From Indian Idol to National Award winner, this star’s inspiring journey proves that talent, dedication, and passion can turn every note into success.
Published: November 3, 2025 10:29 AM IST
The voice of renowned Bollywood singer Monali Thakur has always touched people’s hearts. Her melodious and soulful voice has earned her recognition not only in films but also among music lovers. Monali Thakur, who rules the hearts of people with her melodious voice, is celebrating her birthday today.
A Star Born with Music in Her Blood
Monali Thakur is one of Bollywood’s best playback singers today. Her melodious voice rivals that of Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal. She has delivered numerous superhit songs in Hindi films. Born on November 3, 1985, into a Bengali family, Monali Thakur inherited her musical talent from her father.
Musical Roots in the Family
Monali Thakur’s father, Shakti Thakur, was a well-known playback singer and actor in the Bengali film industry. Her sister, Mehuli Thakur, is also a playback singer in the Bengali film industry. Monali began her career in 1999 singing Bengali songs. She first sang Anupam Dutta’s song “Chhena Chhena.”
Early Days of Struggle and Determination
Monali’s career began with small competitions and school functions, but through her hard work and talent, she gradually made her way into Bollywood. Remarkably, early in her career, she received an opportunity that would change the course of her life.
Training and Musical Foundation
Monali Thakur’s family had a deep connection to music, and she grew up surrounded by it. Born into such a family, Monali was interested in music from childhood. She received training in Indian music from Pandit Jagdish Prasad and Ajay Chakraborty. As a child, Monali participated in numerous school and college competitions, capturing everyone’s attention with her singing.
Rise Through Indian Idol
Monali launched her career on a grand scale when she participated in the popular singing reality show “Indian Idol 2” in 2006. Her melodious voice and stage performance impressed audiences. Although she made it to the top nine contestants, she failed to win. This show gave her the opportunity to enter Bollywood.
The Turning Point – Race (2008)
The biggest turning point in Monali’s career came in 2008, when she got the opportunity to sing in the film “Race.” Initially, she was only offered one song, “Zara Zara Touch Me,” but her recording was so impressive that the film’s directors, Abbas-Mustan, and music director Pritam were so impressed that they offered Monali the opportunity to sing a second song, “Khwab Dekhein Jhoote Moothe.”
Success and Stardom
This incident catapulted Monali’s career to new heights, and both songs proved to be superhits. After this success, Monali never looked back and steadily carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. After this, she delivered several hit songs. Songs like “Sanwar Loon” from the film “Lootera,” “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” from the film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha,” and “Badri Ki Dulhania,” the title song of “Badrinath Ki Dulhania,” became her signature songs.
Awards and Recognition
Her songs not only became popular but also won her numerous awards. “Sanwar Loon” won her a Filmfare Award, while “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” won her a National Film Award. Monali is not only a prolific singer but also a brilliant dancer. She trained in Bharatnatyam, salsa, and hip-hop. Additionally, she has sung in several Bengali films and lent her voice to independent music albums.
Acting Journey
Monali Thakur received the National Award for Best Playback Singer for the song “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” from the 2015 film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha.” She also received a Filmfare Award for the song “Sawar Loon” from “Lootera.”
Along with singing, Monali also tried her luck in acting. In 2014, she starred in the film “Lakshmi.” This was the actress’s debut film, which dealt with the sensitive issue of prostitution. The film highlighted the ills of society and the elements we often shy away from discussing.
