a ceremony led by the party’s then-president Venkaiah Naidu. Later, he left the party to concentrate solely on singing. But on December 2, 2014, Kumar Sanu rejoined the BJP under the leadership of Amit Shah.
Other Work
Kumar Sanu, known for his early career album “Kishore Ki Yaadein,” is a versatile artist. He composed music for films like “Utthaan” and “Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai.” His notable songs feature various singers. Besides singing, he’s ventured into filmmaking, producing “Utthaan” and currently working on “Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai.”
Sanu has contributed to TV shows and recently sang for the Bengali film “Hason Raja.” He’s been a judge on music reality shows like “Waar Parriwar” and “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.”
Apart from a successful music career, Sanu has acted in films, supported charitable causes, and established a school, “Kumar Sanu Vidya Niketan,” for underprivileged children. In 2022, he collaborated on the global release of the song “Mohabbat Mein there Sanam” with Music Records.
List of Kumar Sanu Songs
Here we will discuss a few well-liked and most admired songs by the audience of Kumar Sanu:
- Chand Se Parda Kijiye
- Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh
- Nazar Ke Saamne
- Bas Ek Sanam Chahiye
- Kisi Se Tum Pyaar Karo
- Saaton Janam Mein Tere
- Dard Karaara
Family
| Father Name | Pashupati Bhattacharya (vocalist and composer) |
|---|---|
| Mother Name | Name Not Known |
| Brother Name | Tapan Bhattacharya |
| Sister Name | Not Known |
Physical Appearance
Kumar Sanu is 180 centimeters tall, which is around 5 feet 11 inches. He weighs around 84 kilograms, which is about 185 lbs. His chest is 44 inches wide, his waist is 36 inches, and his biceps are 13 inches around. He has beautiful brown eyes and jet-black hair that adds to his charm. Kumar Sanu is a well-known figure in the music industry.
| Height (Approx.) | in centimeters – 180 cm in meters – 1.80 m in feet inches – 5’ 11” |
|---|---|
| Weight (Approx.) | in kilograms – 84 kg in pounds – 185 lbs |
| Body Measurements | – Chest: 44 Inches – Waist: 36 Inches – Biceps: 13 Inches |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Gym Schedule & Diet Chart
Kumar Sanu says that doing exercise helps him feel calm and full of energy. He likes to work out his muscles and thighs. Every morning, he drinks three to four glasses of hot water and eats cooked eggs and bananas. For breakfast, he has cereal and toast. For lunch, he prefers grilled vegetables, lentils, and leafy salads.
Relationship Status
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Affair/Girlfriend | Meenakshi Seshadri (Actress) |
| Wife | First Wife: Rita (Divored in 1994) Second Wife: Saloni Sanu |
| Children | Daughter– Anna (Songwriter and Author), Shannon K (foster; singer) Son– Jaan (Jico) |
Net Worth & Salary
Kumar Sanu has a net worth of about $11 million, which is roughly ₹90 crore in Indian Rupees. He earns around ₹50 lakhs or more every year. Sanu makes his money mainly by singing and composing music.
| Net Worth in USD (Approx.) | $11 Million |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Indian Rupees (Approx.) | ₹90 Cr |
| Salary in Indian Rupees (Approx.) | ₹50 Lakhs + |
| Income Source | Singing, Music Composing |
Social Media Handles
| @kumarsanuofficial | |
| @legend.sanuda | |
| YouTube | @kumarsanu1821 |
Favorite Things
| Musicians | Kishore Kumar |
|---|---|
| Foods | Fish and chole bhature |
| Actor | Amitabh Bachchan |
Awards
Civil Honors
- 2001: 31 March – Kumar Sanu Day: first Indian singer to achieve such honor Award in America by Michael R. Turner, Mayor, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
- 2001: Doctorate (honorary) Award by the University of America
- 2009: Padma Shri Award India’s 4th highest civilian honor by the Government of India
- 2012: Dr. Ambedkar Awards by People Education Society
- 2014: Maharashtraratna Awards by Government of Maharashtra as Bengali Playback Singer
- 2015: Sangeet Samman Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of West Bengal
- 2017: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nobel Award by International Human Rights Council
- 2018: Felicitation at the UK Houses of Parliament, along with Anuradha Paudwal for contribution in Indian Music and also social services. by Indo-British All-Party Parliamentary Group
- 2019: Bishesh Sangeet Mahasanman Award by the Government of West Bengal
- 2021: Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh
- 2022: Banga Bibhushan, Highest Civilian Award of West Bengal by Government of West Bengal
- 2023: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award, [National Award At Rajbhavan Mumbai] by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari Honourable Governor Of Maharashtra And Organiser Shri Gurubhai Sureshbhai Thakkar
Filmfare Awards
| Year | Song | Film | Music Director(s) | Lyricist |
| 1991 | Ab Tere Bin | Aashiqui | Nadeem-Shravan | Sameer |
| 1992 | Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai | Saajan | Nadeem-Shravan | Sameer |
| 1993 | Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar | Deewana | Nadeem-Shravan | Sameer |
| 1994 | Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen | Baazigar | Anu Malik | Dev Kohli |
| 1995 | Ek Ladki Ko Dekha | 1942: A Love Story | R.D. Burman | Javed Akhtar |
Other Awards
| Year | Award | Recipient/Work |
