The Filmfare Best Male Playback Singer Award is given by Indian film magazine Filmfare as a part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to recognise a male playback singer who has delivered an outstanding performance in a film song.
Although the Filmfare Awards started in 1954, awards for the best playback singer category started in 1959. From inception of the category through 1967, both the female and male singers used to compete for a single award, after which separate categories were created for female and male singers respectively.
Superlatives
+ Superlative Artist RecordMost awardsKishore Kumar,Arijit Singh8Most nominationsKishore Kumar28Most consecutive winsKumar Sanu, Arijit Singh 5Most decadesUdit Narayan3 (1980s, 1990s, 2000s)First WinnerMukesh1960Most nominations without ever winningKK, Suresh Wadkar6Most nominations in a single yearKishore Kumar (1985)4Oldest winnerKishore Kumar (1986)57 (age)Oldest nomineeYoungest winnerRaghav Chaithanya 21(age)Youngest nomineeMaster Vignesh (2005)11 (age)
Kishore Kumar and Arijit Singh hold the record for the most wins in this category, with eight, followed by Mohammed Rafi with six. Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan have each won the award five times, while Mukesh has received it four times and Mahendra Kapoor three times. Mohammed Rafi dominated the 1960s with five wins. In the 1970s, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh each won the award three times. Kishore won the award five times in the 1980s. Kumar Sanu led the 1990s with five awards, including a record of five consecutive wins from 1991 to 1995. In the 2000s, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, and Shaan each won the award twice. Arijit Singh dominated the 2010s with five wins during the decade. In terms of nominations, Kishore Kumar leads with 28, followed by Arijit Singh with 24, Mohammed Rafi with 21, Udit Narayan & Sonu Nigam with 20 each, both Mukesh and Kumar Sanu with 14 nominations each. Udit Narayan is the only singer to have received nominations and won the award in three different decades, and he is also the only Nepali-origin singer to have won in this category. Kumar Sanu (1991–1995) and Arijit Singh (2016–2020) share the record for the most consecutive wins, with five wins in a row. Kishore Kumar won the award four times consecutively from 1983 to 1986. Mukesh remains the only playback singer to have won this award posthumously, receiving it in 1977. In 2006, Himesh Reshammiya became the first music director to win the award for Best Male Playback Singer. Two singers have received all the nominations in the category in a single year: In 1969, Mohammed Rafi was the sole nominee with three nominations. In 1985, Kishore Kumar held all four nominations, all from the film Sharaabi.
Most wins Winner Number of wins Number of nominations Years Kishore Kumar 8 28 1970, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Arijit Singh 8 24 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2025 Mohammed Rafi 6 21 1961, 1962, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1978 Udit Narayan 5 20 1989, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002 Kumar Sanu 14 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995Mukesh4141960, 1971, 1973, 1977
Most consecutive wins + Artist Number of Win YearKumar Sanu51991–1995Arijit Singh2016–2020 Kishore Kumar41983–1986
Multiple nominees + Artist Number of Nominations Wins Kishore Kumar 28 8 Arijit Singh 24 8 Mohammed Rafi 21 6 Udit Narayan 20 5 Sonu Nigam 20 2 Kumar Sanu 14 5 Mukesh 4 Sukhwinder Singh 6 2 KK 0 Suresh Wadkar
Winners and nominees
+ Table key Indicates the winner † Indicates a posthumous winner
1950s 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.
