Indian musicians born in 1924
Here are 11 famous musicians from India were born in 1924:
Gopaldas Neeraj
Gopaldas Neeraj (January 4, 1924 Ekdil-) also known as Gopal Das Neeraj, Neeraj, Niraj or Gopaldas Saxena 'Neeraj' is an Indian writer, actor and screenwriter.
He was born in the Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh, India. He began his career as a poet, and his works have been widely published in Hindi literature. His poetry has been described as soulful and he has often been referred to as the "People's Poet." Neeraj has also written lyrics for many Bollywood songs and has won several awards for his contributions to Indian literature and music. In addition to his literary career, Neeraj has acted in a few films and has also worked as a screenwriter. Despite facing several personal setbacks and health issues, Neeraj continues to write and inspire generations of Indian poets and lyricists.
Neeraj completed his Master's degree in Hindi literature from the Allahabad University, where he was also a professor for a brief period. He became a well-known poet in the 1950s and 60s for his romantic and philosophical poems. His notable works include "Karawan Guzar Gaya" and "Badal Raag." Neeraj's poems have also been set to music by several music composers, including S.D. Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan, and R.D. Burman.
Neeraj's contributions to Bollywood music are exceptional, and he has penned memorable songs, including "Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe" from the film "Kanyadaan," and "Phoolon Ke Rang Se" from "Prem Pujari." Neeraj has also been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards for his literary works and has been conferred with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collections of poems.
Apart from his literary achievements, Neeraj also acted in films and appeared in a few Hindi movies. He made his acting debut with the film "Bhuvan Shome," directed by Mrinal Sen. He also wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film "Mera Naam Joker."
Today, at the age of 97, Neeraj continues to inspire generations with his soulful poetry and lyrics. His contributions to Hindi literature and Bollywood music are invaluable, and he remains a celebrated figure in Indian culture.
Neeraj's influence on Indian culture is still felt today. Many contemporary poets and songwriters credit him as an inspiration and his work continues to be studied and analyzed in academic circles. In addition to his awards and accolades, Neeraj has also received recognition from the Indian government for his contributions to the country's cultural heritage. He was appointed as Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in 2010 and was elected as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha in 1998. Despite his success, Neeraj has remained humble and grounded, often refusing to take credit for his accomplishments. Today, he lives a simple life in Aligarh and continues to write poetry and inspire generations of artists.
Neeraj's poetry and lyrics have been translated into several languages, including English, Urdu, and Russian. He has also performed live readings of his poetry in various cities across India and abroad, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Neeraj was known for his distinctive style of poetry, which blended traditional Hindi poetry with modern and contemporary themes. He was also known for his use of simple, everyday language that could be easily understood by the common people. Many of Neeraj's poems explore themes of love, nature, and the human condition, and his work has touched the hearts of millions of readers and listeners. Despite facing several personal struggles, including the loss of his wife and daughter, Neeraj remained committed to his art and continued to write until the end of his life. He passed away on July 19, 2018, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
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Lalmani Misra
Lalmani Misra (August 11, 1924 India-July 17, 1979) was an Indian writer. He had one child, Gopal Shankar Misra.
In addition to his writing, Lalmani Misra was also a noted musicologist and musician. He was regarded as an expert in the field of Indian classical music and was known for his extensive research on the subject. Misra was also responsible for the revival of a number of traditional Indian musical instruments, and he invented several new ones himself. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1970 for his contributions to Indian classical music. Misra passed away at the age of 54, leaving behind a rich legacy in both literature and music.
Born in Varanasi, India, Lalmani Misra was the son of noted Indian musician Pandit Amarnath Misra. Lalmani Misra followed in his father's footsteps and became a musician himself, but he also showed an early aptitude for writing. He began his career as a journalist, writing for several Indian newspapers.
In addition to his journalistic work, Misra was also a prolific writer of books. He wrote over 30 books on a variety of topics, including Indian classical music, literature, and language. Many of his books are still considered important works in their fields.
Misra's contributions to the world of Indian classical music were immense. He was a trained musician and had a deep understanding of the technical aspects of various traditional Indian musical instruments. He is credited with reviving several of these instruments, including the surbahar and the sursringar. Misra also invented new instruments, such as the shruti mandolin and the dhrupad tarang.
