The Filmfare Best Female Playback Award is given by Filmfare as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to recognise outstanding performance in a film song by a female playback singer.
Although the award ceremony was established in 1954, the category for best playback singer was introduced in 1959. The award was initially common for both male and female singers until 1967. The category was divided the following year, and ever since there have been two awards presented for male and female singers separately.
Superlatives
+ Superlative Artist RecordMost winsAsha BhosleAlka Yagnik7Most nominationsAlka Yagnik36Most nominations without ever winningJonita Gandhi4Most nominations in a single yearAsha Bhosle (1975)Alka Yagnik (1994)4Oldest winnerUsha Uthup64 ageOldest nomineeYoungest winnerNazia Hassan15 ageYoungest nomineePoornima14 ageLongest win spanAlka YagnikShreya Ghoshal16 yearsLongest nomination spanAlka Yagnik33 years
With seven wins each, Asha Bhosle and Alka Yagnik hold the record for most awards in this category. Shreya Ghoshal has won the award six times. Lata Mangeshkar, Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Krishnamurthy have won the award four times. Bhosle won the award in a record of four consecutive years (1972–75), followed by the three consecutive wins of Paudwal (1991–1993), Krishnamurthy (1995–1997) and Yagnik (2000–2002), respectively.
Two singers have achieved the feat of receiving all the nominations of this category in a particular year: Asha Bhosle was the single nominee in 1973, having all the three nominations to her credit, and Alka Yagnik was the single nominee in 1994, having all the four nominations to her credit, one of which she shared—and eventually jointly won—with Ila Arun.
At age 15, Nazia Hassan became the youngest and the first Pakistani singer to win a Filmfare Award for the song "Aap Jaisa Koi" from Qurbani (1980), while Usha Uthup is the older winner and nominee for the song ""Darling" from 7 Khoon Maaf (2011), winning at the age of 64.
In 1971, Lata Mangeshkar made the unusual gesture of not having her name be considered for the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award, in order to promote fresh talent. After receiving seventh award in 1979, Asha Bhosle emulated her elder sister and requested that her name not be considered for the nominations thereafter. There were ties for two consecutive years between 2010 and 2011.
Before the award was officially divided by gender (1968), Lata Mangeshkar was the only female artist to not only win the Best Playback Singer among female singers, she was the only female singer to be even nominated for the awards. She was also the earliest recipient of this award in 1959. Mangeshkar was the most successful singer in 60s with three wins. Moreover, out of the four awards she got before retiring from the awards voluntarily, Mangeshkar won three of her awards when there was only one award given for playback singing including both male and female singers. Bhosle dominated in the 70s with five wins (Mangeshkar not considered from hereon). In 80s no singer dominated the epoch (Bhosle not considered from hereon); however in 90s Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Krishnamurthy both had three wins each. Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghoshal garnered four wins each in the 2000s. Rekha Bhardwaj and Shreya Ghoshal led the 2010s with two wins each, and Asees Kaur and Shilpa Rao each have two wins in the 2020s.
Alka Yagnik holds the record of getting nominated for consecutively 14 years from 1992 till 2005, resulting in 31 nominations and 6 wins, followed by Shreya Ghoshal getting nominated consecutively for 11 years from 2006 to 2016 that resulted in 3 wins and 17 nominations.
Most consecutive wins + Artist Number of Wins YearAsha Bhosle41972-75Anuradha Paudwal31991-93Kavita Krishnamurthy1995-97Alka Yagnik2000-02 Asha Bhosle 2 1968-69 Shreya Ghoshal 2003-04 2008-09Asees Kaur2021-22
Multiple winners
Winners Number of wins Years Asha Bhosle 7 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1979 Alka Yagnik 1989, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 Shreya Ghoshal 6 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2019 Lata Mangeshkar 4 1959, 1963, 1966, 1970 Anuradha Paudwal 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993 Kavita Krishnamurthy 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003 Sunidhi Chauhan 2 2007, 2011 Rekha Bhardwaj 2010, 2012 Asees Kaur 2021, 2022 Kavita Seth 2010, 2023 Shilpa Rao 2020, 2024
Multiple nominees Singer Number of nominations Number of winsAlka Yagnik367Shreya Ghoshal306Asha Bhosle207Lata Mangeshkar194Kavita Krishnamurthy18Sunidhi Chauhan172Anuradha Paudwal124Alisha Chinai61Shilpa Rao62
Winners and nominees In 1959, the award category for Best Playback Singer was first instituted after Lata Mangeshkar refused to perform the song "Rasik Balma Se Dil Kyon Lagaya" from the film Chori Chori by Shankar Jaikishan at the 3rd Filmfare Awards. Mangeshkar also became the first recipient of this award. Separate awards for male and female singers were introduced from 1968.
