Anuradha Paudwal, Changed Real Name, Rivalry With Asha Bhosle, Alleged Affair With Gulshan Kumar

Anuradha Paudwal is a popular singer who brought revolution in the industry with her soulful singing. Tagged as the next Lata Mangeshkar, Anuradha sang songs in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Odia, Nepali, Bengali, and Kannada films. She is also popular for her bhajans and devotional tracks. Before entering Bollywood, Anuradha sang in radio programmes.

In 1973, Anuradha Paudwal began her musical journey by singing a Sanskrit verse for Jaya Bhaduri in the film, Abhiman. Anuradha’s first solo number was for the film, Aap Beeti, and she went on to sing for many music composers. The popular track, Tu Mera Janu Hai, from the film, Hero brought Anuradha immense fame.

Do you know that Anuradha Paudwal changed her name when she entered the music industry? Read on to know more details about the singer and how her decision to work only for T-Series started speculations about her affair with Gulshan Kumar.

Anuradha Paudwal’s real name is Alka Nadkarni

Born in Karwar, Karnataka, Anuradha Paudwal’s real name is Alka Nadkarni. However, she changed her name to Anuradha Paudwal after her marriage to Arun Paudwal, who was the music arranger of S.D. Burman. With her changed name, Anuradha achieved immense success and fame.

Anuradha Paudwal challenged Lata Mangeshkar

Anuradha Paudwal is known for calling a spade a spade. The veteran singer once challenged legendary singer, Lata Mangeshkar’s claim to have recorded the maximum number of songs in a single day. Not only this, but she also accused the Mangeshkar sisters of indulging in monopoly. Her outspoken nature had often landed her in trouble as many music directors feared facing the wrath of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle and stopped working with Anuradha.

Anuradha Paudwal’s rivalry with Asha Bhosle

Back in those days, the Hindi film industry was ruled by the sister duo Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar. As per multiple reports, Asha Bhosle was miffed with Arun Paudwal for launching his wife, Anuradha, in the industry. According to a report by ABP News, once Asha Bhosle went to SD Burman's office for recordings, and when she saw Arun Paudwal, she scolded him and asked security to send him out.

Anuradha has never spoken openly about any rivalry between her and the Mangeshkar sisters, but she has often given subtle hints. Anuradha had stated that she had recorded the songs that Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle had sung, but she had been replaced. Many times, Lata dubbed Anuradha's songs.

Anuradha Paudwal’s rumoured affair with Gulshan Kumar

When Anuradha Paudwal’s career was soaring, she joined hands with T-Series, a leading music company. Anuradha sang some blockbuster songs for films like Tezaab, Aashiqui, Meera Ka Mohan, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Ram Lakhan, etc. While Anuradha had touched the peak by singing some chartbuster songs, her alleged affair with Gulshan had churned the gossip mills.

While every music composer and director had wanted to work with Anuradha Paudwal back then, she had announced her decision to work with only Gulshan Kumar, i.e., T-Series, in the media. While Gulshan had supported Anuradha in her career, she had made a soft corner for him in her heart. 

In a 2014 interview with Glamsham, when Anuradha Paudwal was asked about her equation with Gulshan Kumar, in a crisp answer, she explained, “We shared an excellent rapport together.” Speaking about her journey in the industry and if she has any dissatisfaction or regrets, Anuradha remarked:

“I am extremely blessed to have sung successfully in all languages and genres. Music is my life. To have been equally successful in Bollywood and Bhajans was only possible due to Vaishnao Maa and my guru of course Gulshanji for his keen sense of marketing. Having said that, Bollywood is not the beginning and end of everything. There’s life beyond it.”

In 1997, Gulshan was assassinated outside the Jeeteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Mumbai, after he was shot 16 times. The tragic demise of Gulshan had shattered Anuradha Paudwal.

Also Read: Udit Narayan Cheated On First Wife And Got Married For The Second Time, Threatened To Commit Suicide

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)