Kanika Kapoor

Early Life

Kanika Kapoor was born on August 21, 1978, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, into a Khatri family. Her father, Rajeev Kapoor, was a businessman, while her mother, Poonam Kapoor, owned a boutique. From a young age, Kanika showed a passion for music, studying classical music under Pandit Ganesh Prasad Mishra at the age of 12. She participated in numerous music competitions during her school years and even worked with All India Radio at 15. After completing her B.A. and Masters in music from Bhatkhande Music Institute, she moved to Mumbai to pursue her dreams.

Career

Kapoor's career took off in 2013 with the release of her music video "Jugni Ji," which became a massive hit and earned her the Brit Asia TV Music Award for Best Single. This success led to her Bollywood playback debut in 2014 with the song "Baby Doll" from the film Ragini MMS 2, which topped the charts and garnered her critical acclaim, including the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. She continued to collaborate with notable artists, including Dr. Zeus and Vishal–Shekhar, and participated in the concert tour "SLAM! The Tour" alongside Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Personal Life

Kanika married Raj Chandok, an NRI general practitioner, in 1999 and moved to London, where she had three children. However, she separated from her husband in 2012 and returned to Lucknow. In 2022, she married businessman Gautam Hathiramani after dating for several years.

Legacy

Throughout her career, Kanika Kapoor has received numerous accolades, including multiple Brit Asia TV Music Awards and Filmfare Awards, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the Indian music industry. Her contributions to Bollywood music and her ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles have made her a beloved artist.