Note: The category for Best Playback Singer was established in 1959, and until 1967 both male and female singers used to compete for a single award. +Table keyIndicates the winner
1950s YearSingerSongFilm1959(6th)"Aaja Re Pardesi" Madhumati 1960s YearSingerSongFilm1960(7th) Award was Won by a Male singer"Bhaiya Mere"Chhoti Bahen1961(8th)Award was Won by a Male singer"Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai"Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai"Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya"Mughal-e-Azam1962(9th)Award was Won by a Male singer1963(10th)"Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil"Bees Saal BaadLata Mangeshkar"Aap Ki Nazaron Ne Samjha"Anpadh1964(11th)Award was Won by a Male singer"Jo Vada Kiya"Taj Mahal1965(12th)Award was Won by a Male singer"Jyot Se Jyot"Sant Gyaneshwar1966(13th)"Tumhi Mere Mandir"KhandanLata Mangeshkar"Ek Tu Na Mila"Himalay Ki God Mein1967(14th)Award was Won by a Male singer"Lo Aagai Unki Yaad"Do Badan"Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai"Guide1968(15th)"Garibon Ki Suno"Dus Lakh"Baharo Mera Jeevan Bhi Sawaro"Aakhri Khat"Sawan Ka Mahina"Milan1969(16th)"Parde Men Rahne Do"Shikar"Milti Hai Zindagi Men"Ankhen"Tumhari Bhi Jai Jai"Diwana
1970s YearSingerSongFilm1970(17th)"Aap Mujhe Achhe Lagne Lage"Jeene Ki RaahLata Mangeshkar"Kaise Rahun Chup"Intaqam"Tere Ang Ka Rang Hai Angoori"Chanda Aur Bijli1971(18th)"Baat Zara Hai Apas Ki"Jahan Pyar Miley"Bindiya Chamke Gi"Do Raaste"Babul Pyare"Johny Mera Naam1972(19th)"Piya Tu Ab To Aja"CaravanAsha Bhosle"Zindagi Ek Safar Hai"Andaz"Aapke Peeche"Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari1973(20th)"Dum Maro Dum"Haré Rama Haré KrishnaAsha Bhosle"Sooni Sooni Sans Ke Sitar Par"Lal Patthar"Maine Kaha Na Na Na"Lalkar1974(21st)"Hone Lagi Hai Raat"NainaAsha Bhosle"Hungama Ho Gaya"Anhonee"Jab Andhera Hota Hai"Raja RaniPoornima"Tera Mujh Se"Aa Gale Lag Jaa"Raat Piya Ke Sang Jagi Re Sakhi"Prem Parbat1975(22nd)"Chain Se Ham Ko Kabhi"Pran Jaye Per Vachan Na JayeAsha Bhosle"Main Ja Rahi Thi"Bidaai"Yeh Hawas Kya Hai"Hawas"Chori Chori Solah Shringar Karoongi"Manoranjan"Behna Ne Bhai Ki Kalai Se Pyar Bandha Hai"Resham Ki Dori1976(23rd)"Tu Hi Sagar Tu Hi Kinara"Sankalp"Kal Ke Apne"Amanush"Sapna Mera Toot Gaya"Khel Khel Mein"My Heart Is Beating"Julie"Main To Arti Utaroon"Jai Santoshi Maa1977(24th)"Tu Jo Mere Sur Mein"Chitchor"I Love You, You Love Me"BaroodHemlata"Sun Ke Teri Pukar"Fakira"Bandhi Re Kahe Preet"Sankoch1978(25th)"Mero Gaam Katha Parey"Manthan"Layi Kahan Hai Zindagi"Taxi-TaxiePoornima"Kya Hua Tera Wada"Hum Kisise Kum Naheen"O Mungda, Mungda Main Gud Ki Dali"Inkaar1979(26th)"Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana"DonAsha Bhosle"O Saathi Re"Muqaddar Ka Sikandar"Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se"Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se"Saiyan Rooth Gaye"Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki"One Two Cha Cha Cha"Shalimar
