Bollywood Pop Singers You Might Have Missed

Bollywood music scores and lyrics are a natural part of the Bollywood package, and the Mumbai-based film industry continues to grow in fans and viewers each year. Bollywood pop music is a combination contemporary western and Asian influences, infusing the bhangra, hip-hop, and folk elements of Indian music for a unique mix. If you haven't caught the Bollywood trend yet, you're sure to see some fresh faces in the near future. With 'Indian Idol' and a handful of Hollywood-influenced productions, Bollywood pop is right on the horizon for Western fans.

Similar to the American Idol worshippers around the globe, Bollywood pop is rapidly growing in complexity and size. Audio enhancements with fusions of classic Indian lyrics are bringing out the best of young stars, pushing cultural boundaries to the limits-many are accused of scandalous appearances and 'too much' western influence. Nevertheless, fan bases are growing into the ranks of millions; from Australia to Eastern Europe, Bollywood pop princesses are becoming the poster girls of a new lineup on stage and across television. Bollywood actors are partnering with male playback singers to create spectacular productions, scooping up filmmaker awards in the process.

The freshest stars are represented by agents and producers in India, but are finding their way to production companies and the music industry abroad. Alisha Chinai is one of them. Considered a pioneer in Indian music, her early releases include Jadoo, Aa-Alisha, and Babydoll. Her real name is Sujata, but she's now considered the Indian version of Madonna with her supercharged stage presence and image. Her claim to fame took place in 1996 with the single and album, 'Made in India', but the highlight of her career occurred in the movies; the song Kajra Re earned her the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award.

Tulsi Gulshan Kumar is another popular find amongst the Bollywood pop princess lineiup. One of the younger faces, she's a 20-year old bombshell that's making waves around the globe. She's the daughter of music baron Gulshan Kumar, and is leading the way in devotional albums.

Sonu Nigam has been coined the Elvis Presley of India. This Golden boy of Indian pop music ahs traveled the globe to showcase his talents, leading India's contemporary song culture along with numerous Bollywood movies. He's been a judge on Indian Idol, and a widely successful tour to the U.S. in September 2006. Popular albums have included Mausum, Colours of Love, Pyar, and Jaan.

Himesh Reshammiya has caught the eye of movie producers and executives for years, and he's the son of music director Vipin Reshammiya. A natural at Bollywood film music composing and songs, his claim to fame began in 1998 with music in the film Banhahn. He received the Filmfare Awared in 2005 for the Best Male Playback Singer, and was the first Indian ever to perform at the Wembley Stadium in London in 2006.

Bollywood is a global phenomena that is making its way across borders in more ways than one. Indian pop music, heavily influenced by the western standard, is growing in scope and bringing forward a fresh lineup of talent. From Indian Idol to film and music partnerships, Bollywood pop singers are creating new opportunities for the Indian film industry.