Known as the “Voice of Mukesh,” Babla Mehta was a famous singer of the 1990s known for his soulful voice and his uncanny similarity to the great Mukesh Sahab. His fate was so intertwined with Mukesh that he even passed away on the birth anniversary of Mukesh, 22 July. In films Babla sang the iconic songs “Tere Mere Hothon Pe,” “Galyan Sakli Sonyachi,” and “Dil Deewane Ka Dola Dildar Ke Liye.”
Early Life and Career
Babla Mehta was born on September 8, 1962, in Delhi into a middle-class family. His father, Inder Jeet Mehta, was a banker, and his mother Raj Rani Mehta was a homemaker. His early exposure to music came through family gatherings and religious events.
Babla completed his schooling in Delhi. He pursued a commerce degree, likely from a Delhi-based college, following his father’s footsteps in banking. His formal musical training began in his teens under local gurus, focusing on Indian classical vocals and harmonium. He learned voice modulation and rhythm, drawing inspiration from legends like Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
Babla started performing at local events in Delhi during his teenage years. Shy initially, he gained confidence after a college incident where he corrected a peer’s singing, sparking his resolve to perform publicly. He balanced a banking job with live music shows in the 1980s.
Babla Mehta – Voice of Mukesh
In the start of his career Babla recorded many covers of Mukesh’s songs, earning the title “Voice of Mukesh.” Some of his famous cover versions include Zuban Pe Dard Bhari Daastan (1987), Mukesh ki Yaadein (Vols. 1-10) (1988), Shradhanjali To Raj Kapoor, Echoes of Mukesh (1990), Moments and Memories (1992), The Maestro’s Touch (1994), Mukesh Ke Geet (2000), Golden Voice of Mukesh (2008), Mukesh Reborn (2015) and many more.
His film debut came in 1989 with Yash Chopra’s Chandni, where he sang the duet “Tere Mere Hoton Pe” with Lata Mangeshkar. This marked his entry into Hindi film playback singing. In 1991 he sang the iconic “Galyan Sakli Sonyachi” in Mahesh Bhatt’s Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin (1991).
Nadeem Shravan used him for “Jeene ki Tamnna Jaag Uthi” with Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal. The song from Mahesh Bhatt’s “Sadak,” was a big hit. Despite singing these famous songs, he never gets many chances. His next song was “Ye Do Dil Hai Chanchal,” with Anuradha Paudwal in Beta (1992). It was the only song composed by Amar Utpal in the film. It is a rare gem that deserves more love. Please listen to it on our recommendation.
Other Songs
He then sang one of the most popular songs of that year, “Dil Deewane Ka Dola Dildar Ke Liye.” It was coposed by Anu Malik for Tehelka, and sang by Mehta with Kumar Sanu and Anuradha Paudwal. One of his most beautiful songs was RD Burman‘s “Aa Bhi Ja Aa Bhi Ja Leke Range Hina,” in Janam Se Pehle (Janam Se Pehle).
Some of his other songs include “Saari Raat Guzaari (Jeene Do),” “Gudiya Rani Ji Laadli Papa Ki,” “Tasty Food Ho Rangeen Bed Ho” (Mayor Sahab), “Mere Preetam Mere Baalam (Naamcheen),” “Teri Pooja Karoon (Pyar Bhara Dil),” “Ae Haseen Dilruba (Saanson Ki Sargam),” “Aaj Dil Ki Baaten Keh Denge Hum Sabhi (Jeena Marna Tere Sang),” “Rang De Rang De Humko Rang De (Kis Main Kitna Hai Dum),” “Parody (Kasam Teri Kasam),” “Mere Khayal Mere Hi Dil (Main Tera Aashiq),” “Tanna Nana Tanna Nana (Pyar Ka Rog),” “Mehakti Jhoomti (Aatank Hi Aatank),” “Koi Bataye Ke Swarg Kaisa Hoga (Chhota Sa Ghar),” “Chahe Poochh Lo Kangana Se (Sautela Bhai),” “Tu Hai Main Hoon (Nazarr),” “Bhabhi Dil Ki Bholi (Deewana Hoon Pagal Nahin).”
Non Film Career
Apart from playback singing, he extensively sang devotional songs in many languages. Some of his bhajan albums include “Sampoorna Sundar Kaand,” “Bajrang Baan,” “Mamta Ka Mandir,” Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki, “Parv Kumbh Ka Nyara,” “Jaya Shree Hanumaan,” “Ram Charit Maanas,” “Bhakti Saagar,” “Aa Gayi Chitthi Mata Ki,” “Aaye Hain Tere Dar Pe,” “Jag Janani,” “Pahadon Wali Matarani,” “Ramayan Bhajans,” “Tera Naam,” and many more.
Babla also composed music for many commercials, including regional brands in the 1990s. As a composer, he blended traditional melodies with modern orchestration, as seen in his work on Krishna Mishra Wounded (2007). Babla also worked as a sound recordist, leveraging his ear for harmonious melodies. He founded Silver Bells Digital Recording Studio in Mumbai to support his production work.
He also composed four poems by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, performed live in New Delhi (2000). He performed live all over the world, including countries like Canada, the USA, South Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Later Years
He lived in Mumbai during his active career, focusing on music and studio work. In his later years, he reduced public appearances due to health issues. He continued to record devotional songs until the early 2020s. Babla passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 62 in Mumbai, reportedly from health complications.
Babla Mehta on IMDB
