Poornima
Poornima performing in 2013
Poornima performing in 2013
Background information
Birth nameSushma Shrestha
Born (1960-09-06) 6 September 1960
Bombay, Maharashtra, India
GenresPlayback
Occupation(s)Singer
Years active1971–present

Poornima Shrestha (born 6 September 1960 as Sushma Shrestha), is an Indian playback singer. Starting as a child artist, she became a leading playback singer in Bollywood during the 1990s.

Early life

Hailing from the Nepali Newar community, Poornima was born in Mumbai. Her father was music composer Bholanath Shrestha, who worked primarily with Hindi film music directors. He was from Kathmandu and settled in Kolkata and eventually in Mumbai.

Friend and assistant to Shankar–Jaikishan recommended her to Shankar. In spite of the prevailing custom of women playback singers singing for children, Shankar took the challenge of using an unknown child to sing "Hai Na Bolo Bolo" for the film Andaz. Sushama recorded her first song on 11 November 1969 with Mohammed Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur.[1] She was the first successful child singer in Hindi films. She recorded a children's album called Bal Geet, which had S.Khale composing the songs and Shanta Shelke penning the lyrics. She sang four songs in it. The album proved a hit and gave her exposure. She also sang Marathi songs with ease.

Her career was planned to be launched at a function organised by the Punjab Association organised by Raj Kapoor, Pran and others.Tragedy struck the day before when her father suffered a cardiac arrest and died. She was undaunted and was encouraged by family and friends.[2] She admitted to “almost giving up on her career for family”. She gave a performance that impressed many and enabled her to get a music scholarship. She sang many hit songs in her childhood, including "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na". Music director R.D. Burman gave her some of her most memorable songs, "Ek Din Bik Jayega Mati Ki Mol", "Yaadoon Ki Baaraat", "Teri Hai Zameen Tera Aasman", "Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle" and "Kya Hua Tera Vada"; the later two earned her nominations for the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award becoming the youngest nominee in the category at the age of 11. She has acknowledged his contribution in her singing career:

[3][4]

"R.D Burman was my guru and whatever I know of singing is thanks to him."[5]

Poornima's early start gave her the chance to work with Naushad, Madan Mohan, C. Ramchandra, Salil Choudhury, Anil Biswas, Kalyanji-Anandji, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, S.D. Burman, and Shankar Jaikishan.[6]

Career

She struggled as an adult singer during the mid 80s. Her marriage put a temporary halt to her singing career. Her last song as Sushma Shreshtha was in N.Chandra's Ankush: "Itni Shakti Humein Dena Data" (along with main singer Pushpa Pagdhare. Jingles took her attention where the professionalism made her settle to a steady work schedule.[7]

In the 1990s, music company Tips suggested a change of name and image. Sushma took the name Poornima. Her song "Barsaat Mein Jab Aayega Saawan Ka Maheena" from Maa was a hit. Then came David Dhawan's Bol Radha Bol. "Tu Tu Tu Tu Tara" became an anthem and the remaining songs also succeeded. She continued her association with Dhawan and sang for all his No. 1 series including Haseena Maan Jayegi and Biwi No.1.[8]

As an adult she sang for many music directors including Chitragupt, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Bappi Lahiri, Rajesh Roshan, M. S. Vishwanathan, Ravindra Jain, Anand-Milind, Anu Malik, Jatin–Lalit, Raamlaxman, Nadeem-Shravan, M.M.Kreem, Lesle Lewis, Viju Shah, Anand Raj Anand, Nikhil-Vinay, Vishal–Shekhar, Dilip Sen -Sameer Sen, Sukhwinder Singh, Ghulam Ali, Jeet-Pritam, Aadesh Shrivastava and Mani Sharma.

She sang popular numbers such as "Channe Ke Khet Main" from Anjaam, "Batti Na Bujha" from Gopi Kishan (both 1994), "Shaam Hain Dhuan Dhuan" from Diljale (1996), "Mr Lova Lova" from Ishq (1999) and in a series of David Dhawan films like such as Coolie No. 1 (1995), Judwaa (1997), Hero No. 1 (1997) and Biwi No.1 (1999) amongst others.[9]

She sang for actresses including Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Juhi Chawla, Madhuri Dixit, Sarika, Manisha Koirala, Simi Garewal, Deepti Naval, Ramya Krishnan, Rambha, Sushmita Sen, Shilpa Shirodkar, Karishma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Kajol, Rani Mukherji, Madhu, Tabu, Preity Zinta, Ayesha Jhulka, Shilpa Shetty, Sonali Bendre and Mamta Kulkarni.

