Kunal Ganjawala

Kunal Ganjawala (born 14 April 1972) is an Indian playback singer whose songs are mostly featured in Hindi and Kannada films. He has also sung in other official languages of India. Kunal began his career by singing jingles. He came to limelight in Hindi cinema with the song "Bheege Honth Tere" from the film Murder in 2004. It was his first big hit. The song earned him Zee Cine Award as Best Playback Singer in 2005. He came to limelight in Kannada cinema with the song "Neene Neene" from the film Aakash in 2005.

Career Ganjawala graduated from St. Peter's School, Maza Gaon, Mazagaon. Kunal wanted to be either a chartered accountant or an actor. Kunal admits that it was his parents' support which made him possible to become a singer. Kunal's sister is a Bharatnatyam exponent, while his father plays the harmonica. With his parents' support he took singing seriously and started believing that he can become a singer.

Later, Ganjawala learned music from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan under the guidance of Sudhindra Bhaumick. His first singing assignment was a Ranjit Barot-composed jingle titled Doodh Doodh for the Operation Flood advertisement. Ganjawala has said that he was taken seriously by other music directors because he was working with Barot.

Ganjawala's first break in Bollywood was Ab Ke Baras in 2002. Although the song did not mark him as a prominent singer, it earned him many offers. Thereafter he sang in many movies, such as Saathiya (2002), Indian Babu (2003), Paisa Vasool (2004), Khakee (2004), Rudraksh (2004), Dhoom (2004) and Meenaxi (2004). His breakthrough hit was "Bheege Hont Tere", from the film Murder, which won the 2005 Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer – Male and IIFA Best Male Playback Award.

Ganjawala entered the Kannada film industry in 2005. His very first song in Kannada, Neene Neene composed by music director R P Patnaik and written by K. Kalyan for the movie Akash, was a hit of the year. His big break in South India came in 2006 from the Kannada blockbuster film Mungaru Male. His song "Onde Ondu Sari" written by Kaviraj and composed by music director Mano Murthy became the biggest hit of the year. It created records, including for highest sales and downloads.

Popular singer Sonu Nigam who is also known in South India for his hundreds of Kannada songs, recently composed a theme song for the Karnataka Bulldozer's team in the Celebrity Cricket League. With lyrics by Sowmya Raoh, this was sung by the trio of Ganjawala, Nigam and Raoh. Ganjawala has sung nearly 450 Kannada Songs thus far.

He has participated in Saregama, an Indian singing talent competition on Zee TV (now Sa Re Ga Ma Pa) when it was hosted by Nigam. He was a judge on Amul Star Voice of India, another singing competition on Star TV, together with Shreya Ghoshal and Pritam.

Since then Ganjawala has worked for many music directors like Anu Malik, Anand–Milind, Nadeem-Shravan, Pritam, Himesh Reshammiya, Ismail Darbar, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Anand Raj Anand, Rajesh Roshan, Viju Shah, Aadesh Shrivastava, Roop Kumar Rathod, Daboo Malik, and Sanjeev-Darshan. Kunal recently sang for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. His numbers from the films Maashah Alaah and Pari were running top on the chart.

Other than Hindi and Kannada, he has also sung in Tamil, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali, Telugu, Malayalam, Assamese and Sindhi languages.

His song "Oh my love" from Bengali language movie Amanush Jeet Gannguli and "Channa Ve Ghar aa jaa" from a Punjabi album Channa Ve by DJ Anit & Music director Santokh Singh was also a success.

In 2007, he participated in a concert tour in North America, called The Incredibles, also featuring Asha Bhosle, Nigam and Kailash Kher.

On 3 April 2010 he performed at RECSTACY, the annual cultural event of NIT DURGAPUR. On 26 November 2010 he performed at SDM UTSAV, the mega fest event of SDMCET.

