Malini Awasthi

Malini Awasthi (born 15 October 1966 ) is an Indian singer, who has been called the Folk Queen of India. Having been trained classically, she is equally adept in various forms of Hindustani music like vintage Dadra, Thumri, Kajri Chaiti, etc. Her knowledge of music finds a reflection in her renditions of Ghazals and Sufiyaana Kalaam too. A Ganda-baandh disciple of Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi, she is a connoisseur of 'Chaumukhi gayan' of Benares Gharana. She commands equally over multiple dialects and languages like Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundeli, and Braj. She worked as a visiting professor at Centre for Media Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University . Currently she is appointed as a Professor of Practice at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, U.P.

Early life and background Malini Awasthi was born in the city of perfumes, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh into a family of doctors. She was the youngest among the trinity that the couple were parents to. Her father Dr. P.N. Awasthi, was fond of classical music and her mother Mrs. Nirmala Awasthi, deeply cherished the Purab Ang Gayaki and Bhajans. This blend reflects in her singing today.

Along with her academic training from Mount Carmel College, she received her formal tutelage from Ustad Rahat Ali Khan.

She went on to do her Postgraduation in Hindustani classical music from Bhatkhande University, Lucknow. and a Postgraduation in Modern History with specialisation in Medieval and modern Indian architecture, from University of Lucknow simultaneously. She was conferred with a gold medal in both of her master's degrees.

She is a Ganda bandh student of Legendary Hindustani Classical Singer, Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi of Banaras Gharana. This was the only satisfaction that her mother, a cancer patient, could see happening before she left. She is married to senior IAS officer Awanish Kumar Awasthi (UP:1987) who retired as Principal Secretary to Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Currently her spouse is an advisor to Honorable Chief Minister of U.P. They have a son Adwitiya and a daughter Ananya.

Career Malini Awasthi started as an artist for Akashvani (radio broadcaster) at a very young age and went on to contribute immensely towards it in varying age and capacity. She is a Top grade artist of All India Radio and an 'A' grade artist of Doordarshan, Lucknow. Contrary to the popular notion, this accreditation is for Ghazals and not for folk. She was an ICCR approved artist She ventured into various reality shows like Antakshari, Sa Re, Ga Ma Pa, and Lux Junoon

Her efforts at preserving the folk songs bore fruits, and her songs like Railiya Bairan and Saiyan Mile Larkaiyan became a cult.

She is a regular performer at the popular classical music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau. Rekhta (website) She judged the Bhojpuri - Musical Reality Show "Sur Sangram".

She ventured as a payback singer into many films:-

Mann Ki Asha (Bumm Bumm Bole) Teri Katili Nigahon Ne Mara(Jaanisaar) Tumko Ane Mien Tumko Bulane Mien (Jaanisaar) Yeh Jivan Hai (Soundtrack (film)), Super hit track Dil Mera Muft Ka (Remix) (Agent Vinod (2012 film)), "Sunder Susheel" in the 2015 film Dum Laga Ke Haisha which had music by Anu Malik, Jiggi Jiggi (Lipstick Under My Burkha) her critically acclaimed song Heer (Durgamati) Missed call (Joram (film)), recent Chakka Jaam (Bhaiyya Ji) and many more.

Apart from singing on stage and lending her voice to films, Awasthi lends her voice to preserve culture and help Government promote well-being. Malini has sung the popular title song of the Kisan channel that was launched by the Prime Minister of India. On the occasion of inauguration of Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya, she was invited to lend her voice for Ram Naam Kirtan while statue of Ramlalla was being unveiled.

Malini performed and represented India in an event of ABU TV in 2023 that was held in Seoul, South Korea.

Academic honors Honorary Doctorate from Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, U.P. D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) from University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, U.P. Honorary Dlit from Sampoornanand Sanskrit University, Banaras Centenary Chair Professor for the Bharat Adhyan Kendra at the Banaras Hindu University Visiting professor at Center for Media Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University She has collaborated with TEDXHYDERABAD TEDXSRMUWOMEN TEDXNIFTJODHPUR. She has also been invited to give her valuable insights on topics concerning culture in TOI Dialogues Vision and Voices's Varanasi and Kanpur Sessions. She has given workshops on Kajri at various places across Uttar Pradesh and on Purab Ang Gayaki at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata, in 2024.

She was recently invited as one of the panellists on the topic Evolution of Folk Music in India alongside Ila Arun Prasoon Joshi Papon (singer) and others in the WAVES Summit, 2025 that was recently held at Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai.