Poornima was one of the top-ten selling 1990s artists with her album Mera Dil Bole Piya Piya. Throughout the 1990s, Poormina along with Alka Yagnik and Kavita Krishnamurthy were the most prolific female playback singers.[10][11]

No longer active in film playback singing, she performs live in India and other parts of the world.[12][13]

Poornima has sung in many languages including Bengali, Nepali, Marathi, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Gujarati, Oriya, Rajasthani, Assamese, Haryanvi, Garhwali and Arabic. Apart from films, she has sung numerous songs in genres such as Baal Geet (children's songs), Bhavgeet, Bhajan, Ghazal, Chutney and Indipop.[14][15][16]

Television

Poornima was one of the judges in the third season of singing reality show Bharat Ki Shaan: Singing Star, which aired on Doordarshan in primetime.[17] She was also a judge in Bhojpuri language singing reality show Zilla Top which aired on Mahuaa TV.[18]

Selected discography

Non-film albums

  • Balgeet (Composer - Shrinivas Khale)
  • Hasa Milano Hasa Baal Geete (Composer - C. Ramachandra)
  • Marathi Disco
  • Gujarati Geet
  • Chutney Garbar
  • Simply Darun
  • Ankh Micholi
  • Balma Bada Bavaali
  • Jaal
  • Bhatta Saheb
  • Badal
  • Jogan
  • Patanga
  • Shagufa
  • Hello Hi
  • Maashuka Bulbul (Composer - Lesle Lewis)
  • Maiya Naiyya Taar Le
  • Maiya Bhavani
  • Maa Ka Darshan
  • Chalo Darbar
  • Raja Na Awjai
  • Shudhu Monay Rekho
  • Chutney Garbar
  • Mera Dil Bole Piya Piya
  • Beti Chalal Sasurar
  • Bijuri Kaha Giri
  • Navrya Ghari Maajhi Lekh Chal
  • Sun Sharabi
  • Ae Samdhi Ke Bete
  • Abbe Daalab
  • Tohke Chadhaib Laal Ohaar
  • Goriya
  • Sawan Aya Re
  • Aartiyan