In February 2018, he recorded India's first jazzy ghazal Dhatt, for the Indian recording label Indian Talkie. The song was composed by Sumit and written by Zeest and is a blend of two completely different genres, Jazz and Ghazal. The song was released on Valentine's Day 2018 to over 300 music streaming platforms, including Saavn, iTunes Spotify, Deezer, and Wynk Music. The Lyrical Making Video was released on Indian Talkie's official YouTube Channel, featuring Ganjawala and Sumit and his team.

Personal life In 2005, he married fellow singer Gayatri Iyer. They performed the title track for STAR One's Antakshari together. He is a staunch devotee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Awards and recognition

Kunal Ganjawala has received the following recognitions:

Filmfare Awards "Best Male Playback Singer" "RD Burman Award for New Music Talent"(For: Bheege Honth Tere)

IIFA Awards "Best Male Playback" (For: Bheege Honth Tere) Zee Cine Awards "Best Playback Singer – Male"(For: Bheege Honth Tere)

Star Guild Awards "Best Male Playback Singer"(For: Bheege Honth Tere) Bollywood Movie Awards "Bollywood Movie Award – Best Playback Singer Male"(For: Bheege Honth Tere) 2009 Mussanjemaatu 56th Filmfare Awards South "Best Male Playback Singer"(For: Kaddalu Mansana) Discography

