Anindita Paul was born in 1979 in Guwahati, Assam, into a Bengali family. Her father, Amal Kanti Paul, worked in the Contract and Vigilance departments of the Food Corporation of India, while her mother, Shyamali Paul, was a homemaker with a deep passion for music. Her mother’s influence played a crucial role in shaping Anindita’s interest in music from an early age.
Anindita pursued her formal music education with dedication. She earned a Visharad degree in Indian classical music (vocal) from an institution affiliated with the prestigious Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow. She trained under Dwipen Roy in Guwahati and later sought advanced training in Kolkata under the legendary Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty.
Early Performances and Entry into Music Industry
Anindita Paul began her career by performing in stage shows across Assam. Her remarkable voice and versatility soon caught attention, leading her to become a graded artist in bhajan and modern song at All India Radio Guwahati. Although her father initially hesitated to encourage her musical aspirations, her unwavering dedication and rigorous vocal practice won him over.
Non-Film Music and Solo Albums
Debut Album (2000)
In 2000, Anindita released her first Assamese album, “Bilot Tire Birai Podumor Pahi Oye”, with lyrics and compositions by renowned Assamese poet Shri Kamalananda Bhattacharya (Bawli Kobi). She sang three songs, including the title track, which gained significant popularity.
Bollywood Debut (2001)
Anindita made her Bollywood debut in 2001 with the song “Kaisa Dhuan Uth Raha Hai”, a collaboration with Zubeen Garg and Sagarika Mukherjee for Zubeen’s album Nupur. This opportunity introduced her to a national audience and expanded her reach beyond Assamese music.
Tumar Prasangshat (2010)
In 2010, Anindita explored multiple musical genres in her solo album “Tumar Prasangshat”, an innovative blend of modern Assamese songs infused with ballet, R&B, and pop-rock influences. The album’s title was given by the legendary poet Hiren Bhattacharyya.
Playback Singing Career
Cinematic Breakthrough (2002)
Following the success of Bilot Tire Birai, Anindita was approached by Zubeen Garg, a leading Assamese composer, to sing for the Assamese film Prem Aru Prem (2002). This opportunity marked the beginning of a long and fruitful career in Assamese cinema.
Prominent Assamese Film Songs
Anindita has lent her voice to numerous Assamese films, including:
- Jetuka Pator Dore (2011) – “Biphol Sokupanire”
- Dinabandhu (2004) – “Kor Ejak Shopun Jen Boroshun” (One of her most celebrated songs)
- Raag (2014) – Multiple tracks
- Gaane Ki Aane (2016) – “Dancing Tonight”
Bengali and Hindi Playback Singing
Beyond Assamese films, Anindita has also recorded songs for:
- Kachhe Achho Tumi (2012, Bengali) – “Chokhe Chokhe”
- Mon Niye (2010, Bengali) – “Chena Chena”
- Ekhon Nedekha Nodir Xhipare (Hindi-Assamese Bilingual)
- Kumauner Konya (Bengali) under the music direction of Ravindra Jain
Contributions Beyond Film Music
Anindita’s voice has reached diverse musical landscapes, including advertisement jingles, devotional music, and television serials.
Advertisement Jingles
She has sung for various brands, including Fair & Lovely, Nerolac Paints, Action Flotter, Herbalife, iBall Andi Hd6, and even a Pakistani advertisement for Care Honey Lotion.
Television and Devotional Music
- Theme songs for Assamese TV serials like Nandini (2015) and Pratigya (2013)
- Telugu devotional songs with renowned flautist Naveen Kumar
- Hindi remix albums like Play-Gal Mix and Dance Attack
Notable Collaborations
Anindita has had the honor of working alongside legendary artists such as Lata Mangeshkar, Shankar Mahadevan, Babul Supriyo, and Anup Jalota. In 2007, she performed at the Spirit of Unity Concert for Universal Integration in Visakhapatnam.
Awards and Recognitions
Anindita Paul has been recognized multiple times for her contributions to Assamese and Bengali music.
National Film Awards Nominations
- 2004: Kor Ejak Shopun Jen Boroshun (Dinabandhu)
- 2011: Biphol Sokupanire (Jetuka Pator Dore)
Other Awards
- Jyotirupa Media Award (2004) – Best Female Playback Singer (Dinabandhu)
- Prag Cine Award (2005, 2010, 2014) – Best Female Playback Singer
- Assam State Award (2015) – Best Female Playback Singer (Raag)
Legacy and Influence
Anindita Paul continues to be a celebrated name in the Indian music industry. Her journey from a small-town girl in Assam to a nationally recognized singer is an inspiration to many aspiring artists. With her deep roots in Assamese and Bengali music and an impressive Bollywood presence, she remains a versatile and impactful voice in contemporary Indian music.