Year Photos of winners Singer Song FilmRef. 1959 (6th) Award was Won by a Female Singer
1960s Year Photos of winners Singer Song FilmRef. 1960 (7th) Mukesh "Sab Kuch Seekha Humne"AnariTalat Mahmood"Jalte Hain Jiske Liye"Sujata1961 (8th)Mohammed Rafi "Chaudhvin Ka Chand"Chaudhvin Ka Chand Other Nominees were Female Singers1962 (9th)Mohammed Rafi "Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko"Sasural Mohammad Rafi "Husn Wale Tera" Gharana Mukesh "Hothon Pe Sacchai" Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai1963 (10th) Award Won by a Female Singer Mohammed Rafi "Ae Gulbadan" Professor1964 (11th)Mahendra Kapoor "Chalo Ek Bar Phir Se"Gumrah Mohammed Rafi "Mere Mehboob Tujhe" Mere Mehboob1965 (12th)Mohammed Rafi "Chahunga Main Tujhe"Dosti Mukesh "Dost Dost Na Raha" Sangam1966 (13th) Award Won by a Female Singer Mohammed Rafi "Chho Lene Do" Kaajal1967 (14th)Mohammed Rafi "Baharon Phool Barsaao"Suraj Other Nominees were Female Singers1968 (15th)Mahendra Kapoor "Neele Gagan Ke Tale"Hamraaz Mahendra Kapoor "Mere Desh Ki Dharti"UpkarMukesh "Sawan Ka Mahina" Milan1969 (16th)Mohammed Rafi "Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein"Brahmachari Mohammed Rafi "Babul Ki Duvayen"Neel Kamal "Main Gaoon Tum So Jao" Brahmachari
1970s Year Photos of winners Singer Song FilmRef.1970 (17th)Kishore Kumar "Roop Tera Mastana"AradhanaManna Dey"Kaal Ka Paiya"Chanda Aur BijliMohammed Rafi"Badi Mastani Hai"Jeene Ki Raah 1971 (18th) Mukesh "Sabse Bada Nadaan"PehchanMohammed Rafi"Khilona Jankar"KhilonaMukesh"Bas Yehi Apradh"Pehchan 1972 (19th) Manna Dey "Ae Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo"Mera Naam JokerKishore Kumar"Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana"Andaz"Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai"Kati Patang 1973 (20th) Mukesh "Jai Bolo Be-Imaan Ki"Be-ImaanMukesh"Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hain"ShorKishore Kumar"Chingari Koi Bhadke"Amar Prem 1974 (21st) –Narendra Chanchal "Beshak Mandir Masjid"BobbyKishore Kumar"Mere Dil Mein Aaj"Daag: A Poem of LoveManna Dey"Yaari Hai Imaan Mera"ZanjeerMohammed Rafi"Hum Ko Jaan Se Pyaari Hai"NainaShailendra Singh"Main Shayar To Nahin"Bobby1975 (22nd)Mahendra Kapoor "Aur Nahi Bus Aur Nahi"Roti Kapda Aur MakaanKishore Kumar"Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai"Dost"Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz"Kora KagazMohammed Rafi"Accha Hi Hua Dil Toot Gaya"Maa Bahen Aur BiwiMukesh"Main Na Bhooloonga"Roti Kapda Aur Makaan1976 (23rd)Kishore Kumar "Dil Aisa Kisi Ne"AmanushKishore Kumar"Main Pyaasa Tu Sawan"Faraar"O Manjhi Re"KhushbooManna Dey"Kya Mar Sakegi"SanyasiR. D. Burman"Mehbooba O Mehbooba"Sholay 1977 (24th) Mukesh (posthumous) †"Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein"Kabhi KabhieKishore Kumar"Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon"MehboobaMahendra Kapoor"Sunke Teri Pukar"FakiraMukesh (posthumous)"Ek Din Bik Jaayega"Dharam Karam"Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon"Kabhi KabhieK. J. Yesudas"Gori Tera Gaon"Chitchor1978 (25th)Mohammed Rafi "Kya Hua Tera Waada"Hum Kisise Kum NaheenKishore Kumar"Aap Ke Anurodh Pe"AnurodhMohammed Rafi"Parda Hai Parda"Amar Akbar AnthonyMukesh (posthumous)"Suhaani Chandni"Mukti K. J. YesudasKa Karoon Sajni Aye Na BaalamSwami1979 (26th)Kishore Kumar "Khaike Paan Banaraswala"DonKishore Kumar"O Saathi Re"Muqaddar Ka Sikandar"Hum Bewafa Harghiz Na"ShalimarMohammed Rafi"Aadmi Musafir Hai"ApnapanMukesh (posthumous)"Chanchal Sheetal"Satyam Shivam Sundaram
