Mahalakshmi Iyer


Mahalakshmi Iyer is an Indian playback singer, best known for her Hindi, Assamese and Tamil songs. She has sung in many other Indian languages as well, including Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Odia, Gujarati and Kannada.

Career

Playback singing

Mahalakshmi made her playback debut with the film Dus in 1997, but the film never completed and released due to the sudden passing of the film's director. The album however was released in 1999 as a tribute. She sang the track Ae Ajnabee with Udit Narayan for A. R. Rahman in Mani Ratnam's Dil Se.. which was her first release as a playback singer and considered to be her debut. Mahalakshmi continued singing for Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and A.R. Rahman in many films which followed.
Since then she has also sung many serials, jingles, and original albums. She was part of several successful soundtracks such as Mission Kashmir, Yaadein and Saathiya and worked with some of the biggest music composers like A. R. Rahman, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Vishal–Shekhar, Nadeem–Shravan, Jatin–Lalit and more.
She has sung for many Yash Raj Films' biggest hits like Dhoom 2, Bunty Aur Babli, Salaam Namaste, Fanaa, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.
She was known for her performances in songs like "Kabhi Sham Dhale" from Sur – The Melody of Life, "Har Taraf" from Rishtey and for hit songs like "Chup Chup Ke" from Bunty Aur Babli, "Aaj Ki Raat" from Don: The Chase Begins Again and "Bol Na Halke Halke" from Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.
She sang on the Academy Award-winning song "Jai Ho" for A. R. Rahman in the film Slumdog Millionaire. Specifically, she sang the Hindi words between the short "Jai Ho" chants, as well as portions of the verses.
In the past, she rendered background vocal to the very famous Ghazal of Pankaj Udhas named Aur Ahistaa. She has also rendered her voice to many private album remixes notably Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar and Baahon Mein Chali Aao, which was originally rendered by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.

