Chutney Music Queen, Kanchan, was one of the leading voices of Indian folk and chutney music. Kanchan also gave playback to some of the most memorable songs of Hindi films, like “Kya Khoob Lagti Ho,” “Ek Batta Do Do Batte Char,” “Laila O Laila,” “Hum Tumhen Chahte Hain Aise,” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Kanchan, born Kumari Kanchan Dinkarrao Mali, on March 16, 1950, in Mumbai, into a Marathi family. A few sources claim that she was born in Kolhapur. Her father’s name was Dinakar Rao Mali, recognised her musical talent early on, and encouraged her to hone her skills. Kanchan was trained under the famous “Laxmi Prasad Jaipurwale.” She then joined Kalyanji-Anandji’s group, which is known for training and nurturing young talents. Kalyanji-Anandji was instrumental in giving her a break in Hindi films.
She made her singing debut with the duet “Jhooth Bolna Paap Hai Yaaron” with Mahendra Kapoor in the 1972 film “Puja Aur Payal,” followed by “Mere Peechhe Ek Ladka Pagla Sa” in “Banarasi Babu (1973),” “Tanik Tum Hamri Nazar Pehchaano” in “Albeli (1974),” “Paiyan Pade Parvati” in “Har Har Mahadev (1974),” and “O Rang Rasiya Re” in “Paap Aur Punya (1974).”
The year 1975 marked a turning point in Kanchan’s career with the film “Rafoo Chakkar,” where her song “Tumko Mere Dil Ne” captured the hearts of many. She sang three more songs, “Bhajan Bina Chain Na Aaye,” “Dil Dena Buri Bala Hai,” and “Ae Zamane Tu Kar Le Sitam Pe Sitam,” in the film.
Breakthrough Of Kanchan
This was followed by other memorable hits, including “Kya Khoob Lagti Ho” and “Tumne Kisi Se Kabhi Pyar Kiya Ha” from “Dharmatma (1975),” “Ek Batta Do Do Batte Char” in “Kalicharan (1976),” the evergreen “Hum Tumhen Chahte Hain Aise,” and “Laila O Laila” from “Qurbani (1980),” “Saat Saheliyan Khadi Khadi,” in “Vidhata (1982),” “Haiyo Rabba,” in “Haadsa (1983),” “Aaja Tujhe Main” in “Bandh Honth (1984),” and many more. Despite the success, Kanchan’s Bollywood journey was brief, as she sought to carve a unique niche for herself away from the shadow of established singers.
Some of her other films include Vardaan (1974), Chori Mera Kaam (1975), Himalay Se Ooncha (1975), Uljhan (1975), Do Shatru (1975), Darinda (1977), Kasum Khoon Ki (1977), Khel Khilari Ka (1977), Atithee (1978), Besharam (1978), Chor Ke Ghar Chor (1978), Khara Khota (1981), Do Guru (1982), Haadsaa (1983), Meetha Zehar (1985), Chhota Aadmi (1986), Duty (1986), Hero Hiralal (1988), and Mr Shrimati (1994).
Kanchan & Babla
Kanchan’s true calling was chutney music. This genre blends traditional Bhojpuri folk songs with the beats of soca and calypso. Alongside her husband, Babla Shah, she formed the musical duo “Babla & Kanchan.” Babla is the younger brother of famous music director duo Kalyanji Anandji. Their partnership not only flourished in their personal lives but also on the global stage, where they performed for four decades.
Kanchan’s Bhojpuri vocals in songs like “Phulorie Bina Chutney Kaise Bani” blended Indian folk with Caribbean soca rhythms. These tracks became anthems in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname, resonating with the Indian diaspora. Her albums like “Kaise Bani” and “Kuch Gadbad Hai” were chartbuster among the Indian diaspora. They transcends geographical boundaries, connecting hearts through their infectious rhythm. Her contribution to chutney music was not just limited to her voice. She became a cultural ambassador, bringing a slice of Indian tradition to the world. Kanchan and Babla covered hits by chutney pioneer Sundar Popo, such as “Mama Chilawela.” Their renditions preserved traditional chutney while introducing modern production, boosting its global appeal.
In the 1970s, Kanchan and Babla redefined Gujarati folk dances like Dandiya and Garba with modern rhythms, termed “Disco Dandiya.” Their live Navratri performances introduced a fusion of traditional and Western elements. Their shows in India, the USA, Australia, and Caribbean countries were a cultural phenomenon. This success earned Babla the title “Pioneer of Disco Dandiya.” Some of her famous albums include Hot Hot Hot, Musical Voyage: East Meets West, Tiny Winy, Chaadar Beech, Behnji Darling, Disco Dandiya, Babla & Kanchan Live, Chutney Classics and many more.
Personal Life
Kanchan and Babla together have two children, daughter Nisha and son Vaibhav. Both of them are into music, as Nisha has toured extensively with her parents since she was a kid. Vaibhav, on the other hand, is a musician and worked as a drummer on the TV show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil’ Champs.
Tragically, Kanchan’s melodious journey was cut short when she passed away on July 26, 2004. Her legacy, however, continues to live on through her music, which remains a testament to her talent and her ability to touch lives across continents.
Kanchan on IMDB