1980s Year Photos of winners Singer Song FilmRef.1980 (27th)K. J. Yesudas "Dil Ke Tukde"Dada Kishore Kumar "Ek Rasta Hai Zindagi" Kaala Patthar Mohammed Rafi "Chalo Re Doli Uthao" Jaani Dushman Nitin Mukesh "Aaja Re Mere Dilbar"Noorie1981 (28th)Kishore Kumar "Hazaar Raahen Mud Ke Dekhi"Thodisi Bewafaii Kishore Kumar "Om Shanti Om" Karz Mohammed Rafi (posthumous) "Dard-e-Dil""Maine Puchha Chand Se" Abdullah "Mere Dost Kissa" Dostana1982 (29th)Amit Kumar "Yaad Aa Rahi Hai"Love StoryJagjit Singh "Hothon Se Chhoo Lo Tum"Prem Geet Kishore Kumar "Hamen Tum Se Pyaar Kitna" Kudrat "Chhoo Kar Mere Man Ko" Yaarana S. P. Balasubrahmanyam "Tere Mere Beech Mein" Ek Duuje Ke Liye1983 (30th)Kishore Kumar "Pag Ghungroo Bandh"Namak HalaalAmit Kumar"Yeh Zameen Gaa Rahi Hai"Teri KasamSuresh Wadkar"Mein Hoon Prem Rogi"Prem Rog"Meri Kismat Tu"1984 (31st)Kishore Kumar "Agar Tum Na Hote"Agar Tum Na Hote Shabbir Kumar"Jab Hum Jawaan Honge"Betaab Kishore Kumar"Shayad Meri Shaadi"Souten Shabbir Kumar"Parvaton Se Aaj Mein"Betaab"Yaad Teri Aayengi"Ek Jaan Hai Hum1985 (32nd)Kishore Kumar "Manzilein Apni Jagah Hain"SharaabiKishore Kumar"De De Pyaar De"Sharaabi"Inteha Ho Gayi""Log Kehte Hai"1986 (33rd)Kishore Kumar "Saagar Kinare"SaagarShabbir Kumar"Tum Se Milkar Na Jane Kyon"Pyaar Jhukta NahinSuresh Wadkar"Main Hi Main Hoon"Ram Teri Ganga Maili 1987 NO CEREMONY 1988 NO CEREMONY1989 (34th)Udit Narayan "Papa Kehte Hain"Qayamat Se Qayamat TakAmit Kumar"Ek Do Teen"TezaabKirti Kumar"Main To Hoon Sab Ka"Hatya
1990s Year Photos of winners Singer Song FilmRef.1990 (35th)S. P. Balasubrahmanyam "Dil Deewana"Maine Pyar KiyaAmit Kumar"Tirchhi Topiwale"TridevMohammed Aziz"My Name Is Lakhan"Ram LakhanSuresh Wadkar"Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki"Chandni1991 (36th)Kumar Sanu "Ab Tere Bin Ji Lenge Hum"AashiquiAmit Kumar"Kaisa Lagta Hai"Baaghi: A Rebel for LoveSuresh Wadkar"O Priya Priya"Dil1992 (37th)Kumar Sanu "Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai"SaajanPankaj Udhas"Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise"SaajanS. P. Balasubrahmanyam"Tum Se Milne Ki Tamanna Hai"Sudesh Bhonsle"Jumma Chumma"Hum1993 (38th)Kumar Sanu "Sochenge Tumhe Pyar"DeewanaUdit Narayan"Pehla Nasha"Jo Jeeta Wohi SikandarVinod Rathod"Aisi Deewangi"Deewana1994 (39th)Kumar Sanu "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen"BaazigarKumar Sanu"Baazigar O Baazigar"BaazigarUdit Narayan"Phoolon Sa Chehra Tera"Anari"Jaadu Teri Nazar"DarrVinod Rathod"Nayak Nahin Kahlnayak Hoon Main"Khalnayak1995 (40th)Kumar Sanu "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha"1942: A Love StoryKumar Sanu"Kuch Na Kaho"1942: A Love StoryAbhijeet"Ole Ole"Yeh DillagiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam"Hum Aapke Hain Koun"Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!Udit Narayan"Tu Cheez Badi"Mohra1996 (41st)Udit Narayan "Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna"Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Kumar Sanu"Tujhe Dekha To"Dilwale Dulhania Le JayengeUdit Narayan"Raja Ko Rani Se Pyaar"Akele Hum Akele Tum Kumar Sanu"Tu Mile Dil Khile"CriminalHariharan"Dil Ne Dil Se"Haqeeqat1997 (42nd)Udit Narayan "Pardesi Pardesi"Raja HindustaniAbhijeet"Yeh Teri Aankhen Jhuki Jhuki"FarebHariharan and Suresh Wadkar"Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale"MaachisUdit Narayan"Ho Nahi Sakta"Diljale"Ghar Se Nikalte Hi"Papa Kahte Hain1998 (43rd)Abhijeet "Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon"Yes BossKumar Sanu"Do Dil Mil Rahe Hain"PardesSonu Nigam and Roop Kumar Rathod"Sandese Aate Hai"BorderUdit Narayan"Dil To Pagal Hai"Dil To Pagal HaiHariharan"I Love My India" Pardes1999 (44th) Sukhwinder Singh "Chaiyya Chaiyya"Dil Se..Kumar Sanu"Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai"Kuch Kuch Hota HaiUdit Narayan"Kuch Kuch Hota Hai"Aamir Khan"Aati Kya Khandala"GhulamKamaal Khan"O O Jaane Jaana"Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya
2000s