Hindi Year Movie Song(s) 1996 Saajan Chale Sasural "Main Hoon Number Ek Gawaiyya" 1998 Saat Rang Ke Sapne "Mujh Pe Bhi Jawani" 2001 Aks "Banda Bindaas"2002 Saathiya "O Humdum Soniyo Re" Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai? "Yaar Apne Ghar Jao" Badhaai Ho Badhaai "Jogan Jogan" Ab Ke Baras "Deewane Aate Jaate" Om Jai Jagadish "Chori Chori Dekha Tumhe"2003 Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula "Chodo Na Mujhe" Saaya "Har Taraf Har Jagah" Mumbai Matinee "Tu (Version A)", "Tu (Version B)" 2004 Murder "Bheege Honth Tere" Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... "No No!" Taarzan: The Wonder Car "Gonna Fall In Love" Musafir "Ek Dil Ne" Lakeer "Nachley", "Shehzade" Khakee "Uppar Wale" Run "Nahin Hona Nahin Hona" Gayab "Gayab Hoke", "Dilkash" Dhoom "Salaame" Lakshya "Kandhon Se Milte Hai" Uuf Kya Jaadoo Mohabbat Hai "Shukriya", "Dost", "Shehzaadi" Balle Balle! From Amritsar To L.A. "Lo Shaadi Aayi" Bardaasht "Janaabe Ali", "Na Na Na Na Re" 2005 Kya Kool Hai Hum "Kya Kool Hai Hum (Title Song)", "Chaska", "We Are So Different" Deewane Huye Paagal "Aisi Umar Mein" Tango Charlie "Akkad Te Bakkad Te" Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye "O Jaana Tenu Rab Da" Kyon Ki "Dil Keh Raha Hai" Kaal "Kaal Dhamaal, Tauba Tauba" Silsiilay "Ban Jaiye", "Meri Jaan" Socha Na Tha "Abhi Abhi (Version 1)" Salaam Namaste "Salaam Namaste", "What's going on" Sheesha "Yaar Ko Maine", "Mujhe Jeena Sikha Do na" Chehraa "Mausam Ki Izazat Hai" Dansh "Saje Hain Sapnon Ke" Fareb "Pehle Se" Fun - Can Be Dangerous Sometimes "Jal Raha Hai Badan" Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! "Koi Aap Jaisa" Bachke Rehna Re Baba "Tera Husn Woh Nasha Hai" Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena "Ishq Hai Jhootha" Insan "Is Tarah Deewane" 2006 Woh Lamhe "So Jaoon Main (Male version)" Chup Chup Ke "Aaya Re", "Dil Vich Lagya Ve", "Tumhi Se" (Unplugged) Bhagam Bhag "Tere Bin", "Tere Bin (Remix)" Ankahee "Tumse Yun Milenge", "Ankahee" Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota "Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota" Pyaar Ke Side Effects "Is This Love" Ladies Tailor "Har Raat teri" Anthony Kaun Hai? "Tune Mera Chain Vain Le Liya", "Because I Love You" Pyare Mohan "I Love You My Angel" Phir Hera Pheri "Dil De diya", "Dil De Diya (Remix Version)" Krrish "Dil Na Diya" Jaan-E-Mann "Ud Jaana" Baabul "Har Manzar", "Bebashi Dard Ka Aalam" Aryan: Unbreakable "Rab Ne Mere" Holiday "Khwaahishon Se" Aksar "Loot Jaayenge" Tom, Dick, and Harry "O Mitra Re" Aisa Kyon Hota Hai? "Ishq Dhamaka" Mera Dil Leke Dekkho "Nashe Mein Bheegi Raat Hai", "Nashe Mein Bheegi Raat Hai" (The Dance Mix Version) 2007Shakalaka Boom Boom "Saathiya", "Tera Sona Sona