When MTV started its own channel in India in 1996, it created a whole galaxy of subcontinental pop stars. The early lights included Alisha Chinai, Colonial Cousins and Silk Route.
Here are some more masters of style from that era.
1) 'Johnny Joker' by Shweta Shetty
Shweta Shetty’s 1993 'Johnny Joker' video is peppered with Western pop culture references – from the sleek Uma Thurman-style bob popularised by ‘Pulp Fiction’ to the signature chair dance of the '90s.
2) 'Oova Oova' by Anaida
Anaida released her first single ‘Hotline’ at the age of 15. She followed that up with her hit album Nazuk Nazuk in 1996, featuring ‘Oova Oova’. At a time when Indian pop was characterised by glamour, she portrayed, in her music video, the character of a simple girl-next-door.
3) 'Maine Payal Hai Chhankayi' by Falguni Pathak
‘Dandiya Queen’ Falguni Pathak has recorded several songs for Bollywood movies as well as made appearances in television shows. With her musical roots in traditional Gujarati music, her songs are incredibly popular during the festival of Navratri. Her distinctive sense of style has also earned her great popularity with India’s LGBT community.
4) 'Boom Boom' by Biddu
Grammy-winner Biddu Appaiah, who grew up in Bangalore, is considered one of the pioneers of Eurodisco. In the 1980s, after such hits abroad as 'King Fu Fighting', he began to produce subcontinental pop. His first success came with Pakistani pop singer Nazia Hassan and her brother Zohaib. He also produced records for Sonu Nigam and Alisha Chinai.
5) 'Oh Sanam' by Lucky Ali
Little must Lucky Ali have guessed as he sultrily smoked a hookah in the video, that this was the tune that would kickstart his career. Soulful and evocative, his debut album Sunoh featured his signature melodious vocals.
Listen to these songs as a single playlist here on our YouTube channel.
We welcome your comments at
letters@scroll.in.
Here are some more masters of style from that era.
1) 'Johnny Joker' by Shweta Shetty
Shweta Shetty’s 1993 'Johnny Joker' video is peppered with Western pop culture references – from the sleek Uma Thurman-style bob popularised by ‘Pulp Fiction’ to the signature chair dance of the '90s.
2) 'Oova Oova' by Anaida
Anaida released her first single ‘Hotline’ at the age of 15. She followed that up with her hit album Nazuk Nazuk in 1996, featuring ‘Oova Oova’. At a time when Indian pop was characterised by glamour, she portrayed, in her music video, the character of a simple girl-next-door.
3) 'Maine Payal Hai Chhankayi' by Falguni Pathak
‘Dandiya Queen’ Falguni Pathak has recorded several songs for Bollywood movies as well as made appearances in television shows. With her musical roots in traditional Gujarati music, her songs are incredibly popular during the festival of Navratri. Her distinctive sense of style has also earned her great popularity with India’s LGBT community.
4) 'Boom Boom' by Biddu
Grammy-winner Biddu Appaiah, who grew up in Bangalore, is considered one of the pioneers of Eurodisco. In the 1980s, after such hits abroad as 'King Fu Fighting', he began to produce subcontinental pop. His first success came with Pakistani pop singer Nazia Hassan and her brother Zohaib. He also produced records for Sonu Nigam and Alisha Chinai.
5) 'Oh Sanam' by Lucky Ali
Little must Lucky Ali have guessed as he sultrily smoked a hookah in the video, that this was the tune that would kickstart his career. Soulful and evocative, his debut album Sunoh featured his signature melodious vocals.
Listen to these songs as a single playlist here on our YouTube channel.
