Nakash Aziz
Nakash Aziz (born 24 February 1985) is an Indian playback singer and composer renowned for his versatile performances across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and other regional film industries.[1] Hailing from Mangaluru, Karnataka, Aziz showed an early interest in music, singing from the age of three without formal training, and later participated in the reality show Indian Idol season 2 in 2005, where he reached the top 28 contestants.[2][3] He began his professional career as an assistant composer to acclaimed musicians A. R. Rahman and Pritam, contributing to films like Delhi-6 (2009) and Agent Vinod (2012).[1][4] Aziz made his playback singing debut in 2010 with the upbeat track "Suno Aisha" from the romantic comedy Aisha, composed by Amit Trivedi.[5] He rose to widespread fame with energetic hits such as "Saree Ke Fall Sa" and "Gandi Baat" from R... Rajkumar (2013), "Selfie Le Le Re" from Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and "Jabra Fan" from Fan (2016), often collaborating with top composers like Pritam and Vishal-Shekhar.[4][6] His work extends to pan-Indian successes, including "Oo Antava" from Pushpa: The Rise (2021), the title track "Pushpa Pushpa" from Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), and songs in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (2025), showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse genres from folk-pop to high-energy dance numbers.[7][8] Throughout his career, Aziz has earned critical acclaim, including a 2017 Mirchi Music Critics' Award for Album of the Year for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (shared) and a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 2020 for "Slow Motion" from Bharat.[9][10] In his personal life, he married Ruby Shaikh in 2020.[1]Early life
Family and upbringing
Nakash Aziz was born on 24 February 1985 in Moodabidri, a suburban town on the outskirts of Mangalore in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India.[11] He hails from a Muslim family with a strong musical heritage, where his father, Naushad Aziz, was a prominent stage singer often nicknamed "Junior Kishore Kumar" for his stylistic similarities to the legendary playback singer.[12] Naushad performed alongside his brothers in a local band called Rema Roses, fostering an environment immersed in music from a young age.[11] His mother, Shamshad, supported the family's artistic pursuits, though specific details on her role in music are limited.[12] Growing up in Mangalore, Aziz was deeply influenced by the region's vibrant cultural landscape, which blends Tulu and Kannada traditions through folk performances, local concerts, and community events.[12] His early exposure to music came primarily through family gatherings and his father's band activities, where he began practicing singing as a child under Naushad's guidance.[13] By age three, Aziz had already taken to the stage, delivering his first performance of the song "Papa Kehte Hain" at a school function, marking the start of his lifelong connection to music.[11] These formative experiences in Mangalore's lively festival scenes and familial musical sessions ignited his passion, setting the foundation for his future endeavors before any formal training.[12]Musical training
Nakash Aziz received his early education in Moodabidri, a town near Mangalore in Karnataka, where he began participating in school music performances as young as three years old, singing songs like "Papa Kehte Hain" at local functions.[4] During his school years, he joined a children's band called "Bachchon Ki Duniya," performing alongside peers and touring nearby cities until the seventh grade, which helped nurture his initial stage presence and vocal skills.[4] Building on his family's musical heritage, Aziz initially developed his abilities through self-taught practices at home, including basic riyaaz guided by his father, Naushad Aziz, a classical singer and member of the local band Rema Roses.[12] He lacked formal instruction until high school, when he commenced training in Hindustani classical music, focusing on foundational techniques that emphasized vocal precision and melody.[12] This period also involved informal exposure to local styles through family performances and early experimentation with composing simple tunes for advertisements, such as jingles for brands like Asian Paints and Hyundai, which allowed him to apply his growing skills in practical settings.[12] In the early 2000s, Aziz relocated to Mumbai to pursue higher education at Patkar College in Goregaon, earning a TYBA degree while continuing his musical development through college competitions and further classical studies spanning eight years.[4] Although he described himself as a challenging student in classical training due to its rigorous and slower pace compared to contemporary styles, this phase solidified his technical foundation before transitioning to professional opportunities.[4]Career