Roop" Salaam-E-Ishq "Salaam-E-Ishq" Partner "Dupatta Tera Nau Rang Da" Big Brother "Piya" Fear "Dil Dhadkata Hai" Mr. Hot Mr. Kool "Mr. Hot Mr. Kool", "Hot Cool" (Techno Mix Version) Saawariya "Masha-Allah", "Jaan-E-Jaan", "Pari" Khanna & Iyer "Rootho Naa", "Raasta Pyaar Ka", "Raasta Pyaar Ka (Remix Version)" Go "Go", "So Cool", "Dhan Tan Tan" Fool & Final "Tere Layee" Dhol "Namakool" Raqeeb "Dushmana (Male)" 2008 Roadside Romeo "Main Hoon Romeo", "Apni Dum Bhi Oonchi Ho" Love Story 2050 "Sach Kehna" Jumbo "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" Hastey Hastey "New Age Mantra (Version 1)", "New Age Mantra (Male)", "Bheegi Bheegi Teri Julfein" Dashavatar "O Mohini O Kamini" Ru Ba Ru "Mitti Ki Khusboo" Mission Istaanbul "World Hold On" Mr. Black Mr. White "Namasteji" Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam "Marmari Bahein" Money Hai Toh Honey Hai "Ta Na Na" 2009 Kaminey "Raat Ke Dhai Baje", "Raat Ke Dhai Baje" (remix)Aao Wish Karein "Tum Mere Ho", "Sab Yahan Hain", "Sabse peeche Hum Khade" Vaada Raha "Achal Hai Mere Hausle" Life Partner "Poorza Poorza", "Poorza Poorza (Remix Version)" Fox "Zindagi Mein Mil Rahi Hai", "Advocate De Satan", "Josh Josh" Suno Na "Pal Aaya Suhana" All The Best: Fun Begins "You Are My Love" 2010 Raavan "Kata Kata" Khatta Meetha "Nana Chi Taang" Chance Pe Dance "One More Dance", "Yaba Daba Yahoo" Tum Milo Toh Sahi "I Am Bad" Guzarish "Sau Gram Zindagi" Sadiyaan "Pehla Pehla Tajurba Hai" Diwangi Ne Had Kar Di "Diwangi Ne Had Kar Di" Musaa "Jaaniya Teri Hansi Adaa" Isi Life Mein...! "Tere Pyar Mein" 2011 Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji "Beshuba Beshuba Hai Yakeen", "Jadugari" Aashiqui.in "Ruk ke Jaana", "Ruk Ke Jaana Reloaded!" Singham "Maula Maula" Love U...Mr. Kalakaar! "Bhoore Bhoore Badal" Yeh Saali Zindagi "Yeh Saali Zindagi (Duet Version)" My Friend Pinto "Take It Easy", "Do Kabootar", "Dhinchak Zindagi" 2012 Koochie Koochie Hota Hai "Koi Mil Gaya" Qasam Se Qasam Se "Mumkin Nahi" Pune tc "Manzil Meri Kya Hai"2013 R... Rajkumar "Mat Maari" Four Two Ka One "Sundari" 2014 Dishkiyaoon "Tu Mere Type Ka Nahi Hai" Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty "Tu Hi Toh Hai (Film Version)" 18.11: A Code of Secrecy "Yeh Zameen"2015 Chehere: A Modern Day Classic "Chaand Baadal Mein" Ranviir the Marshal "Saware Naino" Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi "Dimaagh Ka Dahi"2016 Deewaren: Unity Song "Deewaren" Love Shagun "Saathiya"2017 Rangoon "Julia" Luv Shv Pyar Vyar "Jism" 2018 Zero "Aan Ban" 2019 Panipat "Jai Mard Maratha", "Mann Mein Shiva" 2021 Oye Mamu! "Mama Mama", "Bandh Liya", "Too Much Paisa" 2022 Kahani Rubberband Ki "Chomu"2024The Greatest of All Time (Hindi version)"Spark"Naam (2024 film) Laila