During the Covid -19 pandemic, her Facebook live sessions daily at 5 'O' clock in the evening were the talk of the town and were a beam of positivity in the times of distress. She created a song titled "Darna Nahi Muskurana Hai" over Covid-19 pandemic, that was appreciated by Narendra Modi, Honorable Prime Minister of India. Retweeting Awasthi's post he wrote, She had been appointed as a Member of expert committee on folk music by Sangeet Natak Academy. She has also been appointed as a member for the sub Commission on culture under the Indian Commission for cooperation with UNESCO.

She has founded an organisation called SONCHIRAIYA for promotion and proliferation of Folk. and Deshaj being the top favourites.

Books On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchmi, she launched her maiden book titled 'CHANDAN KIWAD'. The book was launched at the prestigious Jaipur Literature Festival ,2025 in the presence of esteemed personalities including actor and singer Ila Arun and national award winning writer Yatindra Mishra.

Recently she spoke in depth about her experiences and discussed in detail about multiple facets of her book at Sahitya Aajtak, Lucknow, 2025.

Awasthi launched her book at an event held at Indira Gandhi Pratisthan, Lucknow on 22 February 2025 which saw dignitaries like Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Brijesh Pathak and RSS General Secretary Shri Dattatrey Hosabale marking their presence.

On the last day of Banaras Literature Festival, 2025 that was held at Taj Ganges, Varanasi, there was a detailed discussion on her book CHANDAN KIWAD. Awasthi shared memoirs from her life and experiences from her illustrious career including her association with the Thumri legend Girija Devi.

Cultural performances National Baarish, 2nd edition, Delhi, 2026 Juni Shani Mandir , Indore, M.P. , 2026 Maati 9, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 2026 Sanskritik Shaurya Sangam, Central Command,Indian Army, Prayagraj, U.P. , 2026 Malan Albeli ( Natak on her life), Bharteendu Natak Academy, Lucknow, 2026 Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan 11th Foundation Day, Madhubani, Bihar, 2026 Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, 2026, Day-1, Varanasi, U.P. 2026 Banaras Ke Ghat Se Awadh Ke Angan Tak, KCC, Kolkata, W.B. 2026 Gulaab Badi, Kanpur, U.P. 2026 Gulaab Badi, N.B.R.I., Lucknow, U.P. 2026 SPANDAN, BHU, Varanasi, U.P., 2026 Bharat Rang Mahotsav and Sarang 'Closing Ceremony ' , DLCSUPVA, Rohtak, Haryana, 2026 Bharat Rang Mahotsav, NSD, Delhi, 2026 Saptak, Ahmedabad, Gujrat, 2026 150th Anniversary of Vande Matram, Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, WB, 2026 Kala Sangam, Magh Mela, Prayagraj, U.P. 2026 150th Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, Jalandhar, Punjab, 2025 Vanvaar Mahotsav, Jahanabad, Bihar, 2025 Akhtari: Uff Ye Phasana ! Sahitya Aajtak, Delhi, 2025 Gorakhpur Book Festival, Gorakhpur, U.P., 2025 Ganga Mahotsav, Varanasi, 2025 Chath Puja, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 2025 Daastan-e-Akhtari, Royal Opera House, Mumbai, 2025 Sanskritik Sandhya, UP International Trade Show, India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, 2025 Badariya, Delhi, 2025 Malhar and the Sea, Goa, 2025 Teri Mitti- A musical tribute, Lucknow, 2025 Roots and Ragas, Jaipur, 2025 The Rasa Experience, Mumbai, 2025 6th Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav, Jalandhar, Punjab, 2025 Raghuraiyya : Awadh Ke Sangeet Concert, Day 1 Timeless Ayodhya Art and Literature Festival, Ayodhya, 2025 Holi Ke Rang, Malini Ke Sang, Delhi 2025 Day 1& Day 2 Jahan-e- Khusrau, Delhi, 2025 Jashn-e-Adab, Delhi, 2025 Daastan-e-Akhtari, Sacred Amritsar, Amritsar, 2025 Sahaj Parv, Kolkata, 2025 Taj Mahotsav, Agra, 2025 Kalagram, Mahakumbh, Prayagraj, 2025 Bharat Parv, Lal Quila, Delhi,2025 Uttar Pradesh Diwas, Lucknow, 2025 SAPTAK, Ahmedabad, 2025 Savarna Sangeet Sammelan, Kolkata, 2025 1st Jaigarh Heritage Festival, Jaipur, 2024 Shravasti Mahotsav, 2024 Gulaabari, Dariya Kinare, Banaras, 2022, 2024

