Famous Indian Folk Singers of All Time

Indian folk music is the most soulful thing you can ever hear. The exotic melodies, the rare instruments, the words - simple yet true as life, can connect to your spirit through the tune. This music is loved by many and we look forward to hearing more of these in the future as well.

It is known for its unique style and rhythm. It not only reflects the rich Indian culture but also has the power to touch your soul through the melody. It is no surprise that people across the globe too have acknowledged its grandeur.

Let's take a look at some of our country's most renowned folk artists: -

• Ila Arun

When folk music is being discussed, Ila Arun's name immediately pop’s up in everyone’s head. Basically from Jaipur, Rajasthan, this popular folk singer is known for her mesmerizing husky voice. She sings folk and folk-pop numbers.

During the early ’90s, her album “Vote for Ghagra” sold more than 100,000 copies. Ila Arun has also been the voice behind many Bollywood chartbuster songs. Among her great accolades lies ‘Ringa Ringa’ from Slumdog Millionaire's Oscar-winning album.

• Nooran Sisters

Nooran sisters – Jyoti Nooran and Sultana Nooran are the granddaughters of the late Bibi Nooran, a famous Sufi singer of the 70s. They learned folk music from their father Ustad Gulshan Mir, son of the well-known Ustad Sohan Lal. The sisters together have the power to hold the room with their powerful voice

This singing duo from Jalandhar, India, was first spotted on the TV Show 'Nikki Awaz Punjab Di'. They soon became famous and got the chance to perform various musical concerts in India and across the globe. In 2012, The Nooran Sisters highlighted the song 'Allah Hoo' on MTV Coke Studio, which led them to sing a song ‘Ptakha Guddi’ for A.R. Rahman in the movie “Highway” in 2014.

• The Wadali Brothers

The Wadali Brothers - Puranchand Wadali and Pyarelal Wadali hail from Amritsar, Punjab. This singing duo has the power to move your soul with their powerful voice. Apart from mesmerizing the audience with their folk songs, the duo has lent their voices to Bollywood movies like ‘Pinjar’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu’.

They consider themselves as a medium through which the preaching of great saints is passed on to others. They believe in singing freely and do not feel very comfortable using electronic gadgets in their music. Instead, they stress on Alap and Taans. They believe that spiritual heights can only be attained if you sing unreservedly, in a free atmosphere.

• Papon

Angaraag Mahanta, known by his stage name Papon, is an Indian singer from Assam.

Papon's initial training was in Indian classical and folk music. He learnt vocals primarily but also plays the guitar and harmonium.

Papon started his musical career in 1988 with the Assamese song ‘Gaantu Je Gaai Asila’ from the album ‘Aamiu Gao Gaan’. In 2004 he released his first album, ‘Junaki Raati’ in the year 2004.

Papon contributed heavily to Indian folk fusion before he entered Bollywood. He has also performed with many international artists on various international tours.

• Kalpana Patowary

Kalpana Patowary is an Indian playback and folk singer from Assam. She learned music from the legendary singer Ustad Gulam Mustafa Khan. Her singing is heavily influenced by the bard of Brahmaputra Bhupen Hazarika.

Kalpana Patowary sings in 30 languages and has many folk and popular songs to her credit. Gifted with a rich, powerful, and sensuous voice, the artist from Assam creates magic while singing. She came into fame in 2008 when she participated in the reality show Junoon – ‘Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka’, which was aired on NDTV Imagine. She has also sung several songs in numerous Bollywood films.

• Sarwar Khan and Sartaj Khan

Sarwar Khan and Sartaj Khan hail from a tiny village near Jaisalmer. They are two of the youngest boys to have earned a position in Rajasthani folk singing. Music runs in their blood and both the young boys try their best to popularize folk art on different platforms.

They started their journey by singing in a reality show. The boys became stars over the night after lending their voice for a popular Bollywood song ‘Bapu sehat ke liye tu toh hanikarak hai’ for the movie ‘Dangal’. The duo, from Jaisalmer, has several other super hit songs in their achievement.

• Mame Khan

Mame Khan is an Indian playback and folk singer from Rajasthan, India. He began singing at a very young age, with his tribe giving performances in weddings, parties, and various other ceremonies. He has sung with his tribe members in more than 60 countries. Mame Khan’s first performance outside the country was in Central Park, New York.

He was once invited to sing at Ila Arun's wedding. It was there when he got spotted by Shankar Mahadevan who gave him his first break with the song ‘Bawre’ for the film ‘Luck By Chance (2009)’.

• Swaroop Khan

Another gem from Jaisalmer, Swaroop Khan was born to a family of folk singers. He is a master of Jangra music and offers songs for every happy occasion.

He gained popularity after becoming one of the top 10 contestants in a season of Indian Idol. He has since given his voice to several hits in Bollywood. The famous ‘Ghoomar’ song from ‘Padmaavat’ was his most recent contribution, while his past performances include those in ‘Mukkabaaz’, ‘Dhanak’, ‘Filmistaan’, and ‘PK’.