Beginnings as assistant composer
Nakash Aziz began his professional journey in the music industry in the late 2000s by composing jingles for advertisements and devotional albums, often collaborating with a friend to create short, catchy tunes and spiritual tracks.[4] These early efforts provided him with initial experience in music production and programming while he navigated the competitive landscape of Mumbai.[12] Upon moving to Mumbai, Aziz faced significant financial and professional challenges, including early eliminations from singing reality shows like Indian Idol and taking up small-time jobs to sustain himself, such as working on a reality show where A.R. Rahman served as a judge.[14][15] These struggles motivated him to persist with independent composing, honing his skills amid the city's intense competition and uncertainty for aspiring musicians.[16] Around 2008–2010, Aziz joined A.R. Rahman's team as an assistant composer, marking a pivotal shift in his career.[17] His initial contributions included assisting on the background score for the 2009 film Delhi-6, where he began by recording elements like the sarod and observing Rahman's meticulous process.[18] This role extended to other early projects, allowing him to learn advanced composition techniques and contribute to Rahman's innovative sound design over the next several years.[12]Playback singing debut and breakthrough
Nakash Aziz made his playback singing debut in Bollywood with the song "Suno Aisha" from the 2010 romantic comedy film Aisha, composed by Amit Trivedi with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.[19] The track, a duet with Ash King, featured a light-hearted, youthful vibe that aligned with the film's tone, marking Aziz's initial foray into Hindi film music after his assistant work.[5] Following his debut, Aziz contributed to several early tracks that built his presence in the industry, including "Pungi" from the 2012 spy thriller Agent Vinod, composed by Pritam. He described this energetic, quirky number—shared with Mika Singh and others—as his significant entry into playback singing, highlighting its role in gaining initial recognition.[4] Another notable early song was "Second Hand Jawaani" from Cocktail (2012), also by Pritam, which showcased his versatile vocal energy in a party anthem context.[4] Aziz achieved his major breakthrough with "Saree Ke Fall Sa" from the 2013 action film R... Rajkumar, a duet with Antara Mitra composed by Pritam with lyrics by Mayur Puri. The upbeat, dance-oriented track topped music charts upon release and became a massive commercial hit, establishing Aziz as a go-to voice for high-energy Bollywood numbers.[4] He later reflected on it as the biggest milestone in his career at that point, crediting its success to the infectious rhythm and on-screen chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha.[4] This song's widespread popularity, evidenced by over 59 million Spotify streams as of 2025, solidified his Bollywood recognition.[20] Building on this momentum, Aziz delivered further hits like "Jabra Fan" from Fan (2016), composed by Vishal-Shekhar, which earned critical praise for its fanatical energy and association with Shah Rukh Khan's character.[21] His contribution to "The Breakup Song" from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), a collaborative track with Pritam featuring Arijit Singh, Badshah, and Jonita Gandhi, also garnered acclaim as a chart-topping party anthem, peaking at No. 22 on Mirchi Top 100 and amassing over 100 million Spotify streams as of 2025, further cementing his status as a versatile playback singer.[22] These successes highlighted Aziz's ability to blend contemporary beats with emotional depth, earning him increased opportunities in major films.Expansion to regional industries and recent works
Following his breakthrough in Bollywood, Nakash Aziz expanded his playback singing career into South Indian cinema during the early 2010s, marking a significant shift toward multilingual versatility. His Telugu playback debut came in 2010 with "Vandemataram" from the film Leader, composed by Mickey J. Meyer. He followed this with contributions like "Yentha Vaaru Gaani" from the 2014 film Rowdy Fellow, composed by Sunny M.R., which showcased his ability to adapt to the energetic rhythms of Tollywood soundtracks.[23] By 2019, he contributed to the high-profile action comedy Sarileru Neekevvaru, lending his voice to the upbeat track "Dang Dang," composed by Devi Sri Prasad, which became a chart-topper and highlighted his growing presence in mass-appeal Telugu projects.