| 1995 | Channel V Award for Best Male Playback | Tujhe Dekha Ta Yeh Jaana Sanam from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge |
| 1995 | Ashirwad Award | Ek Ladki Ko Dekha from 1942 (love story) |
| 1995 | Screen Award for Outstanding Male Playback | Ek Ladki Ko Dekha from 1942 (love story) |
| 1996 | BFJA Award | Movie Kencho Khurte Keote |
| 1997 | BFJA Award | Movie Lathi |
| 1998 | Anandalok Award for Best Playback Singer (Male) | Gane Bhuban Bhoriye Triggering Mechanism with Kumar Sanu |
| 1998 | Anandalok Award | Kumar Sanu for Amik Sei Meye |
| 1999 | Lions’ Club Gold Medal | Ladki Badi Anjani Hai from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| 1999 | Kalakar Award | Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 1999 | Stardust Award for Best Playback Singer | Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 1999 | Zee Gold Award | Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 1999 | MTV Award Nomination | Kavita Krishnamurthy and Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan |
| 1999 | Mohammed Rafi Legacy Award for Outstanding Playback Singer | Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 2000 | MTV Award Nomination | Dil ne yeh featuring Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik |
| 2000 | Kalashree Prize for Outstanding Male Playback | Chaand Sitare from Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai |
| 2000 | IIFA Award Nomination for Best Male Playback | Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 2000 | Hero Honda Award | Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 2001 | Channel V Award for Best Male Playback | Chand Sitare from Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai |
| 2003 | Bollywood Music Award for Best Artist of the Decade | Yet to be updated |
| 2016 | Listed among The 10 most popular Indian musicians on Google | Yet to be updated |
Kumar Sanu Songs Lyrics
- Pyaar Ho Gaya Hai
- Tum Khafa Hogaye
- Tumhe Apna Banane Ki
- Ba Khuda
- Mata Rani Ka Dhyan Dhariye
- Aake Ruki
- Rimjhim Hai Baarish
- Tumsa Koi Pyaara
- Mera Dil Tera Hone Laga
- Shiddat
- Dil Mera Tod Ke
- Kaali Kaali Raaton Mein
- Saawariya
- Humnavva Humsafar
- Mirchi Lagi Toh
- Sanam Tujhko
- Humko Aawaz De
- Ishq Saaf (Title)
- Har Khushi
- Aankh Marey
- Ye Kutumb Swarg Mera Hai
- Swaagatam India
- Aap Ko Dekh Kar
- Tumse Nazrein Mili
- Main Aawara Badal
Controversy
Kumar Sanu kept his relationship secret for more than three years until 1993 when his secretary revealed it to a newspaper. This caused problems with his wife. The secretary mentioned that Kumar possesses numerous girlfriends and is currently in a relationship with the renowned actress Meenakshi Seshadri.
Kumar Sanu tells everyone that he hasn’t been with his son and ex-wife, Rita Bhattacharya, for 27 years. He says it’s because of how Rita raised their son Jaan that he’s saying things on Bigg Boss 14.
There was a little problem with the song sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kumar Sanu. Lataji sang the female version, which became famous. The song was first recorded by Kavita Krishnamurthy, but then Lataji sang it again.
18 Facts About Kumar Sanu
- Sanu used to play musical instruments when he was young.
- He had a hard time in the music business for 7 years. Then, in 1987, Jagjit Singh gave him a chance to sing in the Hindi movie Aandhiyan.
- Kumar Sanu achieved the Guinness World Record by recording 28 songs within a single day.
- Some of his family members learned classical music, but Sanu didn’t get any such training.
- He never worked with A.R. Rahman because he didn’t like Rahman’s late-night music recordings.
- Kumar Sanu’s father composed music for local plays.
- People used to call him Chhaanu when he was a kid, and later he became known as Sanu.
- Kumar Sanu is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- When he entered Bollywood, his name was written as Shanu, but he corrected it later.
- Kumar Sanu is a big fan of the Brazil football team and named his older son Jico after a Brazilian footballer.
- Kumar Sanu was a judge on the singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’ in 2023, which aired on Sony Entertainment Television (SET).
- Kumar Sanu said in an interview that the talk about ‘Indian Idol’ being scripted isn’t true. He said the show is all about real talent and singing well. He’s been part of the show for seven years and he believes it’s honest.
- Kumar Sanu loved playing traditional instruments when he was young.
- He worked hard in the music industry for the first seven years to get opportunities. Finally, Jagjit Singh offered him a chance to sing in the 1987 Hindi film Aandhiyan.
- Kumar Sanu possesses the Guinness World Record for capturing 28 songs within one day.
- He didn’t like working with A.R. Rahman and his late-night music sessions.
- He is a big fan of the Brazilian national football team. He named his son Zico after a Brazilian football player.
- Some of Kumar Sanu’s family members learned music, but Kumar Sanu did not receive such training.
FAQs
Kumar Sanu stayed in Panchanantala on Gopal Bose Lane in the Sinthi neighborhood in North Kolkata.
Kumar Sanu won five Filmfare Awards in a row from 1991 to 1995 for singing in movies. Since 1993, he’s been in the Guinness Book of World Records for singing 28 songs in just one day.
Jaan Kumar Sanu is Kumar Sanu’s son.
In the late 1980s, Kumar married Rita Bhattacharya. They got divorced in 1994 because Rita believed he was being unfaithful.