Misra's knowledge of Indian classical music led him to become a respected musicologist, and he was often called upon to lecture on the subject. He also founded the Banaras Gharana Music Academy in Varanasi, which is still in operation today.
Lalmani Misra's contributions to Indian culture were recognized during his lifetime, and he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1970. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of arts, literature, science, and public affairs. Misra passed away in 1979, but his legacy continues to inspire musicians, writers, and scholars all over the world.
Misra's legacy in the field of Indian classical music lives on through his many disciples, who continue to teach and perform his compositions. He was also known for his innovative approach to music education, encouraging his students to learn not only the technical aspects of music but also the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of the art form.
Misra's contributions to Indian literature were also significant. He wrote extensively on topics such as linguistics, mythology, and the history of the Indian subcontinent. His writing style was noted for its clarity and accessibility, and many of his works have been translated into multiple languages.
In addition to his creative and scholarly pursuits, Misra was also involved in social and political activism. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and lent his support to various social justice movements.
Today, Lalmani Misra is remembered as a polymath and a visionary whose contributions to the worlds of music and literature continue to inspire new generations. His writings and musical compositions remain popular, and his legacy is celebrated through various cultural events and initiatives.
Misra's influence on Indian classical music is evident in the work of many contemporary musicians. His emphasis on reviving traditional instruments and experimenting with new ones has had a lasting impact on the musical landscape of India. Misra's legacy also extends to the field of music education, where his innovative methods have been adopted by many music schools and academies. In addition to his contributions to music, Misra's writing on Indian culture and history has been widely acclaimed. His books have been used as textbooks in universities across India, and his research on Indian mythology and folklore has helped to preserve and promote cultural traditions that might otherwise have been lost. Misra's contributions to social and political activism demonstrate his commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. His advocacy for marginalized communities and his efforts to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation continue to inspire activists and social reformers to this day. Lalmani Misra's life and work exemplify the rich cultural heritage of India and serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
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Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi (December 24, 1924 Kotla Sultan Singh-July 31, 1980 Mumbai) a.k.a. Mohd. Rafi, Mohammad Rafi, Mohd Rafi, محمد رفیع, मोहम्मद रफ़ी or Rafi, Mohammed was an Indian singer, playback singer and actor. His children are Saeed Rafi, Khalid Rafi, Hamid Rafi, Shahid Rafi, Parveen Rafi, Nasreen Rafi and Yasmin Rafi.
His most recognized albums: Evergreen Hits of Mohammed Rafi, Golden Collection, Legends - Mohd. Rafi - The Virtuoso - 2, Legends - Mohd. Rafi - The Virtuoso - 5, Legends, Volume 3, The Rough Guide to Bollywood Legends: Mohd. Rafi, The Virtuoso (disc 1), Songs of Love Mohammed Rafi, Bollywood's Golden Voices: Mohammed Rafi and Abhimaan. Genres: Classical music, Indian classical music, Qawwali, Hindustani classical music, Thumri, Ghazal and Bhajan.
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Kanika Banerjee
Kanika Banerjee (October 12, 1924 Sonamukhi-April 5, 2000 Kolkata) was an Indian singer.
She was one of the most famous exponents of Rabindra Sangeet and is considered as one of the pioneers of modern Bengali music. Kanika Banerjee started learning music at a very young age under the tutelage of legendary singer Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. She rose to fame in the early 1940s with her melodious voice and unique singing style. Her renditions of Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul geeti, and other Bengali folk songs are considered as milestones in the history of Bengali music. Kanika Banerjee's contribution to the music industry has been recognized with several prestigious awards including the Padma Bhushan (1974), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1986) and Padma Vibhushan (2000). She continued to perform and record music until her death in 2000, leaving behind a rich legacy of unforgettable music.
Kanika Banerjee was born in the small town of Sonamukhi in West Bengal, India. She was born into a family that was deeply interested in music and her father, Amulyadhara Banerjee, was a noted musicologist. Her upbringing was marked by exposure to diverse styles of music and she was encouraged to pursue music from a young age. She received her initial training in music from her mother, who was also a singer.
