Mumbai’s music scene has long celebrated voices that pierce through the soul, and Rekha Bhardwaj stands tall among them. As she approaches her 62nd birthday on January 24, let’s delve into the extraordinary life of this playback singer whose high-pitched timbre has defined some of Bollywood’s most unforgettable tracks.
From the haunting ‘Lakkad’ in Omkara that stirs the spirit, to the tear-jerking ‘Kabira’ that captures lovers’ deepest longings, Rekha’s voice evokes every human emotion. Tracks like ‘Namak Ishq Ka’ and ‘Ghaghra’ ignite an irresistible urge to dance. Behind these gems is a woman whose life has been a symphony since childhood.
Rekha’s home buzzed with melodies from the radio, switched on at dawn. Though her parents dismissed music as unworthy, her father vowed his children would master it. At just three, Rekha began singing, enchanted by the airwaves. Birthdays weren’t about cakes but musical gatherings with friends.
By 12, she immersed in classical training, with thumri and raags shaping her voice and soul. Eight years of rigorous riyaaz revealed her true passion: ghazals. She often muses, ‘My heart must have been broken in a past life,’ hinting at the poignant depth in her singing.
Rekha’s talents shone in college performances, where her ghazals captivated audiences. In 1984, she met Vishal Bhardwaj, sparking a romance that led to marriage in 1991. Initially, Bollywood rejected her unique voice, but Vishal’s faith prevailed. His 2002 album ‘Ishqa Ishqa,’ with lyrics by Gulzar, marked her breakthrough.
She lent her voice to films scored by Vishal, like Chachi 420, Godmother, and Jahan Tum Le Chal. True stardom arrived with Omkara’s ‘Namak Ishq Ka,’ transforming her career. Today, Rekha remains a force, her voice timeless and irreplaceable.