Shubha Mudgal is among the few singers, who have made a special position for themselves in the Indian music industry. She has not only proved her talent in classical singing, but also come out successfully to adapt her voice and blend it well with the popular music of today. She is blessed with unique voice, which can be used in all kinds of singing.
Background
Shubha Mudgal is a well-known Indian singer of Hindustani classical music, Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, and popular Indian Pop music.
Born in an academic family to Skand and Jaya Gupta in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Both her parents were Professors of English Literature at Allahabad University, with deep interest in Classical Hindustani Music and Kathak.Her paternal grandfather, Prof. P. C. Gupta was also a Professor at Allahabad University.
She attended St. Mary's Convent Inter College. As a young girl she started learning Kathak in Allahabad following the foot steps of her sister. She later switched to Hindustani Classical Music as her vocation of choice while maintaining the same individualistic attitude. Her first traditional teacher (guru) was Pandit Ramashreya Jha in Allahabad.
Shubha moved to New Delhi, and enrolled at the Delhi University. She continued her musical education under Pandit Vinaya Chandra Mudgalya at the urging of her first guru. After graduating from the University, her training continued under Pandit Vasant Thakar in Delhi, and more informally with other established singers as Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki, Naina Devi and Pt. Kumar Gandharva.
Career
Shubha Mudgal took training in Hindustani classical music. Though, professionally, she is a classical singer, but she has adapted her voice to sing all genres of music like Rock, Blues, Samba, Jazz, and Folk. She obtained training from renowned gurus like Pt Ram Ashreya, Pt Vinay Chandra, Pt Kumar Gandharva, Maudgalya and Naina Devi.
Her album 'Ali More Angana' was a big hit, especially amongst the youngsters. Infact, it became the favorite number to be played in the discotheques. Not only is she a famous concert artist, but also a great music composer. Her compositions are also widely appreciated. She has taken up different kinds of works. She has composed several songs for the Hollywood movies, documentaries, telefilms and many more.
Mudgal composed and sang the title track of Star Plus's No.1 serial Diya Aur Baati Hum along with Kailash Kher. It is a very soulful, classical-based Rajasthani folk song.