At the age of 16, Kanika Banerjee was introduced to the renowned classical singer Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, who was visiting Kolkata at the time. Impressed by her voice, Khan agreed to take her on as a student. Over the years, she became a disciple of several other eminent musicians, including Girija Shankar Chakrabarty, Gyan Prakash Ghosh, and Ustad Dabir Khan.
Kanika Banerjee's early performances were marked by her ability to infuse emotion into each note she sang. Her soulful renditions of Tagore's songs and Nazrul geeti quickly gained popularity, and she soon became an icon in the world of Bengali music. In the years that followed, she continued to experiment with different styles and genres, and her music came to be known for its versatility and depth.
Kanika Banerjee's contribution to music has been widely recognized, and she has been felicitated with numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Padma Bhushan, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Padma Vibhushan, she was also awarded the Banga Bibhushan, the highest civilian award of West Bengal, and the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Kanika Banerjee passed away in 2000, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to influence generations of musicians and music lovers.
Her extensive discography includes over 500 songs, including some of the most popular Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul geeti recordings of all time. She was well known for her mastery over dhrupad, khayal, and thumri, which are all forms of Hindustani classical music. While she was most famous for her renditions of Bengali music, she also sang in other Indian languages including Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. Despite her fame, Kanika Banerjee remained deeply committed to her art and continued to practice her music diligently throughout her life.
In addition to her musical career, Kanika Banerjee was also active in social work, and was associated with several charitable organizations. She was a strong advocate for women's education and empowerment, and often used her platform to support these causes. She was also a mentor to many aspiring musicians, and played an important role in preserving and promoting the traditional music of Bengal.
Today, Kanika Banerjee is remembered as one of the most iconic and influential singers to emerge from Bengal. Her music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the region, and continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers. Her legacy serves as a testament to the timeless power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
Kanika Banerjee's impact on Bengali music extends far beyond her mastery of Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul geeti. She was known for her experimentation with various musical instruments and her ability to weave different musical traditions into her performances. She often collaborated with other musicians to create new and innovative music, and her openness to new ideas and influences helped to shape the evolution of Bengali music.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Kanika Banerjee was also a highly respected teacher and mentor. Many of her students went on to become successful singers in their own right, and she played an important role in nurturing new talent and preserving traditional musical forms.
Kanika Banerjee's influence on Bengali culture extends beyond music. She was an avid reader and writer, and wrote extensively on a variety of subjects including music, literature, and social issues. Her writing reflects her broad intellectual curiosity and her deep commitment to social justice.
Kanika Banerjee's contributions to the world of music and culture have been widely recognized, and she remains a beloved figure in Bengal and throughout India. Her music continues to be celebrated and studied, and her legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of musicians and artists.
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Suchitra Mitra
Suchitra Mitra (September 19, 1924 Bengal-January 3, 2011 Kolkata) also known as Mitra, Suchitra was an Indian singer and actor.
He was born in a musical family and started singing at a very young age. Mitra is known for his melodious voice and contributed to the music industry for over four decades. He has sung in various languages including Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu. Mitra is also known for his acting skills and appeared in several Bengali movies during the 1950s and 1960s. He received several awards and accolades for his contribution to music including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 1972. Mitra passed away in 2011 at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and films.
Mitra was known for his unique style of singing and his ability to convey emotions through his voice, which made him a popular choice for playback singing in the Indian film industry. Some of his popular songs include "Ami chini go chini", "O Swapno Ke Saudagar", "Robindro Shongeet", and "Ektuku Chhoya Lage". Mitra was also a prolific composer, having composed music for films and albums.
Apart from his music career, Mitra was actively involved in social work and was associated with several organizations working for the welfare of children, women, and the elderly. He was also a devout follower of the Ramakrishna Mission and regularly participated in their activities.
Mitra's contributions to the music industry and society as a whole have earned him a special place in the hearts of people in India and beyond. To this day, his songs continue to mesmerize audiences and inspire new generations of singers and musicians.
Mitra was born in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), and his family had a strong musical background. His father, Amulya Charan Mitra, was a singer and composer, and his mother, Protima Devi, was a noted exponent of Rabindra Sangeet. Mitra received his early musical training from his parents and went on to study music under several renowned musicians, including Pandit Arun Bhattacharya and Pandit Santosh Kumar Basu.