Film

YearFilm LanguageSong nameComposerNotes
1971Andaz Hindi"Hai Na Bolo Bolo"Shankar–JaikishanAs Sushma Shrestha
1972Koshish Hindi"Humse Hai Watan Hamara"Madan Mohan
1972Mere Bhaiya Hindi"Mere Bhaiya"Salil Chaudhary
1972Janwar Aur Insaan Hindi"Aao Milke Sathi Banke Khele"Kalyanji-Anandji
1973Jugnu Hindi"Deep Diwali Ke Jhute"S.D. Burman
1973Aa Gale Lag Jaa Hindi"Tera Mujhse Hain Pehle Ka Nata Koi" / "Aye Mere Bete"Rahul Dev Burman
Nominated -Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer for ""Tera Mujhse Hain"
1975Sunehra Sansar Hindi"Meri Jawani Meri Dushman Bani Re"Naushad
1975Zakhmee Hindi"Aao Tumhe Chand Pe Le Jayen (Happy)" / "Aao Tumhe Chand Pe Le Jayen (Sad)"Bappi Lahiri
1975Dharam Karam Hindi"Na Ho Bas Mein Tere" / "Ek Din Bik Jayega Mati Ke Mol (Sad)"Rahul Dev Burman
1975Barah Ghante Hindi“Gun Gun Gaa Pankh Pakheru”M. S. Vishwanathan
1977Hum Kisise Kum Naheen Hindi"Kya Hua Tera Wada"Rahul Dev Burman
Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer
1978Pati Patni Aur Woh Hindi"Thande Thande Pani Se Nahana Chahiye"Ravindra Jain
1980The Burning Train Hindi"Teri Hai Zameen Tera Aasman"Rahul Dev Burman
1980Sindoor Nepali"Ali ali haar ho" / "Nakkali he nakkali..."Nati Kaji, Shiv ShankarCo singer- Udit Narayan his first playback song
1981YaaranaHindi“Yaarana Yaar Ka Toote Kabhi Na”Rajesh Roshan
1982"Juni"NepaliTitle and other songsSuresh Kumar
1985Ghar DwaarHindi“Koi Jaaye Kashi”Chitragupt
1986Ankush Hindi"Itni Shakti Humein Dena Data"Kuldeep SinghLast song as Sushma Shrestha
1989 Santaan Nepali "Kahawase aaibe Raam-Lachhuman" / "Piratii ko kitaab maa naulo paanaa thapchhaun" Manohari Singh Co-singers- Udit Narayan, Deepa Narayan Jha (Gahatraj), Prasaad Shrestha
1990 Tilhari Nepali "Nilo Nilo tyo aakaash" / "Dhartee bharee khojdaa khojdaa" Jeewan Adhikari Co-singer- Suresh Wadkar
1991 Kanyadaan Nepali ”Dhiki-chyau dhiki-chyau ghwaar ghwaar jaanto” / “Gaau swor kholera didi ra bahini” / “Teej ko rahar aayo baree lai)” / “Najaau na malaai chhodee, mukha modi, dil todi, chyaante mayalu” Manohari Singh Co-singers- Prakash Shrestha, Udit Narayan Deepa Narayan Jha (Gahatraj) and Prasaad Shrestha
1991Baharon Ke Manjil Hindi"Sabse Badi Dosti” / “ Meri Jaan Duaa Karna” / “Tera Naam Likh Diya” / “Tum Tana Na Tana” / “ O My Sweetheart”Raamlaxman
1992Bol Radha Bol Hindi"Main Hoon Gaon Ki Gori" / "Tu Tu Tu Tu Tara"Anand–Milind
Maa Hindi"Barsat Mein Jab Aega"Anu Malik
Saatwan Aasman Hindi“Mama Mia Mama Mia” / Tum Tum Ho Ke NahiRaamlaxman
Dharam Yodha Hindi"Kal Raat Mujhse Tu" / "Chori Se Chupke Chupke"Pappu Khan
Chamatkar Hindi"Jawani Deewani"Anu Malik
1994Anjaam Hindi"Chane Ke Khet Mein"Anand–Milind
Raja Babu Hindi"A Aa Ee O O O Mera Dil Na Todo (Female)" / "Sarkai Lo Khatiya" / "Ui Amma Ui Amma Kya Karata Hai"Anand–Milind
Gopi Kishan Hindi"Haye Hukku Haye Hukku Haaye Haaye" / "Mera Mehboob Aayega" / "Batti Na Bujha"Anand–Milind
Betaaj Badshah Hindi"Choodiyan Bajaoongi" / "Ek Chadar Do Sonewale"Anand–Milind
Cheetah Hindi"Chu Chu Chu" / "Kashmakash Badhi To"Jatin–Lalit
Udhaar Ki Zindagi Hindi"Dadaji Ki Chhadi Hoon Main"Anand–Milind
Laadla Hindi"Dhik Ta Na Na"Anand–Milind
Teesra Kaun Hindi"Title Song"Anand–Milind
Eena Meena Deeka Hindi"Eena Ko Mil Gayee Meena" / "Maine Kya Julam Kiya" / "Saiyan Ke Saath Madhaiya Mein" / "Tere Dwar Khada Hai Jogi" / "Towel Mein Baahar Jaaogi" / "Parody Song"Anand–Milind
Aao Pyaar Karen Hindi"Oee Maa Ye Kya Ho Gaya"Aadesh Shrivastava
Vijaypath Hindi"Ladke Aaj Ke Ladke"Anu Malik
1995Coolie No. 1 Hindi"Jeth Ki Dopahri Mein"Anand–Milind
God and Gun Hindi"Ban Gayee Ban Gayee"Anand–Milind
Vapsi Sajan Ki Hindi"Chadh Gaya Pyar Ka"Anand–Milind
Veer Hindi"Dhoom Dhadaka"Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen
Angrakshak Hindi"Dil Mera Udaas Hai" / "Suno Suno Pyar Hua" / "Padhna Likhna Chhodo"Anand–Milind
Raghuveer Hindi"Dil Tera Deewana"Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen
Jawab Hindi"Ek Tak Ant Thak"Anu Malik
Taaqat Hindi"Love Me Love Me" / "Hun Huna Re Hun Huna"Anand–Milind
Bewafa Sanam Hindi"Ooyee Ooyee Meri Amma"Nikhil-Vinay
