Rekha Bhardwaj is known for her voice with a natural melancholic tone as well as a distinct earthy and soulful Sufiyana quality, which has lent a special touch to many of her songs like “Namak Ishq Ka,” “Sasural Genda Phool,” “Badi Dheere Jali,” “Darling,” “Kabira,” “Ghaghra,” “Hamri Atariya Pe,” and many more.
Rekha Bhardwaj, born on January 24, 1964, in Delhi. She grew up in a musically inclined family and received her initial training from her elder sister. She took formal music training at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Delhi, where she was mentored by Shri Vasant Thakar, Pandit Vinay Chandra Mudgal, and Shri Madhup Mudgal Ji.
What brought us together was music. And the fact that we were in the same college… What also kept us close was the crazy streak we both had, perhaps still have.
Rekha on her relationship with Vishal Bhardwaj
In November 1982, she began learning music from Guru Pandit Amarnath, “Shagird” of Ustad Amir Khan Sahab of the Indore Gharana, whom she terms her ‘eternal guru.’ After his demise in 1996, she continued her musical journey under his disciple, Shushri Amarjeet Kaur.
Rekha married acclaimed filmmaker and music composer Vishal Bhardwaj in 1991, whom she met in 1984 while preparing for the annual function of Hindu College in New Delhi; he was her junior there. In an interview, Rekha shared about their relationship, saying, “What brought us together was music. And the fact that we were in the same college… What also kept us close was the crazy streak we both had, perhaps still have.” Rekha and Vishal are the parents of budding filmmaker Aasmaan Bhardwaj.
Rekha Bhardwaj’s journey to fame was not without its challenges. She made her debut as a playback singer with the song ‘Ek Woh Din Bhi’ from the film “Chachi 420” in 1997, followed by Raja Ki Kahani in Godmother (1999), Yeh Kaisi Chaap Qadmon Ki in Jahan Tum Le Chalo (1999), and Makdee in Makdee (2002). Rekha gained prominence with “Rone Do” and “Chingari in “Maqbool (2003),” as well as “Lakad Jal Koyla Bhai” and the peppy “Namak Ishq Ka” in “Omkara” (2006).
It was also the time when her first album, “Ishqa Ishqa,” was released in 2002, ten years after its conception. The album has songs like “Jogiya,” “Chingari,” “Raat Ki Jogan,” “Roshni,” “Tere Ishq Mein,” and “Ishqa Ishqa,” all penned by Gulzar Saab, under the music direction of Vishal Bharadwaj.
The album’s success brought her further recognition and paved the way for her career-defining songs like “Phoonk De (No Smoking),” “Sasural Genda Phool (Delhi-6),” “Ummeed (Fraaq),” “Beedo” and “Ranaji” in Gulaal, “Raat Ke Dhai Baje (Kaminey),” “Badi Dheere Jali Raina (Ishqiya),” “Ranjha Ranjha (Raavan),” “Darling (7 Khoon Maaf),” “Saaye Saaye ( I Am),” “Phir Le Aaya Dil (Barfi),” “Oye Boy Charlie (Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola),” “Re Kabira Maan Ja,” and “Ghaghra,” in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, “Hamri Atariya Pe” and “Jagaave Saari Raina” in Dedh Ishqiya, “Aaj Ke Naam (Haider),” “Chadariya Jhini Re Jhini (Badlapur),” “Zindagi Kuchh Toh Bata (Bajrangi Bhaijaan),” “Dum Ghutta Hai (Drishyam),” “Chhoo Bhi Lo Woh Zinda Hai (Talvar),” “Teri Fariyad (Tum Bin 2), “Tap Tap Gol Gol Tippe Mein Jo Doobe” and “Yeh Ishq Hai” in Rangoon, “Ban Titli (Manto),” Ek Tero Balma Re Ek Mero Balma (Pataakha), “Sonchiraiya (Sonchiriya),” and many more.
Rekha has explored her artistic versatility with albums like Humm – Towards Nirvana (2010), Jiya Lage Na (2011), Irshaad (2011), Sarhadein (2011), Sakhi Saiyaan (2014), Moonlight Whispers (2015), Hui Mae Tumhari (2019), Manwa Mora (2021), and Rangrasiya (2024), showcasing her prowess in diverse genres. One of her most beautiful singles, “Dhoop Aane Do,” written by Gulzar, was released under her independent music label, VB Music. Her ability to infuse emotion into every note has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
She won the National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song ‘Badi Dheere Jali’ from the film “Ishqiya” (2011). She also won Best Female Playback Singer for ‘Sasural Genda Phool’ from “Delhi-6” (2009) and ‘Darling’ from “7 Khoon Maaf” (2011), shared with Usha Uthup.