[24] Aziz's Kannada playback debut occurred in 2010 with "Maar Maar" from Thamassu. His foray into Tamil cinema commenced in 2016 with the track "Tamilselvi" from the romantic comedy Remo, under Anirudh Ravichander's composition, earning praise for its playful energy and marking his first collaboration with the composer's vibrant style.[25] These early regional works, often featuring high-energy anthems, helped Aziz build a pan-South Indian fanbase by demonstrating his linguistic adaptability and rhythmic precision across Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada projects.[26] The 2020s saw Aziz evolve into a key voice for pan-Indian cinema, bridging Bollywood and regional industries through major collaborations. In 2021, he sang the iconic "Oo Antava Mava" for Pushpa: The Rise, a Telugu blockbuster directed by Sukumar with music by Devi Sri Prasad, which transcended language barriers and boosted his visibility nationwide. This momentum continued with Pushpa 2: The Rule in 2024, where Aziz lent his vocals to the title track "Pushpa Pushpa" in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil versions, describing the franchise as a "game-changer" for its cultural impact and his role in its anthemic sound.[27] By 2025, his contributions to films like Sikandar—with the festive track "Zohra Jabeen" composed by Pritam—Thandel—featuring the romantic duet "Hilesso Hilessa" alongside Shreya Ghoshal, composed by Devi Sri Prasad—and the Gujarati project Parvat—including the garba-infused "Disco Garba"—underscored his pan-Indian stature, fostering collaborations that amplified regional music's reach in mainstream Hindi cinema.[28][29][30]Musical style and contributions
Singing style and versatility
Nakash Aziz's singing style is marked by a high-energy and playful delivery, blending influences from classical, folk, and contemporary pop traditions to create vibrant, engaging performances. His vocal approach is experimental and heartfelt, emphasizing honesty in expression while showcasing strong vocal chops that adapt to both raw emotion and processed effects in modern productions. This energetic flair allows him to infuse songs with a sense of playfulness, making his renditions particularly suited to upbeat and lively tracks. Aziz exhibits exceptional versatility across genres, effortlessly transitioning between romantic ballads that convey deep emotion, high-spirited upbeat numbers that drive dance floors, and serene devotional pieces that evoke spirituality. His ability to modulate tone and pace ensures that each genre receives a tailored interpretation, drawing from his broad exposure to diverse musical forms. For instance, he balances intricate melodic lines in romantic songs with rhythmic vigor in celebratory anthems, all while maintaining a consistent thread of personal authenticity. A key aspect of Aziz's versatility lies in his proficiency across more than nine languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Nepali, and Tulu, which has enabled him to connect with audiences nationwide. He adapts linguistically by first mastering phonetics through mimicry—often starting with childhood exposure to Tamil songs—before incorporating semantic nuances to heighten emotional impact and cultural resonance. This phonetic-to-interpretive evolution has made his multilingual output feel natural and idiomatic, expanding his footprint in both Bollywood and regional cinema. Aziz's style has notably evolved from his formative years as an assistant composer, where he honed technical skills under mentors like A.R. Rahman, to becoming a sought-after lead vocalist by 2025. This progression reflects a commitment to continuous reinvention, with recent works exploring innovative blends of traditional and global sounds to push artistic boundaries.Key collaborations and influences
Nakash Aziz's professional journey is markedly shaped by his long-term association with composer A.R. Rahman, beginning as an assistant on films including Delhi-6 (2009), Highway (2014), Raanjhanaa (2013), Rockstar (2011), and the Hindi-dubbed version of I (2015).[17] This mentorship not only honed his technical skills in music production but also deeply influenced his stylistic approach, encouraging a fusion of traditional Indian melodies with contemporary rhythms and empowering vocal techniques.[31] Aziz has described their bond as spiritual, with discussions often centering on philosophical and artistic depth rather than mere technicalities.[32] Beyond Rahman, Aziz has forged significant partnerships with other prominent composers, expanding his footprint across Bollywood and regional cinema. With Pritam, he contributed to upbeat tracks in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), such as "The Breakup Song" alongside Arijit Singh, Badshah, and Jonita Gandhi, and "Cutiepie" with Pardeep Sran, blending infectious pop hooks with ensemble vocals.