Anup Jalota Biography

Anup Jalota was born in Nainital, Uttarakhand to Purushottam Das Jalota, a renowned exponent of bhajan and hails from the Sham Chowrasi Gharana of Punjab. He was educated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He was married to singer Sonali Jalota until their divorce and Sonali's second marriage with Roop Kumar Rathod, once Anup Jalota's tabla player and friend. Anup's brother, Ajay Jalota, currently lives in California. He has one older brother Anil Jalota and two sisters Anjali Dhir and Anita Mehra.

Career

Jalota started his musical career as a chorus singer in All India Radio. He is usually backed by a santoor player, a dholak player, a sarod player, a sarangi player, a violinist, a sitar player, a tabla player and a guitarist. Some of his popular bhajans include: Aisi Lagi Lagan, Main Nahi Makhan Khayo, Rang De Chunariya, Jag Me Sundar Hai Do Naam, and Chadariya Jhini Re Jhini. He can sing in 8 different languages[citation needed]. He has recorded over 1,500 bhajans, ghazals and songs[citation needed]. He has performed over 5,000 live concerts spread over 400 cities on five continents. In over 30 years, he has released more than 200 albums of bhajans and ghazals.

Personal life

Anup Jalota is married to Medha, niece of former Indian Prime Minister, Inder Kumar Gujral. They have an 14 year old son, Aryaman,studying in Mumbai.

Recognition

Anup Jalota earned a record number of 100 certified gold, platinum and muti-platinum discs.