Non-film

Kannada Date Film Song Composer 2005 Akash "Neene Neene" and "O Mariya" R. P. Patnaik 2006 Mungaru Male "Onde Ondu Sari" Mano Murthy Aishwarya "Aishwarya Aishwarya" and "Hudugi Hudugi" Rajesh Ramnath Mohini 9886788888 "Preethiyalli naanu" Hamsalekha Ganda Hendathi "Nidiregu Raja" and "Maathu Muride" Gurukiran Suntaragaali "Ninnane Ninnane" Sadhu Kokila Sevanthi Sevanthi "Bhagyada Balegara" and "Nimbiya Banada Myagada" S. A. Rajkumar Dattha "Manasa Manasa" and "Ee Soundaryakke" R. P. Patnaik Tananam Tananam "Cheluvantha Rajakumari" and "Preethi Endarenu" K. Kalyan Julie "Nanna Ninna Preethiyalli" Hubli "Ninna Manassigendu" A. R. Hemanth Pandavaru "Kaayuthaliruva Kannige" Tenali Rama "Neene Neene" Ravi Shastri "Gilli Gilli" Uppi Dada M.B.B.S. "Preethse" Ajay "Enayitu Nanageedina" Mani Sharma Student "Appa Amma Beda Andre" R. P. Patnaik Kallarali Hoovagi "Nanna Nechhina Koteya" and "Barappa O Thingala Mava" Thangigagi "Dina Dina" Thavarina Siri "Aakashadinda Ilida Apsare" 2007 Milana "Kivi Mathondu" Mano Murthy Cheluvina Chithara "Iralaare Cheluve" Mano Murthy Ee Bandhana "Banna Banna" Mano Murthy Chanda "Enaitho Nanagenaitho" Arasu "Ninna Kanda Kshanadinda" Bhupathi "Abhi Abhi" V. Harikrishna Soundarya "Hrudayada Maathu" Vidhyarthi "Enaitho Eno" Ninade Nenapu "Heegeke" Amrutha Vaani "Hrudaya Haduthide" Ee Preethi Yeke Bhoomi Melide "Oh Huduga" Ninnusire Nannusiru "Dil Alla" Parodi "Bare Bare" Snehana Preethina "Dhava Dhava" V. Harikrishna Thamashegagi "Rangeela" Thayiya Madilu "Nannavale Nannavale" 2008 Mussanje Maathu "Kaddalu Manassanna" Haage Summane "Hadonave" Navagraha "Yaami Yaami" Gaalipata "Aakasha Ishte Yaakideyo" Anthu Inthu Preethi Banthu "Modala Sala" Meravanige "Nannolave" Aramane "Nanagu Ninagu" Taj Mahal "Khushiyaagide Yeko" Accident "Jigidu Banthu" Sangathi "Jagath Sundari" Madesha "Munjane Manjaagu" Bandhu Balaga "Ninna Bittu Naanu" Chaitrada Chandrama "Nooraru Janmada" Sihi Muthu "Eshto Saniha" Neene Neene "I am in Love" Pallavi Illada Charana "Goa da" and "Ee Hoovu" Ganga Kaveri "Baaro Baaro Dosti" Gange Baare Thunge Baare "Hogalu kelive" Indra "Raja Ninnane" Maharshi "Kannali Nee" Neenyare "Makaranda" Paramesha Panwala "Saavira Saavira Janma" Priya My Darling "Pade Pade" and "Kaviya Kanajadinda" Rocky "Olla Ollare Olla" Shivani "Savi Savi preethi" Yuga Yugagale Saagali "Namma Naadu Malnaadu" 2009 Manasaare "Ondu Kanassu" Male Barali Manju Irali "Onsala Ondondsala" Bhagyada Balegara "Jhallu Jhallu" and "Balegara Balegara" Ilaiyaraja Nannedeya Haadu "Ninna Preethiyonde Nanage" Kempa "Andhu Omme" Kalaakaar "Bang Bang Bangalore" Thaakath "Doresani Neenu" Jaaji Mallige "Mogave Nee" Seena "Chanchala Notada" Rajani "Pizza Priya Pizza" Chickpete Sachagalu "Navile Navile" Chellidaru Sampigeya "Gelathi" Iniya "Yaarannu" 10th Class A Sec "Helokaagthilla" Baaji "Kyare Ladki" Ee Sambhashane "Ondu Becchaneya Nenapu" Januma Janumadallu "Aalangisu" Kabaddi "Preethi Maadiro" Maccha "Fanaa" Preethse Preethse "Preethse Preethse" Yagna "Mana Midiyuva" Jeeva "Beke Beku Nange Neene Beku" Hatrick Hodi Maga "Eno Heluthide" Jassie Gift 2010 Prithvi "Ninagende Visheshavaada" Manikanth Kadri Super "Kaayi Kaayi Uppinakaayi" Premism "Gulabi Kennege" Suryakaanti "Edeya Baagilu" Ilaiyaraja Cheluveye Ninna Nodalu "Hamsa Hamsa Hamsalekha" Sri Harikathe "Sari Sari Illellavu" Huduga Hudugi "Usire Ninna" Nanjanagoodu Nanjunda "Laila O Laila" Uyyale "Chinna Nee Nanna" Preethi Nee Shaswathana "Railu Railu" Lift Kodla "Happy Happy Birthday" Bindaas Hudugi "Naa Ninna Nodida" Bisile "Nannusiru neene" Chirru "Oo Lalala" Jothegara "Ondondu Ondondu" Porki "Heegu Unta" Preethiya Theru "Sum Sumne" Punda "Omomme Edurade" G. V. Prakash Kumar Shourya "Kaledu Hoythu" Sihigali "Hele Thangali" Varshadhare "Beku Bekunta" B. Ajaneesh Loknath Zamana "Madhumagale Ene Ninna Golu" 2011 Hoori "Geleya" Onde Ondu Sari "Nenede Naa" and "Sanje Saago" Manasina Maathu "Naaniralu Nannavaleduru" Aata "Hey Yavva" Hare Rama Hare Krishna "Naanondu Gombe" Ilaiyaraja Bettada Jeeva "Beke Beku" 2012 Preethiya Loka "Nanna Olavina" Parijatha "Aa Chandrika" Ko Ko "Akasmika Geleyanu" Toofan "Ellinda Banthu" Sidlingu "Achachhu Beladachhu" 2013 Charminar "Aa Chigurina" Padhe Padhe "Manasagideyo" 2014 Aakramana "Manase Manasa" 2015 Rana Vikrama "Ranavikrama title song" Bettanagere "Neeli Neeli" Lodde "Senorita" Masterpiece "Jaago re Jaago" Paru I Love You "Suriyuva Maleyali" 2016 U The End A "Tirboki Nannu Tirboki", "Maaye Ee Jagavu" 2017 Aadu Aata Aadu "Munjaaneya Manju" 2018 Bhanta "Kannalu Neene" 2019 Bhanu Weds Bhoomi "Naajuku Manasinalli (Duet)", "Naajuku Manasinalli (Solo)" 2022 Maha Roudram "Saturday Nightella" 2024 Pranayam "Sameepa" Mano Murthy 2025 Gajarama "Saaraayi Shaantamma" Mano Murthy