[33] His work with the duo Vishal-Shekhar includes energetic numbers like "Jabra Fan" from Fan (2016), and "Pee Paa Ke" from Banjo (2016), showcasing his adaptability to high-energy, rhythmic compositions. In regional industries, Aziz has collaborated with South Indian talents, notably singing for Devi Sri Prasad's scores in the Telugu Pushpa franchise, including hits that merge folk-infused beats with cinematic flair.[34] Aziz's musical influences draw from his Mangalorean heritage and Bollywood icons, infusing his work with a distinctive cultural layering. Raised in a family immersed in music—his father Naushad and uncle Ameerjan were renowned locally as "Junior Kishore Kumar" and "Junior Mukesh" through their band Rema Roses—he absorbed Konkani and Tulu folk traditions from coastal Karnataka, evident in tracks like the Konkani title song for Mangalore to GOA (2019).[12] Deeply inspired by Kishore Kumar's versatile playback style, Aziz has expressed a desire to recreate the legend's classics, having already reinterpreted songs like "Chatur Naar" for Machine (2017) and "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai" as a single.[35] Additionally, global pop elements resonate in his oeuvre, as seen in the EDM-tinged fusion of his independent releases and film songs that incorporate international production techniques.[36]Discography
Hindi film songs
Nakash Aziz entered the Hindi film music scene as a playback singer in 2010, quickly establishing himself with energetic tracks that blended contemporary beats with traditional elements. His debut song, "Suno Aisha" from the romantic comedy Aisha, marked his first major contribution, composed by Amit Trivedi and featuring his lively vocals that complemented the film's youthful vibe. This was followed by collaborations in high-profile films, where his voice often added a dynamic, rhythmic edge to dance numbers and anthems, earning him recognition for versatility in genres from pop to qawwali-inspired pieces. By 2025, Aziz had sung in over 50 Hindi film soundtracks, with notable trends including frequent partnerships with Pritam and Vishal-Shekhar, and a focus on high-energy party songs that dominated charts and playlists.[37] His contributions span a wide range of films, from blockbusters to indie projects, often sharing credits with prominent co-singers. Below is a chronological overview of his major Hindi film songs, highlighting key tracks with context on their reception and film role.| Year | Film | Song | Co-Singers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Aisha | Suno Aisha | None | Debut track; upbeat opener for the film, praised for its fresh indie-pop feel and Aziz's spirited delivery. |
| 2011 | Ra.One | Nazar Laaye | Vishal Dadlani, Shefali Alvares | Item number with electronic fusion; contributed to the sci-fi film's promotional hype. |
| 2012 | Cocktail | Second Hand Jawaani | Vishal Dadlani, Shefali Alvares | Party anthem from Pritam; topped charts for weeks, known for its infectious hook and live performance appeal. |
| 2012 | 1920: Evil Returns | Yaara Re | None | Romantic ballad in a horror context; highlighted Aziz's emotive range beyond dance tracks. |
| 2013 | R... Rajkumar | Saree Ke Fall Sa | Sunidhi Chauhan | Sensual duet by Himesh Reshammiya; massive hit, over 100 million streams, emblematic of Aziz's chemistry in duets. |
| 2013 | R... Rajkumar | Gandi Baat (Film Version) | None | Energetic solo version; boosted the action-romance's soundtrack popularity on radio. |
| 2013 | Phata Poster Nishchay Gharwaale | Dhating Naach | Aishwarya Nigam | Comedy film dance number by Pritam; viral for its quirky lyrics and chart longevity. |
| 2014 | The Hundred-Foot Journey | Afreen Afreen | KM Sufi Ensemble | Reimagined classic in a culinary drama; earned acclaim for cultural fusion, featured in international promotions.[38] |
| 2014 | Happy New Year | Manwa Laage | Shreya Ghoshal | Farah Khan heist film track by Vishal-Shekhar; romantic duet that resonated with audiences for its melody. |
| 2015 | Dilwale | Tukur Tukur | Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar | Rohit Shetty blockbuster by Vishal-Shekhar; high-energy track with over 200 million views, key to film's box-office buzz. |
| 2015 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | Selfie Le Le Re | Vishal Dadlani, Badshah | Kabir Khan drama's fun number by Pritam; chart-topper promoting social themes through humor. |
| 2016 | Ae Dil Hai Mushkil | The Breakup Song | Arijit Singh, Badshah, Jonita Gandhi | Karan Johar romance by Pritam; multi-vocalist hit, peaked at No. 1, celebrated for its breakup-party vibe. |
| 2016 | Fan | Jabra Fan | None | Shah Rukh Khan thriller anthem by Vishal-Shekhar; obsessive fan tribute, widely played during film promotions. |
| 2016 | Ishq Forever | Ishq Manzoor | None | Romantic drama track; showcased Aziz's solo romantic style in a lesser-known film. |
