Kailash Kher
Kailash Kher – Life, Music & Memorable Quotes
Kailash Kher (born July 7, 1973) is a celebrated Indian singer, composer and performer known for his soulful voice blending folk, Sufi, and pop. Explore his life, musical journey, and inspiring quotes.
Introduction
Kailash Kher (born 7 July 1973) is an Indian playback singer, composer, and live performer whose music draws heavily from Indian folk, Sufi, and devotional traditions. With his distinctive voice and emotional intensity, he has become one of India’s most recognizable vocalists in both film and independent music spheres.
Kher’s appeal lies not just in his vocal power but in the way he bridges tradition and modernity—bringing devotional and folk inflections into contemporary settings. His journey—from humble beginnings and personal struggles to national acclaim—resonates with fans who see in him both artistic devotion and perseverance.
Early Life and Background
Kher was born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh into a Kashmiri Pandit family and spent much of his childhood in Delhi.
From around age 12, Kher began formal and informal musical exploration, learning by listening to classical, folk, and devotional voices.
Early on, to support himself, he worked various odd jobs (including teaching) while continuing musical practice.
Musical Career & Achievements
Entry into Music & Breakthrough
Kher moved to Mumbai in 2001 to pursue music professionally.
His first major breakthrough came with the song “Allah Ke Bande” from Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II (2003), which became widely popular and marked his emergence into mainstream consciousness.
He also sang “Rabba Ishq Na Hove” for Andaaz (2003), and continued to lend his voice to various film and non-film projects across languages.
Kailasa – His Band & Albums
In 2004, Kher formed the band Kailasa with musicians Paresh and Naresh Kamath.
Their debut album, Kailasa (2006), included tracks such as “Teri Deewani” (a huge hit) and Allah Ke Bande (a version adapted from his film work).
Kailasa’s musical style fuses Indian classical, folk, devotional, and Western instrumentation. Jhoomo Re, Chaandan Mein, Rangeele, Ishq Anokha) and performed internationally.
Cinematic & Regional Work
Kher has sung in over 20 Indian languages, recorded hundreds of film songs, and worked on non-film musical projects.
His film songs include “Chand Sifarish” (Fanaa), “Arziyan” (Delhi-6), “Jay-Jaykara” (from Baahubali 2), and more.
He has also contributed to social causes through music (e.g., anti-corruption, Clean India mission) and has launched educational initiatives to promote folk culture (e.g. KKALA – Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Arts).
Honors & Recognition
Among his honors, Kher was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2017. Filmfare awards for playback singing.
Style, Influence & Artistic Vision
Kher’s voice is often described as raw, soulful, and piercing, capable of carrying both pathos and spiritual urgency.
Lyrically and thematically, many of his songs meditate on love, devotion, longing, human struggle, and transcendence. His approach often treats music as a spiritual act, not merely entertainment.
Through his band and solo projects, Kher has helped popularize Sufi-folk fusion in the Indian mainstream and inspired a new generation to engage with traditional forms in fresh ways.
Selected Quotes by Kailash Kher
Here are some notable quotes that reflect his artistic ethos, life perspective, and beliefs:
“Don’t take things too seriously, and just chill.”
“Singing is my passion, my first love and the secret of my energy. Music to me is like finding my inner self, my soul.”
“A man with a silver spoon may get his share of supporters, but he can never be an inspiration for somebody! Patience and hard work are the key to every man’s success.”
“My inspiration comes from the common man and nature.”
“For us Indians, I don’t think English can ever exude that magic of emotions which our mother tongue can.”
“Music is not a work for me — it’s a form of meditation, and you don’t need to work hard for it.”
These quotes reveal his conviction that music is sacred, emotion is central, and authenticity is more powerful than polish.
Lessons & Takeaways
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Blend tradition with innovation
Kher’s work shows that deep roots in folk and devotional forms can coexist with modern musical arrangements and broad appeal. -
Perseverance matters
His path from struggling beginnings, personal crises, and countless rejections underscores the role of resolve and faith in fulfilling creative calling. -
Art as spiritual practice
For Kher, music isn’t just performance—it’s meditation, expression of soul, and a bridge between human and divine. -
Voice matters more than polish
His raw, emotional tone demonstrates that technical perfection isn’t always paramount—an authentic voice often moves more deeply. -
Stay connected to everyday sources
He draws inspiration from nature, ordinary people, and simple emotions—reminding us that great art often begins with humble roots.