1980s YearSingerSongFilm1980(27th)"Mere To Giridhar Gopal"Meera"Aap Ki Yaad Aati Rahi Raat Bhar"Gaman"Megha, O Re Megha"Sunayana"Ham Se Nazar To Milao"IkraarVani Jairam"Ayri Main To Prem Diwani"Meera1981(28th)"Aap Jaisa Koi"Qurbani"Pehchan To Thi"Griha Pravesh"Too Is Tarah Se"Aap To Aise Na TheKanchan"Laila O Laila"Qurbani"Hari Om Hari"Pyaara Dushman1982(29th)"Hamen Tumse Pyaar Kitna"Kudrat"Mere Angne Men"Laawaris"Mohabbat Rang Layegi"Poonam"Mere Jaesi Haseena"Armaan"Ramba Ho-Ho-Ho Samba Ho-Ho-Ho"1983(30th)"Dil Ke Arman Ansuon Men Bah Gaye"Nikaah"Maine Ek Geet Likha Hai"Yeh Nazdeekiyan"Boom Boom"StarSalma Agha"Dil Ki Yeh Arzoo Thi"Nikaah"Faza Bhi Hai Jawan"1984(31st)"Do Naina Aur Ek Kahaani"Masoom"Too Mera Hero Hai"Hero"Aa Ja Ke Teri Raah Men Palke Bicha"Lal Chunariya1985(32nd)"Sohni Chenab De Kinare"Sohni Mahiwal"Dance Dance"Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki1986(33rd)"Mere Man Baaja Mirdang"Utsav"Tumse Milkar Na Jane"Pyar Jhukta Nahin"Yaar Bina Chen Kahan Ray"Saaheb 1987 NO CEREMONY 1988 NO CEREMONY1989(34th)"Ek Do Teen Char"Tezaab"Jeena Nahi"Tezaab"Main Teri Hoon Janam"Khoon Bhari Maang
1990s
Year Photos of winners Singer Song Film 1990 (35th) Sapna Mukherjee "Tirchhi Topiwale"Tridev Alisha Chinai "Raat Bhar" TridevAnuradha Paudwal "Bekhabar Bewafa"Ram Lakhan "Tera Naam Liya" Kavita Krishnamurthy "Na Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hain" ChaalBaaz 1991 (36th) Anuradha Paudwal "Nazar Ke Saamne"Aashiqui Anuradha Paudwal "Mujhe Neend Na Aaye" Dil Kavita Krishnamurthy "Chandni Raat Hain" Baaghi: A Rebel for Love 1992 (37th) Anuradha Paudwal "Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin"Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin Alka Yagnik "Dekha Hai Pehli Baar" Saajan Anuradha Paudwal "Bahut Pyar Karte Hain" Kavita Krishnamurthy "Saudagar Sauda Kar" Saudagar 1993 (38th) Anuradha Paudwal "Dhak Dhak Karne Laga"Beta Alka Yagnik "Aisi Deewangi" Deewana Kavita Krishnamurthy "Main Tujhe Kabool" Khuda Gawah Anuradha Paudwal "O Rabba Koi To Bataye" Sangeet 1994 (39th) Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun "Choli Ke Peechhe Kya Hai"Khalnayak Alka Yagnik "Baazigar O Baazigar" Baazigar "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke "Paalki Pe Hoke Sawaar" Khalnayak 1995 (40th) Kavita Krishnamurthy "Pyaar Hua Chupke Se"1942: A Love Story Alisha Chinai "Ruk Ruk" Vijaypath Alka Yagnik "Chura Ke Dil Mera" Main Khiladi Tu Anari "Raah Mein" Vijaypath Kavita Krishnamurthy "Tu Cheez Badi Mast Mast" Mohra 1996 (41st) Kavita Krishnamurthy "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya"YaraanaAlka Yagnik "Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar" Akele Hum Akele Tum "Aankhiyan Milao" Raja Kavita Krishnamurthy "Pyaar Ye Jaane" RangeelaShweta Shetty "Mangta Hai Kya" 1997 (42nd) Kavita Krishnamurthy "Aaj Main Upar"Khamoshi: The Musical Alka Yagnik "Baahon Ke Darmiyan" Khamoshi: The Musical "Pardesi Pardesi" Raja Hindustani Kavita Krishnamurthy "O Yaara Dil Lagana" Agni Sakshi 1998 (43rd) Alka Yagnik "Meri Mehbooba"Pardes Alka Yagnik "Mere Khwaabon Mein Tu" Gupt: The Hidden Truth K. S. Chithra "Paayale Chhun Mun" Virasat Kavita Krishnamurthy "Dhol Bajne Laga" "I Love My India" Pardes 1999 (44th) Jaspinder Narula "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha"Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha Alka Yagnik "Chamma Chamma" China Gate "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Sanjivani "Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili" Kareeb Sapna Awasthi "Chaiyya Chaiyya" Dil Se..
2000s