Bengali Date Film Song 2007 Minister Fatakeshto "Bande Mataram" 2008 Sabdhan Pancha Aashche "Khudro" 2009 Saat Paake Bandha "Swapno Jano Pelo Bhasha" Challenge "Mahi Ve" Sathi Amar Bondhu Amar Elo Melo Matal Hawa Prem Aamar "Prem Aamar Title", "Uru Uru Swapne", "Kon Bhule Tumi", "Tumi Chara Aj Eka" and "Shob Rong Muche" 2010 Amanush "O My Love " Dui Prithibi "O Yara Ve" and "Its Only Pyar" Le Chakka "Shabba Rabba Reeba Ru", "Ekta Bindas Para" and "Le Chakka Title" Mon Je Kore Uru Uru "Mon Je Kore Uru Uru" Paapi "Cholche Raban Raj" and "Paapi Paapi" Shedin Dekha Hoyechilo "Sedin Dekha Hoyechilo" Wanted "Ekhono Jeno" and "Koro Selam" 2011 Faande Poriya Boga Kaande Re "Jani Na" Star Jalsha Parivaar Award "Title Track" Fighter "Mon Banjara" and "O Shona E Shona" Kolkata The Metro Life "মনে আলো মেলো হাওয়া" Paglu "Mon Bebagi" 2012 Khokababu "Elo Melo" Macho Mustanaa "Bailamos", "Jane Jana" Jaaneman "Kichu Halka" Bawali Unlimited "Mon Ure Chole" Le Halua Le "Love You Love You" 2013 Kanamachi "Beporowa Mone" and "Kanamachi To"2019 Prem Amar 2 "Title Track"

Tamil Date Film Song Composer 2003 Enakku 20 Unakku 18 "Kama Kama" A. R. Rahman Boys "Please Sir" and "Maaro Maaro" A. R. Rahman 2004 New "Spider Man" A. R. Rahman Kuthu "Pachai Kili" Srikanth Deva 7G Rainbow Colony "January Madham" Yuvan Shankar Raja Pudhukottayilirundhu Saravanan "Pudhukkottai Saravanan" Yuvan Shankar Raja 2005 Ponniyin Selvan "Do Re Me" Vidyasagar 2006 Thimiru "Kattikko Rappa Rappa" Yuvan Shankar Raja Dhoom 2 (Tamil Version) "Touch Me" Pritam Krrish (Tamil Version) "Dil Illiya" Rajesh Roshan Mercury Pookkal "Mugurtha Neeram" Karthik Raja 2007 Urchagam "Veyyil" and "Nanba Nanba" Ranjit Barot 2009 Naan Kadavul "Maa ganga" Ilayaraja 2013 Singam 2 "Kannukkulle" Devi Sri Prasad

Telugu

Marathi

Punjabi Date Film Song 2011 I Am Singh "Turban Victory" 2013 Pooja Kiven AA "Shayad Eh Pyaar" Saadi Love Story Title track

Malayalam Date Film Song Composer 2013 5 Sundarikal "Ekantham Janmam" Gopi Sunder

Odia Date Film Song 2007 Tumaku Paruni Ta Bhuli "Aare Aare Mo Geetare Mitare Aare" and "E Jibana Emiti Suna Geetatiere" 2013 Kehi Jane Bhala Lagere "O Sona"

Urdu Date Film Song 2015 Halla Gulla "Halla Gulla", "Thumka"

Assamese Year Album Song Composer(s) Writer(s) Co-singer(s) Ref. 2006 Meghor Aare Aare "Suwali Dhunia" Solo "Meghor Aare Aare" Solo

Tulu Date Film Song 2016 Pilibail Yamunakka "Cheepedha Naal Padha"