| 2017 | OK Jaanu | The Humma Song | Badshah, Tushar Joshi | Reboot of classic by A.R. Rahman; modern remix hit over 150 million streams, blending hip-hop and melody. |
| 2017 | Mubarakan | Hawa Hawa | Arijit Singh | Anees Bazmee comedy by Anand Raj Anand; breezy duet that became a wedding staple. |
| 2018 | Simmba | Mera Wala Dance | Neha Kakkar, Guru Randhawa | Cop action film by Tanishk Bagchi; festive number with 300+ million views, boosted holiday playlists. |
| 2018 | Laila Majnu | Jashn-e-Ishqa | None | Imtiaz Ali romance by Joi Barua; soulful solo that captured the film's poetic essence. |
| 2019 | Dream Girl | Dil Ka Telephone | Jonita Gandhi | Ayushmann Khurrana comedy by Meet Bros; playful duet, popular for its quirky telecom theme. |
| 2019 | Chhichhore | Fikar Not | Dev Negi, Amit Mishra, Sreerama Chandra, Antara Mitra | Nitesh Tiwari dramedy by Pritam; ensemble track evoking friendship, critically acclaimed.[39] |
| 2022 | Badhaai Do | Hum Rang Hain | Shashaa Tirupati, Amit Trivedi | Sangeeth Sivan sequel's wedding song by Amit Trivedi; celebrated LGBTQ+ themes with upbeat rhythm.[40] |
| 2025 | Sikandar | Zohra Jabeen | Dev Negi, Mellow D | Eid release action film by Pritam; promotional anthem with qawwali elements, trended upon launch for its festive energy.[41] |
Hindi non-film songs
Nakash Aziz has explored Hindi non-film music through independent singles, albums, and promotional tracks, allowing him greater creative freedom compared to film compositions. This body of work, spanning from the mid-2010s onward, often features his signature energetic and versatile vocal style in genres like romantic ballads, Sufi-inspired tracks, and upbeat anthems. Collaborations with emerging artists and labels such as Times Music and Indie Music Label have enabled releases tied to social media campaigns, fan engagements, and brand promotions.[42][43] His debut non-film single, "Heeriye" (2018), marked a significant venture into independent music, composed by Aziz himself alongside Sargam Jassu, capturing a soulful narrative of dreamers in love. This track, produced by E-Positive Entertainment, highlighted his ability to blend contemporary pop with emotional depth outside cinematic constraints.[44][45] Earlier explorations included Sufi-influenced pieces like "Bulleya Man Jaa" (2016), a joyful track composed by Harpreet Singh that conveys spiritual messages through Aziz's emotive delivery.[46][47] In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Aziz contributed to diverse non-film projects, including jingles for brands such as Asian Paints, Hyundai, UltraTech Cement, and Microsoft, where his dynamic voice added vibrancy to advertisements. Tracks like "Phir Wahin" (2018), composed by Shakthisree Gopalan, and "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai" (2017), a remake under Kshitij Tarey, showcased his range in romantic and nostalgic themes.[12][48][49] The 2020s saw an uptick in his independent releases, often leveraging digital platforms for wider reach. Notable examples include "Tu Naazneen" (2024), a heartfelt ode to longing composed by Aziz, and "WhatsApp Ka No" (2020) by Abhinov Borah, blending humor with catchy rhythms. In 2025 alone, he released several singles under Times Music, such as the dance anthem "Titar Bitar," the patriotic "Desh Ki Dahaad," the romantic "Marziyaan" featuring Parishmita, and "Tu Dikhayi De" with Nia Sharma, emphasizing themes of love, energy, and national pride. "Dil Jashn Bole" (2023), the official anthem for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, featured an ensemble cast including Aziz and became a sports event staple. These tracks underscore Aziz's evolving role in non-film Hindi music, fostering direct connections with audiences through streaming and social media.[50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58]| Year | Song Title | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bulleya Man Jaa | Sufi track; Composer: Harpreet Singh[46] |
| 2017 | Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai | Romantic remake; Composer: Kshitij Tarey[49] |
| 2018 | Heeriye | Debut single; Self-composed with Sargam Jassu[44] |
| 2018 | Phir Wahin | Emotional ballad; Composer: Shakthisree Gopalan[48] |
| 2020 | WhatsApp Ka No | Upbeat track; Composer: Abhinov Borah[51] |
| 2023 | Dil Jashn Bole | ICC World Cup anthem; Composers: Pritam; Co-singers: Sreerama Chandra, Amit Mishra, Jonita Gandhi, AKASA, Charan[58] |
| 2024 | Tu Naazneen | Love song; Self-composed[59] |
| 2025 | Titar Bitar | Dance anthem; Times Music release[55] |
| 2025 | Desh Ki Dahaad | Patriotic single; Composer: Saurabh Gupta[54] |
| 2025 | Marziyaan | Romantic duet with Parishmita; Composer: Bibhuti Gogoi[56] |
| 2025 | Tu Dikhayi De | Featuring Nia Sharma; Indie Music Label[52] |