Suresh Wadkar Biography: Age, Height, Family, Wife, Children, Career & More
Suresh Wadkar is a renowned Indian playback singer and music educator, celebrated for his soulful voice and immense contribution to Indian cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, Wadkar has lent his voice to numerous hit songs in Hindi, Marathi, and several other Indian languages, establishing himself as a stalwart in the music industry. His melodious renditions and dedication to classical music have earned him accolades and a loyal fan base across India and beyond.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Suresh Ishwar Wadkar |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Playback Singer, Music Teacher |
| Birth Date | August 7, 1955 |
| Age | 69 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Famous For | Melodious playback singing in Bollywood and Marathi cinema |
| Known For | Iconic songs like “Seene Mein Jalan”, “Tum Se Milke”, and “Aye Zindagi Gale Laga Le” |
| Ethnicity | Marathi |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm), 70 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | Graduate, Sangeet Mahabharati, Mumbai |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Marital Status / Spouse | Married to Padma Wadkar |
| Children | One daughter (Ananya Wadkar) |
| Relatives | Padma Wadkar (wife), Ananya Wadkar (daughter) |
| Hobbies | Music, Teaching, Traveling |
| Employer / Organization | Ajivasan Music Academy |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | INR 30-40 Crore (approx.) |
Early Life & Education
Suresh Wadkar was born on August 7, 1955, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, into a Marathi family. From a young age, he exhibited a deep interest in music, especially Indian classical. His formal training began at Sangeet Mahabharati in Mumbai, where he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned gurus. Wadkar’s dedication and passion for music were evident even during his school years, and he participated in numerous local and state-level music competitions.
Career Journey
Suresh Wadkar’s journey in the music industry is a testament to his talent and perseverance. He began his career in the late 1970s, with his big break coming after winning the Sur-Singar competition in 1976. This victory brought him to the attention of legendary music directors like Jaidev and Ravindra Jain.
Bollywood Breakthrough
Wadkar’s Bollywood debut came with the film “Paheli” (1977), but it was his songs in “Gaman” (1978) and “Prem Rog” (1982) that catapulted him to fame. His soulful rendition of “Seene Mein Jalan” and the evergreen “Aye Zindagi Gale Laga Le” became instant classics.
Versatility Across Languages
In addition to Hindi, Wadkar has sung in Marathi, Konkani, Bhojpuri, Odia, and Tamil, among other languages. His Marathi songs, especially with music director Hridaynath Mangeshkar, are highly regarded. Wadkar’s versatility and command over classical and semi-classical forms set him apart from his contemporaries.
Music Education and Ajivasan Academy
Beyond playback singing, Suresh Wadkar is deeply committed to music education. He established the Ajivasan Music Academy in Mumbai, which has trained thousands of students in Indian classical and light music, continuing the legacy of his own guru, Acharya Jialal Vasant.
Personal Life
Suresh Wadkar is married to Padma Wadkar, a talented singer and music educator herself. The couple has a daughter, Ananya Wadkar, who is also making her mark in the music industry. Outside of music, Wadkar enjoys traveling and is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He is actively involved in various cultural and philanthropic activities, supporting music education for underprivileged children.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Shri (2020) – India’s fourth highest civilian award
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer (2011)
- Maharashtra State Film Awards – Multiple wins
- Filmfare Awards – Nominated several times for Best Male Playback Singer
- Lata Mangeshkar Award (2018)
- Zee Cine Awards and other regional honors
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Quotes
- “Music is not just a profession for me; it is my way of life.”
- “I believe in constantly learning and evolving as an artist.”
- “Teaching young minds gives me immense satisfaction and keeps me grounded.”
Controversies
Suresh Wadkar has largely stayed away from controversies throughout his career. He is known for his professionalism and humility. However, there have been occasional debates regarding the lack of awards recognition early in his career, which fans and critics felt was overdue. Wadkar has always maintained a dignified silence on such matters, focusing instead on his art.
Favorites
- Favorite Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
- Favorite Composer: Hridaynath Mangeshkar
- Favorite Food: Traditional Maharashtrian cuisine
- Favorite Hobby: Teaching music, Traveling
- Favorite Instrument: Harmonium
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Suresh Wadkar’s estimated net worth is between INR 30-40 Crore, accumulated through his long-standing singing career, live performances, and the Ajivasan Music Academy. While exact salary figures are private, established playback singers in India typically earn between INR 5-15 lakh per song, with additional income from concerts and royalties.
Interesting Facts
- Suresh Wadkar was personally recommended by Lata Mangeshkar to many music directors early in his career.
- He is a trained tabla player and often accompanies students during lessons.
- Wadkar has sung in over 15 Indian languages.
- He is respected as a guru by many contemporary playback singers.
- Despite his fame, he leads a simple and disciplined lifestyle.
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Suresh Wadkar famous for?
- Suresh Wadkar is best known for his melodious playback singing in Bollywood and Marathi films, as well as his contributions to music education.
- Who is Suresh Wadkar’s wife?
- He is married to Padma Wadkar, a singer and music teacher.
- How many children does Suresh Wadkar have?
- He has one daughter, Ananya Wadkar, who is also a singer.
- What is Suresh Wadkar’s net worth?
- His estimated net worth is between INR 30-40 Crore as of 2025.
- What are some of Suresh Wadkar’s most popular songs?
- Some of his most popular songs include “Aye Zindagi Gale Laga Le”, “Tum Se Milke”, and “Seene Mein Jalan”.
- Does Suresh Wadkar run a music school?
- Yes, he runs the Ajivasan Music Academy in Mumbai, training students in classical and light music.
Conclusion
Suresh Wadkar’s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to becoming one of India’s most respected playback singers is truly inspiring. His dedication to music and education continues to influence generations of artists and fans alike. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with fellow music enthusiasts and help spread the legacy of Suresh Wadkar.