Mitra's career in music began in the early 1940s when he started singing for All India Radio in Kolkata. He soon became a popular radio artist and was invited to perform in concerts and music festivals across India. In the 1950s, Mitra ventured into playback singing for films and became a sought-after singer in the Bengali film industry. He worked with several top composers and directors and sang for films such as "Sapmochan", "Suryatoran", and "Chowringhee".
Apart from his singing career, Mitra also acted in several Bengali films during the 1950s and 1960s. He appeared in films such as "Bibhas", "Pasher Bari", and "Basant Bahar". Mitra's performances were highly appreciated, and he won the Best Supporting Actor award at the National Film Awards in 1961 for his role in the film "Bibhas".
Mitra's contribution to music was recognized with several awards and honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986 and the Banga Bibhushan Award in 2010. He was also a fellow of the Sangeet Natak Akademi and served as the President of the West Bengal State Music Academy.
Even after his death, Mitra's music continues to be popular among music lovers in India and abroad. His legacy as a singer, composer, and actor has inspired generations of artists and will live on for years to come.
Mitra's passion for music was matched only by his dedication to social causes. He was actively involved in several NGOs, including the Indian Cancer Society, and used his music to raise awareness about various social issues. Mitra was also a mentor to young musicians and often provided them with guidance and support. He believed in the power of music to bring people together and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India's rich musical heritage.
Mitra's influence on Indian music is immeasurable, and his voice is still considered one of the most captivating and soulful in the industry. Even today, his songs continue to be popular among music lovers of all ages. Mitra's legacy is a testament to his talent, passion, and commitment to society, and his contributions will always be remembered and celebrated by generations to come.
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Paravur Devarajan
Paravur Devarajan (September 27, 1924 Paravur, Kollam-March 15, 2006 Chennai) also known as Paravoor Govindan Devarajan, Devarajan master, G. Devarajan or G.Devrarajan was an Indian film score composer and music director.
Genres: Film score.
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Nisar Bazmi
Nisar Bazmi (December 1, 1924 Mumbai-March 22, 2007 Karachi) also known as Syed Nisar Ahmed was an Indian film score composer and music director.
Genres he performed include Instrumental.
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C. R. Vyas
C. R. Vyas (November 9, 1924 Osmanabad-January 10, 2002) also known as Pandit C R Vyas, Pandit C.R. Vyas or C.R. Vyas, Pandit was an Indian singer.
His discography includes: The Eternal Rhapsody, Raga: Shivmat-Bhairav, Raga: Poorvi, Masterworks From the NCPA Archives, Legends Forever and . Genres he performed: Hindustani classical music.
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Madan Mohan
Madan Mohan (June 25, 1924 Erbil-July 14, 1975 Mumbai) otherwise known as late shri Madan Mohan, The Ghazal King, The Late Madan Mohan, Madan Mohan Kohli or Madan Kohli was an Indian film score composer, composer and music director. He had one child, Sanjeev Kohli.
His albums include Woh Kaun Thi, Mera Saaya, Aap Ki Parchhaiyan, Veer-Zaara, Jahan Ara, Chirag, Sahib Bahadur, Golden Collection - Madan Mohan - Great Ghazals, Adalat and Parichay. Genres related to him: Film score.
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Talat Mahmood
Talat Mahmood (February 24, 1924 Lucknow-May 9, 1998 Mumbai) also known as Talat Mehmood, Mahmood, Talat, Talat Mahammud, Talaat Mahmud, Talat Mohmood or Talat was an Indian singer and actor.
Discography: Evergreen Hits of Talat Mahmood, Love Songs, Meri Yasad Main Tum - Hits Forever Talat Mahmood, Talat Mahmood (The Golden Collection), The Evergreen Duets and The Genius of Talat Mahamood.
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Kumar Gandharva
Kumar Gandharva (April 8, 1924 Sulebhavi-January 12, 1992) a.k.a. Gandharva, Kumar was an Indian singer.
His albums include Nirgun Ke Gun, Raga Bhairav Ke Prakaar, , , Echoes of a Golden Voice and A Life In Music. Genres: Hindustani classical music and Indian classical music.
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