Miya Biwi Aur Saali Hindi“Gaali Gaali Tera Husn Ki Charcha” / “Chal Gaya Apna Chakkar” M.M.Kreem
1996Bhishma Hindi"Mere Sine Main Dil Mera Bole"Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen
Loafer Hindi"Aao Chalo Hum Karein" / "Kuch Kuch Kuch Ho Raha Hai"Anand–Milind
Himmat Hindi"Behaka Behaka Kadam Hai"Anand–Milind
English Babu Desi Mem Hindi"Bharatpur Lut Gaya" / "Love Me Honey Honey"Nikhil-Vinay
Mafia Hindi"Dil Mera Deewana Dhadke"Anand–Milind
Saajan Chale Sasural Hindi"Doob Ke Dariya Mein"Nadeem-Shravan
Apne Dam Par Hindi"Ek Ladki Phatakha"Aadesh Shrivastava
Rangbaaz Hindi"Sawan Ki Raat Suhani" / "Sola Kiye The Pure"Bappi Lahiri
Diljale Hindi"Shaam Hain Dhuan Dhuan"Anu Malik
Masoom Hindi"Tukur Tukur Dekhate Ho Kya"Anand Raj Anand
Muqadar Hindi"Chudiyan Bajau Ki Bajau Kangana"
1997Judwaa Hindi"Tu Mere Dil Mein Bas Ja" / "Oonchi Hai Building" / "Tan Tana Tan Tan Tan Tara"Anu Malik
Ishq Hindi"Mr. Lova Lova"Anu Malik
Hero No. 1 Hindi"Sona Kitna Sona Hai" / "Maine Paidal Se Ja Raha Tha"Anand–MilindNominated – Zee Cine Award for Best Female Playback Singer for "Sona Kitna Sona Hai"
Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat Hindi"Chanda Ki Chori"Aadesh Shrivastava
Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi Hindi"Mujhe Hero Ban Jaane De" / "Jumme Ke Jumme" / "Samosa Mein Aaloo"Anu Malik
Shapath Hindi"Chum Le Mere Balon"Anand–Milind
Daava Hindi"Dil Mein Hai Tu"Jatin–Lalit
Zameer Hindi"Dekho To Palat Ke"Anand–Milind
Deewana Mastana Hindi"Hungama Ho Gaya"Laxmikant–Pyarelal
Mrityudata Hindi"Illa Loo Illa Loo" / "Tak Jhoom"Anand–Milind
Bhai Hindi"Mujhe Ek Bar"Anand–Milind
Insaaf Hindi"Taana Tandaana"Anand–Milind
Suraj HindiEk ladki naache raste mein
1998Badmaash Hindi"Aashiq Aashiq"Shyam-Surender
Kudrat Hindi"Ab Tak Hai Puri Azadi"Rajesh Roshan
Sher-E-Hindustan Hindi"Chhuyi Muyi" / "Chikne Chikne Gaal"Anand–Milind
Chandaal Hindi"Chod Chod N Kalaayi Sajna" / "Chod De Jaaneman"Anand–Milind
Mard Hindi"Dil Dhadak Mera"Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen
Hitler Hindi"Galon Se Khelun Main"Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen
Vinashak Hindi"Godna God Mohe"Viju Shah
Hatyara Hindi"Gore Gore Galo Wali"Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen
1999Biwi No.1 Hindi"Biwi No 1"Anu Malik
Haseena Maan Jaayegi Hindi"Panga Na Le Mere Naal"Anu Malik
Gair Hindi"Aankhon Mein Mohabbat"Anand–Milind
Maa Kasam Hindi"Angoorwali Bagiyan"Anand–Milind
Sanyasi Mera Naam Hindi"Arrey Arrey"Anand–Milind
Hote Hote Pyar Ho Gaya Hindi"Laddu Motichur Ka"Anand Raj Anand
2000Chal Mere Bhai Hindi"Aaj Kal Ki Ladkiyan"Anand–Milind
Jwalamukhi Hindi"Chan Chana Chan"Anand–Milind
Agniputra Hindi"Choona Na Mera Ghungta"Nikhil-Vinay
Shikari Hindi"Gora Pareshaan Hai"Aadesh Shrivastava
Champion Hindi"Lelo Lelo"Vishal–Shekhar
2001Prince No. 1 Hindi"Ab Tu Meri"Mani Sharma
Zahreela Hindi"Hai Ram Buddhe Me"Anand–Milind
Ittefaq Hindi"Raaton Ko"Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen
Kyo Kii... Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta Hindi"Suno Miya Suno"Anand Raj Anand
2002Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani Hindi"Roop Salona Tera Dekh Ke"Anand Raj Anand
2002Marshal Hindi“Mujhe Dekho Na AiseGhulam Ali
2003Mudda Hindi"Godanva" Jeet-Pritam
2003Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon Hindi"Phir Se Teri Makkhan Malai"Amar Mohile
2004Inteqam: The Perfect Game Hindi"Jhanak Jhanak Jhan Payal Baje"Anand–Milind
2004Police Force Hindi"Maina Kunwari"Anand–Milind
2004Shart: The Challenge Hindi"Dil Tera Badmash" / "Yeh Chiquita Komastaas"Anu Malik
2004Hulchul Hindi"Lut Gayee"Vidyasagar
2006Mr 100% Hindi"Karta Hain Kabutar"Vijay Kapoor
2006Ladies Tailor Hindi"Na Dikat Karo Na Disturb Karo" / "Parody" / "Maaf Karo"Nishad Chandra
2007Sarhad Paar Hindi"Aadha Sach"Anand Raj Anand
2008Dil Mile Na Mile Hindi"Yeh Dahekti Jawani"Palash Chaudhari
2009Dushmani Hindi"Lehnge Se Lage Hawa"Nikhil-Vinay
2009Sanam Teri Kasam Hindi"Ek Baar Ek Baar Pyaar Se"Nadeem-Shravan
2013Khoka 420 Bengali"Solid Case Kheyechhi"Shree Pritam 
2015Miss Butterfly Bengali"Legeche Agun"Shree Pritam