Narmada Mahotsav, Jabalpur, 2024 Indo American Chamber of Commerce (North India Council)'s CULTURAL EVENING, DELHI 2024 Kalki Mahotsav, Sambhal, U.P., 2024 Ganpati Mahotsav, BBD University, Lucknow, 2024 Saptak, Ahmedabad, 2024 Sahitya Aajtak, Lucknow 2024 Sankatmochan Sangeet Samaroh, Banaras 2024 Cultural Kaarva'n Delhi 2024 Bandish by NCPA 2024 Pranati Bhopal 2024 Malhar Mahotsav Gorakhpur 2024 Jashn-e-Adab, Patna 2024thumb|Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr.Mahesh Sharma witnessing a special performance by Malini Awasthi. Raag Seva, First Day, Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya, 2024 Kanpur Dehat Mahotsav 2023 Subh E Banaras, 2022 Pudducherry Literature Festival, 2022 Mahashivratri Music Festival, ANTIM NISHA, Banaras, 2021 Mahindra Kabira Festival, Banaras, 2021 Tagore Theatre, Sangeet Natak Academy, Chandigarh, 2020 SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan, IHC Delhi, 2019 Shilpotsav, NOIDA, 2019 Sahitya Aaj Tak, Delhi, 2018 Trigart Kangra Valley Festival, 2018 Ras Banaras Sanskriti Mahotsav, 2018 Chath Puja, Pravasi Mahasangh, NOIDA, 2017 Chath Utsav, NOIDA, 2015 Bhramhanand, Nagpur, 2015 Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Delhi, 2015 Tihri, 2018 Reva 2019 Bikaner 2023 Lucknow Mahotsav, 2014 Lucknow Literature Fest, 2014 - Tribute to Begum Akhtar Banaras Utsav, 2013 Thumri Festival, 2012 Bhojpuri Cinema- Strong at 50 Patna, 2011 IIT KANPUR GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS, 2009 Rag-rang-Festival, Taj-Mahotsav, Ganga- Mahotsav, Lucknow-Festival, Budh-Mahotsav, Ramayan-Mela, Kajri-Mela, Kabir-Utsav etc. in Uttar Pradesh. Shruti-Mandal-Samaroh, Kumbhal-Gardh-Festival, Teej- Festival-Jaipur in Rajasthan. Surajkund-Craft-Mela and Heritage-Festival-Pinjore in Punjab and Hayana.

International Braj or Awadh Ke Geeton mien Malini , Kathmandu Literary Festival, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2026 Bijhar Cultural Confluence, Singapore, 2025 Vishwa Hindi Diwas, Tanzania, 2025 NOOR - Festival of Lights, Dubai, 2024 Queen Elizabeth Hall, London 2024 Rhythms of India, Jazz at Lincoln Center, USA 2024 Ashavari Festival, San Francisco, 2024 India By The Creek, Dubai, 2024 Whitlam Centre, Sydney, Australia, 2024, Chath Puja, Melbourne, Australia, 2022 Pravasi Diwas at Trinidad, 2017 Festival of India in Mauritius, 2015 2024 ICCR 40th, Anniversary celebration in Fiji, 2011 Independence Day celebration Houston, USA, 2004 Cultural Performance in Pakistan; 2007 Cultural Performance in South Bank center, London, 2011 Indian festival celebration in Netherlands: 2002, 2003, 2015 and 2016, 2023 Vishwa Bhojpuri Sammelan, Mauritius; 2000, 2004, 2016 Cultural Concert in Philadelphia and Los Angeles; 2016

Filmography/ Discography Jhoom Banware- Haq (2025 film) Saiyan Mile Larkaiyan- Mannu kya Karegga (2025 film) Holi Ayi Rey – Coke Studio Bharat Season -3 Jai Ho Chhath Maiya – Shailendra Singh, Malini Awasthi Bhole Shankar Bumm Bumm Bole Ata Pata Laapata Agent Vinod Dum Laga Ke Haisha Bhagan Ke Rekhan ki – Issaq (2013 film) Chaarfutiya Chhokare (2014 film) Soundtrack (film) Lipstick Under My Burkha Durgamati Joram (film) Bhaiyya Ji

OTT Ram Katha with Amitabh Bachchan (JioHotstar)

Made in Heaven (TV series)

Television-

Awards Padma Shri (2016) Aajtak Sahitya Jagriti Samman (Female) for Chandan Kiwad, Delhi, 2025 Rajeshwari Kala Samman, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, Punjab 2025 Vishwa Rang Bhasha Samman, Mauritius 2024 Yash Bharti, UP Government 2006 Sangeet Natak Academy (2018) Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, 2017 Kalidas samman, 2014 Bank of Baroda, Maharaja Sayyajirao Lokbhasha Samman, 2022 Bhartiya Sanskriti Samman, Banaras Hindu University, 2022 Sahara Awadh Samman, 2003 Naari Gourav Samman, 2000