Alisha Chinai- Made in India

‘Baby Doll’ Anisha Chinai took the country by storm when she crooned ‘Made in India’ and played the bored princess in search of an eligible suitor. The video also starred a dishy Milind Soman who appears at the fag end out of box!

Shweta Shetty- Johny Joker

Shweta Shetty game a glamorous face to Indian pop scene. Her music videos were similar to the ones made in west and her powerful baritone made her a popular star of the early 90s.

Baba Sehgal- Dil Dhadke

Punjab da munda Baba Sehgal was India’s first rap artist. He was also a popular VJ and tried his hand in acting. His songs, ‘Manjula’ ‘Dil Dhadke’ and ‘Aaja Meri Gadi Mein Baith Ja’ were smash hits. This popular video had a young smoldering Pooja Bedi dancing to the tunes of Baba.

Suneeta Rao- Pari Hoon Main

When the sultry southern beauty Suneeta Rao hummed ‘Pari Hoon Main’, we all hummed along with her. Her husky voice seduced listeners for many years. Suneeta sang some very popular numbers, but she is best remembered for this song.

Shubha Mudgal-Ab ke Saawan

When classical singer Shubha Mudgal made her foray into pop music, no one expected her to become to become an overnight success. The song was a unique blend of classical and modern music and the video gave a whole new definition to rain dance.

Euphoria- Dhoom

Delhi based rock bacnd Euphoria rocked the nation with their first song itself. The song was extensively shot in the by lanes of Benaras and made the entire experience very earthy.

Falguni Pathak- Yaad piya ki aane lagi

Dandiya Queen’s foray into the pop world made the entire country sit up and notice her beautiful voice. The video starred a young Riya Sen who looked pretty as a peach in a blue lehenga. Falguni crooned several chartbuster after this song, but this, being her first was special.

Silk Route- Dooba Dooba

Mohit Chauhan’s velvety voice, soulful music and a unique video makes this song an all time hit. Even though the band came out with other soul stirring numbers after this, ‘Dooba Dooba’ remains their best number till date.

Raageshwari- Ye duniya

Actress Raageshwari turned a popstar after a few dismal performances in Hindi films. And her first song was a smash hit. Raageshwari appeared in the video as the girl next door living a good life and her music video made viewers hum along with her.

Lucky Ali- Sunoh

The talented Lucky Ali struck gold with his first song. Shot extensively in Egypt, the song came as a breath of fresh air at a time when fast, loud tracks and remixes were the norm. Lucky Ali’s signature style reflected in many of his songs later but this one remains a winner even now.

Shaan and Sagarika- Aisa Hota Hai

Brother-sister duo brought freshness to Indi-pop with this foot tapping fun song. The song reflected their camaraderie and the video was equally hilarious to watch. The song and the album also gave India a very talented singer-Shaan.

Shaan- Tanha Dil

Many feel that ‘Tanha Dil’ would have been incomplete without the video. It depicted life’s journey and the bittersweet memories that one encounters on its way. Shaan’s ‘Tanha Dil’ had some awesome tracks.

Sonu Nigam- Tu Kab Ye Janegi

Sonu Nigam’s debut music album had peppy numbers. Fresh from the success of ‘Yeh Dil Deewana’, Sonu’s foray into the pop world was received with much aplomb. The music video starred Bipasha Basu and their chemistry in the video was crackling.

Daler Mehandi- Bolo Tara

Daler Mehandi introduced Punjabi music not only to the entire nation but also the world. His foot tapping numbers are even now played in almost all the parties. Every DJ has Daler’s songs on his playlist.

KK-Pal

Soulful, beautiful, melodious ‘Pal’ had a warm effect on listeners. Known for jingles, KK debut album had chartbusters like ‘Yaaron’ and ‘Aap ki dua’.

Colonial Cousins- Sa Ni Dha Pa

Legendary singer Hariharan teamed up with musician Leslie Lewis and created magic. Colonial Cousins was an interesting mix traditional and modern music and this song was huge success.

By Shomini Sen