Rekha Bhardwaj

Personal life

Bhardwaj was born in Delhi and is one of six siblings (5 sisters and a brother). She married film director, composer and playback singer Vishal Bhardwaj in 1991. She first met him in 1984 when preparing for the annual function of Hindu College in New Delhi.

Professional career

Bhardwaj was initially trained in music by her older sister at their home. She went on to receive formal training under Pandit Amarnath.

Bhardwaj's first album, Ishqa Ishqa, was released in 2002, ten years after its conception. Its success brought her recognition and helped win her the opportunity to record career-defining songs like "Namak Ishq Ka" in the 2006 film Omkara (composed by her husband Vishal Bharadwaj) followed by "Sasural Genda Phool" (a Chhattisgarhi folk song recreated by A. R. Rahman) in the 2009 film Delhi-6.

Awards and honours

2015 Nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer (female) for the song "Humari atariya pe" from the 2014 film Dedh Ishqiya

2014 Nominated for Hum Award for Best Original Soundtrack for the song Kabhi Ashna Kabhi Ajnabi from the 2013 Pakistani TV serial Humnasheen

2013 Mirchi Music Awards for Raag-based song of the year for "Ek Ghadi" from D-Day

2012 Co-winner of Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer (female) with Usha Uthup for the song "Darling" from the 2011 film 7 Khoon Maaf

2011 National Award for the song "Badi dheere jali" from the 2010 film Ishqiya

2011 Mirchi Music Awards for Female Vocalist of The Year for "Darling" from 7 Khoon Maaf

2010 Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer (female) for the song "Sasural Genda Phool" from the 2009 film Delhi-6

2009 Mirchi Music Awards for Female Vocalist of The Year for the song "Sasural Genda Phool" from Delhi-6

Discography

Bhardwaj has been a playback singer for various films in various languages.

Other works

In addition to films, Bhardwaj has also sung for TV serials, etc.