Alka Nadkarni (professionally known as Anuradha Paudwal)

🌸 Early Life and Career

Anuradha Paudwal was born into a Konkani family and raised in Mumbai. She was musically inclined from a young age and trained in classical music.

She made her playback singing debut in the film "Abhimaan" (1973) with a Sanskrit shloka and gradually rose to prominence in Bollywood in the late 70s and 80s.

🌟 Bollywood Success

Anuradha gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s with hit songs under top music banners like T-Series and worked with legendary music directors such as Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Anu Malik, Nadeem-Shravan, and Bappi Lahiri.

Famous Bollywood songs:

Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin)

Bahut Pyar Karte Hain (Saajan)

Tere Dar Pe Aaya Hoon (Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi)

Kya Mausam Aaya Hai (Himmatwala)

🕉️ Devotional Singing & Spiritual Influence

Anuradha Paudwal became a household name for her devotional bhajans and aartis, especially in the 1990s and 2000s, collaborating closely with T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar. Her devotional albums are widely played during poojas and spiritual gatherings.

Famous bhajans/aartis:

Shiv Amritwani

Durga Chalisa

Jai Ganesh Deva

Gayatri Mantra

Om Jai Jagdish Hare

🏆 Awards and Honors

Padma Shri (2017) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award

National Film Award – Best Female Playback Singer (1986) for Kalankini Radha (Film: Sati)

Lata Mangeshkar Award, Mother Teresa Award, and several other honors for her contribution to Indian music and spirituality

❤️ Social and Philanthropic Work

Runs charitable projects in memory of her late husband, Arun Paudwal

Promotes education and healthcare for underprivileged communities

Actively involved in promoting Indian culture and bhakti music globally