Himani Kapoor: From Sa Re Ga Ma Pa to Bollywood and Beyond
Born on August 24, 1988 in Faridabad, Haryana, Himani Kapoor is an Indian singer, lyricist, and television anchor who first rose to fame as a finalist on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005. Since then, she has established herself through memorable Bollywood playback tracks and independent originals, earning acclaim for her soulful voice and vocal versatility
Early Life & Breakthrough
- Himani was born into a supportive family—her father Sudhir Kapoor, mother Savita, and brother Paramveer encouraged her musical aptitude from an early age
- Her musical journey transcended school-stage competitions into national recognition when she became a finalist on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 at age 17
Television & Reality Shows
- Shortly after her stint on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, she hosted Titan Antakshari on Zee TV, alongside Annu Kapoor and later Karan Oberoi, bringing charm and warmth to prime-time audiences
- She also competed in Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar and Music Ka Maha Muqqabla as part of Mika Singh’s “Mika Ki Sherni” team, further expanding her presence in the music reality show circuit
Playback Singing Career
Notable Songs & Collaborations
| Year | Film / Song | Composer |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Jab Jab Saiyyan (Chingari) | Aadesh Shrivastava |
| 2006 | Dil Diya (Dil Diya Hai) | Himesh Reshammiya |
| 2008 | Jogi Mahi (Bachna Ae Haseeno) | Vishal–Shekhar |
| 2010 | Dum Dum Mast Hai (Band Baaja Baaraat) | Salim–Sulaiman |
| 2021 | Thode Kam Ajnabi (Pagglait) | Arijit Singh |
| 2023 | Khatt Mitthiyaan (Dono) | Shankar‑Ehsaan‑Loy |
- Songs like Dum Dum Mast Hai and Jogi Mahi became hit anthems of Bollywood in the late 2000s
- Her song “Thode Kam Ajnabi” from Pagglait won her Best Playback Singer – Female at the FOI Online Awards, and was widely praised for her emotive rendition under Arijit Singh’s composition
- Recently she sang “Khatt Mitthiyaan” for the Rajshri film Dono, collaborating with the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy—a dream come true for her
Independent Music & Lyricist Work
- Beyond playback, Himani has released independent singles like Maati, Dagaa, Naina Di Bandook, Tu Hai Dariya and Mehandi—many featuring her own lyrics and written collaborations
- Her 2025 release RaagRaani, an all-women album blending Indian classical ragas with pop, jazz, and EDM elements, showcases her dual talents as singer and lyricist. The tracks explore themes like separation, longing, and reunion, reflecting deeply emotional narratives rooted in her Punjabi and Urdu literary heritage
Recognition & Achievements
- In 2008, Himani was honored by the Haryana government and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Women’s Day, and later released a tribute song dedicated to Indira Gandhi that same year
- Her Pagglait track earned her Best Female Playback Singer at the 2022 FOI Online Awards
Artistic Style & Persona
- Known for her emotional authenticity, Himani connects deeply with each song’s mood—whether upbeat Bollywood numbers like Dum Dum Mast Hai or soul-stirring ballads like Thode Kam Ajnabi
- She admires legendary voices like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and calls inspiration from Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrical craft and Pakistani classical music traditions which echo her cultural roots
Personal Life & Trivia
- Himani married Sahil Dhiman and has two daughters, Amayra and Mayra; however, they later separated. She maintains close ties with her family from Faridabad
- In 2007, she completed a world tour with Himesh Reshammiya, performing across over 20 countries—gaining invaluable global stage exposure early in her career
- Beyond singing, she has acted on-camera with ease as a television host and continues to engage with fans across social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook
Himani Kapoor’s musical journey is defined by versatility and depth—transitioning from reality show fame to chart-topping Bollywood playback to independent creative exploration. With standout songs across genres and an evolving voice as both singer and lyricist, she continues to shape her legacy as an artist deeply connected to her roots and emotionally resonant storytelling.