Monali Thakur is a celebrated and versatile playback singer in Bollywood, widely admired for her remarkable voice. Hailing from Kolkata, she was born into a musical family, and her passion for music has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Film Award.
Beyond her successful singing career, Monali has also ventured into acting. While her roles have often been brief, her talent and presence always leave a lasting impact. One of her notable acting performances was in Lakshmi, a film directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, where she showcased her acting skills with a strong and memorable performance.
Childhood, Background & Early Life
Monali Thakur was born on November 3, 1985, in the culturally rich city of Kolkata, India, into a Bengali family deeply rooted in the arts. Her father, Shakti Thakur, is a celebrated Bengali singer, while her elder sister, Mehuli Thakur, is a performer, making the Thakur household a hub of creativity and musical influence.
Monali pursued her education at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata, where she earned a degree in English. Her passion for music blossomed early in life, with guidance from esteemed classical maestros such as Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty and Pandit Jagdish Prasad, who introduced her to the intricacies of Hindustani classical music. In addition to her vocal prowess, Monali has honed her skills in various dance forms, including salsa, hip-hop, and Bharatanatyam, showcasing her versatility and deep connection to the performing arts.
Academic Background
Monali Thakur completed her early education at The Future Foundation School in Kolkata, and later pursued higher studies at St. Xavier’s College. Throughout her school and college years, she was actively involved in performing at local events and competing in singing contests. Although she was passionate about becoming an artist, she valued her education and chose to follow both paths. At St. Xavier’s College, Monali earned an honors degree in English, all while nurturing her love for music and performance.
Family and Personal Life
Monali Thakur comes from a family deeply rooted in music. Her father, Shakti Thakur, is a celebrated Bengali singer, and she credits him as one of her biggest inspirations, always offering her unwavering support. Her sister, Mehuli Thakur Goswami, though a well-known name in Bengali circles, has opted for a quieter life as a homemaker. The Thakur family shares a warm and close-knit bond, and Monali often enjoys light-hearted, fun-filled moments with her sister, making time for heartfelt chats and family bonding.
Career
Monali Thakur’s passion for music ignited at an early age. She was always immersed in musical activities during her school and college days. Her first significant exposure came in 2005 when she participated in Indian Idol 2, a popular reality singing competition. Despite finishing in eighth place, the season was won by the late Sandeep Acharya, and it marked the beginning of Monali’s musical journey.
Her debut as a playback singer came in 2000 when she lent her voice to the Bengali song “Sundar Kato Sundar” for the film Sajoni Aamar Sohag. Since then, she has gained widespread recognition for several memorable tracks. Some of her notable Bengali hits include “Sonali Rodudure” from Dujone (2009), “O Yaara Ve” from Dui Prithibi (2010), “Give Me Freedom” from Bhorer Alo (2011), “He Naropishach” from Arundhati (2014), and “Bolo Na Radhika” from Shahjahan Regency (2019). These tracks helped establish her as a prominent voice in the Bengali music scene.
Monali Thakur made her Bollywood debut in 2006 with Kubool Kar Le from Jaan-E-Mann. Her breakthrough came in 2008 with the hit songs Khwab Dekhe (Sexy Lady) and Zara Zara Touch Me from Race.
She’s since recorded several iconic tracks, including Tu Mohabbat Hai from Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya (2012), Moh Moh Ke Dhaage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), and Ho Jaa Awara from Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019). Monali has also sung in Tamil, Kannada, and Bengali films.
Apart from singing, she has judged popular reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Bangla and Rising Star India 2. In 2020, she featured in the music video for Dil Ka Fitoor alongside her husband, Maik Richter.
Honors and Accolades
- 2015 National Film Awards: Awarded Best Female Playback Singer for the track “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” from Dum Laga Ke Haisha
- 2014 Filmfare Awards: Recognized as Best Female Playback Singer for her performance of “Sawar Loon” in Lootera
- 2016 IIFA Awards: Named Best Female Playback Singer for “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” from Dum Laga Ke Haisha
- 2016 Star Guild Awards: Honored with Best Female Playback Singer for “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” from Dum Laga Ke Haisha