Overview
Kailash Kher is an Indian playback and folk singer known for his distinctive voice and a style rooted in Indian folk and Sufi music traditions. He performs primarily in Hindi but has also recorded songs in several other Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi and Bhojpuri. He is the lead vocalist of the band Kailasa, which he co-founded with musicians Naresh Kamath and Paresh Kamath.
Key facts
| Full name | Kailash Kher |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 July 1973, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Genres | Sufi, Indian folk, Hindi film playback, fusion |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, music composer |
| Languages | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Bhojpuri |
| Band | Kailasa (founded 2006) |
| Bandmates | Naresh Kamath, Paresh Kamath |
| Notable awards | Padma Shri (2017) |
Background
Kailash Kher was born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, into a family with roots in Kashmiri Pandit tradition. His father, Mehar Singh Kher, was a noted exponent of folk and devotional songs and exposed him to Indian classical and devotional music from an early age. Kher began singing as a child and was drawn to the works of saint-poets such as Kabir, Meera and Bulleh Shah, which later shaped the Sufi and folk character of his music.
In his teenage years he left home and travelled across India, including extended stays in places such as Rishikesh, where he interacted with sadhus, folk musicians and spiritual teachers. He briefly attempted a handicrafts export business, which failed, before relocating to Mumbai in the early 2000s to pursue music professionally.
Career
Early work and breakthrough
After moving to Mumbai, Kher began singing jingles for advertisements, reportedly recording several hundred commercials before entering film playback. His breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with the song "Allah Ke Bande" from the film Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II (2003), composed by Vishal–Shekhar, which brought him wide recognition for his unconventional, gravelly voice.
Playback singing
Following his debut, Kher recorded songs for a large number of Hindi films. Among his widely heard tracks are "Teri Deewani" (from his own album), "Saiyyan" (from Kailasa), "Tauba Tauba" from Kaalpurush period work, "Chak Lein De" from Chandni Chowk to China, "Tu Jaane Na" from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, "O Sikander" from Corporate, and "Babam Bam" from Jab We Met. He has worked with leading Indian composers including A. R. Rahman, Vishal–Shekhar, Salim–Sulaiman, Pritam and Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy.
Kailasa
In 2006, Kher formed the band Kailasa with brothers Naresh and Paresh Kamath. Their self-titled debut album Kailasa (2006) included the popular tracks "Teri Deewani" and "Saiyyan". Subsequent albums released under the Kailasa name include Jhoomo Re (2007), Chaandan Mein (2009), Rangeele (2012) and Ishq Anokha (2013), among others. The band has performed extensively in India and internationally, including tours in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Television and other ventures
Kher has appeared as a judge and mentor on Indian music reality shows, including versions of Indian Idol and other singing competitions on Hindi and regional television. He has also recorded patriotic songs and theme songs for government and public-interest campaigns.
Timeline
- 1973: Born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
- Early 2000s: Moved to Mumbai; began singing advertising jingles.
- 2003: Film playback breakthrough with "Allah Ke Bande" in Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II.
- 2006: Formed the band Kailasa; released debut album Kailasa.
- 2007: Released Jhoomo Re.
- 2009: Released Chaandan Mein; sang "Tu Jaane Na" for Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.
- 2017: Conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Style and significance
Kher's vocal style is characterised by an open-throated, raw timbre influenced by the singing of itinerant folk and Sufi musicians of north India. His compositions with Kailasa typically blend traditional Indian instruments such as the dholak, harmonium and tabla with rock-oriented guitar and bass arrangements, contributing to the popularisation of Sufi-fusion music in mainstream Indian audio and film. He is regarded as one of the prominent voices that brought folk-rooted singing back into Hindi film playback in the 2000s, alongside contemporaries working in similar idioms.
Honours
- Padma Shri (2017) — India's fourth-highest civilian award, in the field of art.
- Multiple Indian film and music industry awards and nominations for playback singing across Hindi and regional cinema.
Personal life
Kher is married to Sheetal Kher, who is also associated with the management of his musical projects. The couple has a son, Kabir Kher.