Film songs

YearSongFilmLanguageMusic directorCo-singer
1997"Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walo "DusHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyUdit Narayan, Shankar Mahadevan, Dominique Cerejo
1998"Ae Ajnabee"Dil Se..HindiA. R. RahmanUdit Narayan
1999"Velli Malarae"JodiTamilA. R. RahmanS. P. Balasubrahmanyam
1999"Kurukku Siruttavale"MudhalvanTamilA. R. RahmanHariharan
1999"Tumne Na Humse"Pyaar Mein Kabhi KabhiHindiVishal–ShekharSolo
1999"Dil Se Mere"Pyaar Mein Kabhi KabhiHindiVishal–ShekharShekhar Ravjiani
1999"Dillagi Dillagi"DillagiHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyKavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Abhijeet, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Jaspinder Narula
1999"Kya Yeh Sach Hai"DillagiHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShankar Mahadevan
2000"So Jaa Chandaa"Mission KashmirHindiLoy MendonsaSolo
2001"Hasde Hasde"AbhayHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyKamal Haasan
2001"Yaar Teri Bewafai"Love You HameshaHindiA. R. RahmanSolo
2001"Yaadein Yaad Aati Hai"YaadeinHindiAnu MalikSunidhi Chauhan
2002"Sokuwe Sokuwe Sinaki"Prem Aru PremAssameseZubeen GargBobita Sharma, Zubeen Garg, Jonkey Borthakur, Sagarika
2002"Phul Golapore"Priya O' PriyaAssameseManas RobinJitul Sonowal, Dilip Das
2002"Ei Ghar Amar"Jibon Nodir Duti PaarAssameseZubeen GargZubeen Garg, Shaan, Sagarika, Arnab Chakrabarty, Jonkey Borthakur and chorus.
2002"Kokal Khamusiya"Jibon Nodir Duti PaarAssameseZubeen GargZubeen Garg
2002"Har Taraf Tu Hi"RishteyHindiSanjeev DarshanShaan
2002"Chalka Chalka Re"SaathiyaHindiA. R. RahmanRicha Sharma, Vaishali
2002"Yeh Taazgi Yeh Saadgi"DeewangeeHindiIsmail DarbarKK
2002"Kabhie Sham Dhale"Sur – The Melody of LifeHindiM. M. KreemSolo
2002"Oohh Yeah"Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?HindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyKK
2003"Aao Milke Gaayen Aisa Gaana"ArmaanHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShankar Mahadevan, Udit Narayan, Amitabh Bachchan
2003"Main Gaaon"ArmaanHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyUdit Narayan, Shaan
2003"Tere Ishq Mein"SupariHindiVishal–ShekharVishal Dadlani
2003"Ee Nanna Kannaane"AbhiKannadaGurukiranUdit Narayan
2003"Jab Kabhi"Jhankaar BeatsHindiVishal–ShekharKK
2003"Mujhe Tumse Muhabbat Hai"Qayamat: City Under ThreatHindiNadeem ShravanKumar Sanu
2003"Mera Dil Dil Toh Lele"Qayamat: City Under ThreatHindiNadeem ShravanShaan
2003"ABBG"Kuch Naa KahoHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyUdit Narayan
2003"Baat Meri Suniye"Kuch Naa KahoHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShankar Mahadevan
2004"Yeh Dhuaan"CharasHindiRaju SinghSolo
2004"Kuchh To Ho Raha Hai"Shaadi Ka LaddooHindiVishal–ShekharShaan
2004"Tum Kaho To"Shaadi Ka LaddooHindiVishal–ShekharUdit Narayan
2004"Pyar Mein Sau Uljhane Hai"Kyun! Ho Gaya Na...HindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShankar Mahadevan, Vijay Prakash, Sneha Pant
2004"Ishq Khudai"RudrakshHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyKrishna, Shankar Mahadevan, Shweta Pandit
2004"Ninna Mareyalare"Kanchana GangaKannadaS. A. RajkumarUdit Narayan
2004"Abhi Nahi Aur Kabhi"Stop!HindiVishal–ShekharShaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sowmya Raoh
2005"Chup Chup Ke"Bunty Aur BabliHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoySonu Nigam
2005"Miraksam"Waqt: The Race Against TimeHindiAnu MalikSudesh Bhosle, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan
2005"Koi Aisa Alam"KaramHindiVishal–ShekharSonu Nigam
2005"Tu Jahaan"Salaam NamasteHindiVishal–ShekharSonu Nigam
2005"Jaaniya Ve"DusHindiVishal–ShekharHariharan
2005"Dil Ke Arma Tarse"AanchHindiSanjeev DarshanSonu Nigam
2005"Koi Aisa Alam"KaramHindiVishal–ShekharSonu Nigam
2006"I'm in Love"Neal 'n' NikkiHindiSalim–SulaimanSonu Nigam
2006"Naach Gaanyacha Rang"Nana MamaMarathiSachin SanghviSolo
2006"Dil Laga Na"Dhoom 2Hindi, Tamil, Telugu PritamJolly Mukherjee, Suzanne D'Mello, Sukhbir
2006"Aaj Ki Raat"Don: The Chase Begins AgainHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyAlisha Chinai, Sonu Nigam
2006"Des Rangila"FanaaHindiJatin–LalitSolo
2006"Chanda Chamke"FanaaHindiJatin–LalitBabul Supriyo
2006"Rock N' Roll Soniye"Kabhi Alvida Naa KehnaHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShaan, Shankar Mahadevan
2007"Bol Na Halke Halke"Jhoom Barabar JhoomHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyRahat Fateh Ali Khan
2007"Jhoom Barabar Jhoom"Jhoom Barabar JhoomHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShankar Mahadevan, KK, Sukhwinder Singh
2007"Baat Pakki"Just MarriedHindiPritamShaan, Sukhwinder Singh
2007"Yeko Yeno"ArasuKannadaJoshua SridharSolo
2007"Jab Chhaye"HattrickHindiPritamSolo