Recognition

Personal life

She has a son Nishadh Chandra, who is a music composer.

References

  1. "From Child singer Sushma Shrestha to playback queen of 90s- we chart Singer Poornima Shrestha's long career in Bollywood".
  2. "Biography of Poornima Shrestha, Sushma Shrestha (Well known Bollywood Playback singer)". 4 September 2020.
  3. "The Nominations – 1973– The 51st Filmfare Awards". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  4. "The Nominations – 1977– The 51st Filmfare Awards". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  5. "DJ 'King' Strikes Retro Recall Note". 20 December 2011.
  6. "From Child singer Sushma Shrestha to playback queen of 90s- we chart Singer Poornima Shrestha's long career in Bollywood".
  7. "11 Unusual Playback Singer Debuts". Archived from the original on 6 August 2021.
  8. "Celebrating musical hits of 20 less-heard female voices of Bollywood in 1970s & 1980s". 11 November 2016.
  9. "Poornima - Singer, Artist, Actor | MySwar".
  10. "Biography". Archived from the original on 6 March 2016.
  11. "Sunidhi Chauhan interview: 'Any song can sound good if you do a good job'".
  12. "Singer Poornima Back After 20 Years".
  13. "Musical evening".
  14. "SINDOOR (1980)". Screen. Retrieved 29 December 2010.
  15. "Poornima – Top 15 Bollywood Songs". 4 July 2017.
  16. "Blast from the past: Voices we miss". Archived from the original on 2 January 2022.
  17. "Hindi Tv Show Bharat Ki Shaan Season 3 Synopsis Aired on DOORDARSHAN Channel".
  18. "Zila Top Show On Mahua Tv".
  19. "Press Information Bureau: Government of India news site, PIB Mumbai website, PIB Mumbai, Press Information Bureau, PIB, India's Official media agency, Government of India press releases, PIB photographs, PIB photos, Press Conferences in Mumbai, Union Minister Press Conference, Marathi press releases, PIB features, Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign, Public Information Campaign, Bharat Nirman Campaign, Public Information Campaign, Indian Government press releases, PIB Western Region".
  20. "Global Film and Music Festival Awards Show 2020-21 (Part-1)". 28 June 2021.
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