Alka Yagnik’s voice defined an era of Hindi cinema, but in recent years the legendary playback singer has faced one of the biggest challenges of her life a rare hearing disorder that dramatically altered her relationship with music.
Alka Yagnik’s musical journey began with Akashvani
Born into a musically inclined family in Kolkata, Yagnik began singing for Akashvani (All India Radio) at the age of six and later moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in playback singing. After her breakthrough with the iconic song Ek Do Teen from Tezaab in 1988, she went on to become one of the most successful female playback singers in Bollywood, lending her voice to countless chartbusters through the 1990s and beyond.
However, in June 2024, Alka Yagnik revealed that she had been diagnosed with a rare sensory neural hearing loss, a condition that affects the inner ear or the nerve pathways connecting the ear to the brain. Sharing the news with fans, she disclosed that the problem surfaced suddenly after a flight. She experienced an unexpected loss of hearing and found herself unable to hear properly, leaving her shocked and concerned.
Her thriving journey hit pause with the hearing disorder
The singer described the diagnosis as a major setback, particularly because music has been the centre of her life for decades. Sensorineural hearing loss can occur due to viral infections, damage to the inner ear, ageing, exposure to loud sounds, or problems affecting the auditory nerve. In Yagnik’s case, doctors reportedly linked the condition to a viral attack, making it an extremely unusual and challenging situation for a professional singer.
Following the diagnosis, Yagnik stepped away from public appearances and work commitments to focus on treatment and recovery. She also used her platform to raise awareness about hearing health, urging people to avoid excessively loud music and prolonged exposure to headphones at high volumes. Her message resonated widely, especially among younger listeners who regularly use earphones and attend high-volume concerts.
Despite the difficulties, Yagnik has remained optimistic. Fans and colleagues from the music industry rallied around her, offering support and encouragement. Her resilience in dealing with a condition that directly impacts the profession she loves has inspired many.
Alka Yagnik was honoured with Padma Bhushan
In 2026, Yagnik received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, for her extraordinary contribution to music. The recognition marked another milestone in a career spanning more than four decades. While continuing to manage her hearing condition, she remains a symbol of perseverance, proving that even in the face of personal adversity, dedication and passion can leave an enduring legacy.