2007"Zara Gungunalein"Laaga Chunari Mein DaagHindiShantanu MoitraBabul Supriyo
2007"Tenu Leke"Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to LoveHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoySonu Nigam
2007"Ta Ra Rum Pum"Ta Ra Rum PumHindi, Telugu Vishal–ShekharShaan
2007"Teri Yaadein"Kaisay Kahein...HindiPritamSukhwinder Singh
2008"Jai Ho"Slumdog MillionaireHindiA. R. RahmanSukhwinder Singh, Vijay Prakash, Tanvi Shah
2008"Shaava Shava"Chintakayala RaviTeluguVishal–ShekharShankar Mahadevan
2008"Enduko"Chintakayala RaviTeluguVishal–ShekharSonu Nigam
2008"Gup Chup"One Two ThreeHindiRaghav SacharRaghav Sachar
2008"Jo Gumshuda"Mission IstaanbulHindiAnu MalikShaan, Ege
2008"Endammaya"SaluteTeluguHarris JayarajNaveen
2008"Oh Ho Sanam"DasavathaaramTamil, Telugu, Hindi Himesh ReshammiyaKamal Haasan
2008"Falak Tak Chal"TashanHindiVishal–ShekharUdit Narayan
2008"Pyar Ki Dastan"Luck by ChanceHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyAmit Paul
2008"Dheem Dheem"AccidentKannadaV. HarikrishnaSonu Nigam
2009"Abacha"Konchem Ishtam Konchem KashtamTeluguShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShilpa Rao
2009"Mujh Jaisa Hero"Love KhichdiHindiPritamGopal Rao
2009"Maza Aa Gaya"VictoryHindiAnu MalikSonu Nigam, Suresh Wadkar, Sudesh Bhosle, Sumitra Iyer, Altaf Raja
2010"Sadka Kiya"I Hate Luv StorysHindiVishal–ShekharSuraj Jagan
2010"Chal Chal Bhosle Market"Khichdi: The MovieHindiRaju SinghShaan
2010"Tera Mera Pyar"Action ReplayyHindiPritamKarthik
2010"Aaradha Kobamillai"Bale PandiyaTamilDevan EkambaramRaman Mahadevan
2010"Charha De Rang"Yamla Pagla DeewanaHindiNouman JavaidAli Pervez Mehdi, Shweta Pandit, Rahul Seth
2011"Laung da Lashkara" Patiala HouseHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyHard Kaur, Jassi Sidhu
2011"Rola Pe Gaya" Patiala HouseHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShankar Mahadevan, Hard Kaur, Earl
2011"Mauka" AarakshanHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyRaman Mahadevan, Tarun Sagar, Gaurav Gupta, Rehan Khan
2011"Mala Sang Na"SharyatMarathiChinar - MaheshSolo
2011"Poita Bhaat"Poley Poley Urey MonHindi, AssameseTimothy Das Hanse, Biman BaruahZubeen Garg, Chayanika Bhuyan
2012"Tore Niye Jai"KhokababuBengaliRishi ChandaZubeen Garg
2012"Guti Guti Paye"Bikram SinghaBengaliShree PritamShaan
2012"Dhuan Dhuan"Bikram SinghaBengaliShree PritamShaan
2012"Kaal Mulaitha Poova"MaattrraanTamil, Telugu Harris JayarajJaved Ali
2012"Bechayan Sapne"ChittagongHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyAbhijeet Sawant, Gulraj Singh, Sameer Khan, Shankar Mahadevan
2012"Khud Ko Tere"1920: Evil ReturnsHindiChirantan BhattSolo
2012"Meri Duniya Terey Dam Se"Delhi SafariHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyShekhar Ravjiani, Shivam Mahadevan
2012"Sajna Paas Aa Tu Jara"IdiotBengaliShree PritamShaan
2012"Jhor Othe Mone"IdiotBengaliShree PritamZubeen Garg
2013"O Bondhu Amar"Khoka 420BengaliShree PritamShaan
2013"Govinda Jay Jay"Khoka 420BengaliShree PritamAbhijeet Bhattacharya
2013"Pagal Ami Already"KhiladiBengaliShree PritamZubeen Garg
2013"Mayanga "Dhoom 3Tamil PritamAbhishek Nailwal
2014"Daatale Reshami"TimepassMarathiChinar - MaheshChinar Kharkar
2014"Concert Song"2 StatesTamil & HindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoySolo
2014"Do Akhiyyan"Badlapur BoysHindiSachin GuptaShaan
2014"Nakhriley"Kill DilHindiShankar–Ehsaan–LoyAli Zafar, Shankar Mahadevan, Gulzar
2015"Angat Rangat"Kaay Raav TumhiMarathiKanak RajSolo
2015"Praju"Timepass 2MarathiChinar - MaheshRishikesh Kamerkar
2015"Sune Sune"Welcome ZindagiMarathiSoumil Shringarpure-Siddharth MahadevanSolo
2015"Dooriyan"I Love DesiHindiSham BalkarJaved Ali, Sonu Kakkar
2015"Un Mele Oru Kannu"RajinimuruganTamilD. ImmanJithin Raj
2015"Abhas Ha"3:56 KillariMarathiChinar - MaheshSolo
2016"Ore Oru Vaanam"ThirunaalTamilSrikanth DevaShakthisree Gopalan
2018"Mon E Kemon"Wrong RouteBengaliDev SenImran Mahmudul
2018"Ja Hobe Dekha"Raja Rani RajiBengaliLinconShaan
2018"Runa Zuna"Memory CardMarathiMitesh-PriteshJaved Ali
2018"Halwa Halwa"Jaga Vegli AntyatraMarathiRohan Pradhan & Rohan GokhaleSiddharth Mahadevan
2018"Heer"Baa Baaa Black SheepHindiGourav-Roshin-ShaanMika Singh
2018"Nee Yaaro Nanage"Amma I Love YouKannadaGurukiranSanthosh Venky
2018"Minugo Putta Taregale"Saahasa MakkaluKannadaSharath Bilinele
2019"Naa Raja" & "Koamaanae"Manikarnika: The Queen of JhansiTelugu, Tamil Shankar–Ehsaan–LoyShriram Iyer
2019"Rae Raelaa Rae" & "Nanjukku"Manikarnika: The Queen of JhansiTelugu, Tamil Shankar–Ehsaan–LoyHamsika Iyer, Siddharth Mahadevan
2019"Beimani Se"Gone KeshHindiBishakh JyotiSolo
2023"Silmil Tuponite"RaghavAssameseZubeen GargSolo
2025"Era Eri"Bhaimon DaAssameseZubeen GargZubeen Garg, Amritprava Mahanta

Awards and honours