Introduction: No. 1 Singer in India
India, a land rich in music, culture, and tradition, has produced some of the most iconic singers the world has ever known. From soul-stirring classical renditions to contemporary chartbusters, Indian singers have played a vital role in shaping the country’s musical identity. In 2025, music lovers still ask: Who is the No. 1 singer in India? The answer leads us to not just one name, but a list of top 10 legendary voices who have redefined Indian music across generations.
Table of Contents
Who is the No. 1 Singer in India in 2025?
As of 2025, the title of No. 1 singer in India undeniably goes to Arijit Singh. With his emotional depth, vocal versatility, and consistent dominance across streaming platforms, Arijit Singh has become the voice of modern India. From romantic ballads to heart-wrenching anthems, his music connects with audiences of all ages.
Top 10 Legendary Voices in Indian Music History
1. Arijit Singh – The Modern Maestro
- Genre: Bollywood, Pop, Sufi, Classical
- Active Years: 2007–present
- Key Hits: Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Kesariya, Tera Yaar Hoon Main
- Spotify Listeners: 142+ million (2025)
Arijit Singh’s musical journey from a reality show contestant to the No. 1 singer in India is the stuff of legend. Known for his emotive voice and musical finesse, Arijit has dominated the Indian music charts for over a decade. His songs often define the emotional arcs of Bollywood films and hold deep sentimental value for fans across the globe.
2. Lata Mangeshkar – The Nightingale of India
- Genre: Classical, Ghazal, Devotional, Bollywood
- Active Years: 1942–2019
- Key Hits: Lag Ja Gale, Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh, Tere Bina Zindagi Se
- Awards: Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan
Lata Mangeshkar, often called the greatest playback singer in Indian history, lent her voice to over 25,000 songs in 36+ languages. Her influence spanned generations, and her voice became the golden standard of Indian singing. Even after her passing, her songs continue to rule hearts and radio stations.
3. Kishore Kumar – The Eccentric Genius
- Genre: Bollywood, Pop, Yodeling
- Active Years: 1946–1987
- Key Hits: Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Zindagi Ek Safar, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
Kishore Kumar was more than just a singer—he was an entertainer, actor, composer, and lyricist. Known for his expressive voice and emotional depth, he became the heart of Hindi film music in the 70s and 80s. His legacy continues to influence modern singers.
4. Mohammed Rafi – The Voice of an Era
- Genre: Classical, Devotional, Patriotic, Bollywood
- Active Years: 1944–1980
- Key Hits: Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Baharon Phool Barsao, Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil
Mohammed Rafi’s voice had unmatched versatility—effortlessly shifting between romantic songs, classical pieces, and qawwalis. He was the most sought-after voice in the golden era of Indian cinema and continues to inspire vocalists even today.
5. Shreya Ghoshal – The Melody Queen
- Genre: Bollywood, Classical, Regional Indian, Ghazal
- Active Years: 2002–present
- Key Hits: Sun Raha Hai, Teri Ore, Agar Tum Mil Jao
- Languages Sung: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and more
Shreya Ghoshal emerged as a prodigy on the reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and quickly established herself as a leading female playback singer in Bollywood. Her classical training, sweet tonal quality, and multilingual singing have made her a global icon.
6. Asha Bhosle – The Versatile Diva
- Genre: Bollywood, Cabaret, Ghazal, Pop
- Active Years: 1943–2010s
- Key Hits: Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Chura Liya Hai Tumne, Dum Maro Dum
Asha Bhosle is known for her dynamic range and bold choices. She adapted to every era of music with ease—singing everything from classical thumris to modern-day pop songs. With thousands of songs to her credit, she holds a Guinness World Record for most studio recordings.
7. Sonu Nigam – The Voice of the Millennium
- Genre: Bollywood, Classical, Pop, Devotional
- Active Years: 1992–present
- Key Hits: Kal Ho Naa Ho, Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, Suraj Hua Maddham
Often referred to as the modern-day Rafi, Sonu Nigam is celebrated for his powerful vocals and emotional range. Whether it’s a romantic ballad or a high-energy anthem, Sonu brings unmatched expression and precision to every performance.
8. SP Balasubrahmanyam – The Southern Legend
- Genre: Classical, Film Music, Devotional
- Languages Sung: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi
- Key Hits: Sankarabharanam songs, Tere Mere Beech Mein, Ek Duuje Ke Liye
SPB, as he was fondly called, recorded over 40,000 songs in his career, making him one of the most recorded voices in history. His warm tone and flawless diction made him a favorite across India. His passing in 2020 was mourned nationwide.
9. Mukesh – The Voice of the Soul
- Genre: Classical, Romantic, Devotional
- Active Years: 1941–1976
- Key Hits: Kabhi Kabhi, Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan, Suhana Safar Aur Yeh Mausam
Mukesh was known for his heartfelt singing, often used to express deep emotion and melancholy. His association with actor Raj Kapoor gave birth to some of the most iconic songs in Indian cinema.
10. Neha Kakkar – The Social Media Sensation
- Genre: Bollywood, Pop, Dance Numbers
- Active Years: 2009–present
- Key Hits: Dilbar, Aankh Marey, Garmi, Coca Cola
Neha Kakkar has brought a new energy to Bollywood playback singing, with upbeat dance numbers and chart-topping singles. With a massive following on Instagram and YouTube, she represents the younger generation’s voice and influence in the digital era.
Comparative Snapshot of India’s Legendary Singers
| Singer | Era | Genres | Major Awards | Unique Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arijit Singh | 2010s–2020s | Bollywood, Sufi, Pop | Filmfare, National Award (2023) | Global streaming dominance |
| Lata Mangeshkar | 1940s–2010s | Classical, Ghazal | Bharat Ratna, National Awards | Most prolific female playback singer |
| Kishore Kumar | 1950s–1980s | Bollywood, Pop | Filmfare Awards | Expressive, multi-talented |
| Mohammed Rafi | 1940s–1980s | Classical, Devotional | Padma Shri, National Awards | Incredible vocal flexibility |
| Shreya Ghoshal | 2000s–present | Bollywood, Classical | Filmfare, National Awards | Multilingual excellence |
| Asha Bhosle | 1940s–2010s | Cabaret, Pop, Classical | Padma Vibhushan | Guinness Record holder |
| Sonu Nigam | 1990s–present | Pop, Bollywood | Filmfare, National Awards | Technical brilliance |
| SP Balasubrahmanyam | 1960s–2020 | Regional & Bollywood | Padma Bhushan, National Awards | Over 40,000 songs |
| Mukesh | 1940s–1970s | Romantic, Devotional | National Film Awards | Soulful melancholy |
| Neha Kakkar | 2010s–present | Pop, Dance | Social Media Awards, Mirchi Awards | Digital-era icon |
Legacy, Impact, and Global Reach
Each of these singers has not only defined the Indian music industry but also taken Indian music to global platforms.
- Arijit Singh became the most followed global artist on Spotify in 2025.
- Lata Mangeshkar’s voice played at India’s Republic Day parades for decades.
- Asha Bhosle performed in international concerts well into her 70s.
- SP Balasubrahmanyam helped popularize Indian cinema music in the South and overseas.
- Neha Kakkar is one of the most viewed female artists on YouTube globally.
Conclusion: India’s Musical Treasure
India’s rich musical heritage is adorned with the golden voices of its singers, each contributing uniquely to the nation’s cultural fabric. While Arijit Singh holds the crown as the No. 1 singer in India in 2025, the legacy of artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mohammed Rafi continues to echo through time.
These top 10 legendary voices remind us that music is timeless—it lives in our hearts, shapes our memories, and connects generations.