India is full of talented singers. But some singers are truly special. They touch people’s hearts with their voice. Shahnaz Akhtar is one such name. She is a well-known devotional and folk singer from Madhya Pradesh. Her journey is full of struggle, passion, and great music.
Shahnaz Akhtar is famous all over India for her bhajans. She sings with full energy and emotion. People love her performances at jagarans, temples, and religious events. Her soulful voice has made her one of the most popular devotional singers in the country.
What makes her story special is her faith in music. Born into a Muslim family, she chose to sing Hindu devotional songs. She faced many problems for this. But she never stopped. Her dedication shows that music has no religion. In this article, we will learn everything about Shahnaz Akhtar — her life, career, family, songs, and much more.
Table of Contents
Who Is Shahnaz Akhtar?
Shahnaz Akhtar is a celebrated Indian devotional and folk singer. She is from Barghat, Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. She is best known for singing powerful Hindu bhajans. She sings songs dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maa Durga, Maa Kali, Lord Hanuman, and other deities.
She is also popularly called the “Bhagwa Rang Singer”. This is because she often performs on stage wearing saffron (bhagwa) attire, with a tilak on her forehead and rudraksha beads. Her stage presence is very powerful and devotional.
Shahnaz has been singing since childhood. Over the years, she has released more than 75–100 devotional albums. She is a top performer at Navratri, Shivratri, and religious gatherings across India.
Biography Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Shahnaz Akhtar |
| Nickname | Bhagwa Rang Singer |
| Date of Birth | 12 September 1974 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 51 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Barghat, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Devotional & Folk Singer |
| Famous For | Powerful Bhajans & Live Jagran Performances |
| Education | Graduate (Private University) |
| Religion | Born Muslim, Sings Hindu Devotional Songs |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband’s Name | Ejaz Khan |
| Children | Two Daughters – Sara Akhtar & Veera Akhtar |
| Net Worth (2026) | Approx. ₹1 Crore |
| Languages | Hindi, Bhojpuri, local dialects |
| Years Active | Since Early 1990s (professionally from 2005) |
Shahnaz Akhtar Early Life
Shahnaz Akhtar was born on 12 September 1974 in Barghat, a small town in the Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh. She grew up in a musically inclined Muslim family. From her early childhood, she had a deep love for music and singing.
Her father, Ustad Mohammad Hanif, was a classical musician and tabla player. Her mother, Shabnam Akhtar, was a well-known folk singer. Growing up in such a musical family, Shahnaz naturally developed her singing skills. She would listen to her parents perform and slowly began learning on her own.
As a child, she was very drawn to devotional music. She loved singing bhajans dedicated to Hindu deities. This was unusual, as she came from a Muslim household. But her family, especially her parents, supported her love for music.
Growing up in a small town, she did not have many resources. But her passion kept her going. She would sing at local functions, school events, and community gatherings. Slowly, people began to notice her beautiful and powerful voice.
Her early years shaped her into a strong and confident singer. She faced social criticism for singing Hindu bhajans as a Muslim girl. But she always believed that music connects people, not divides them. This belief stayed with her throughout her life.
Shahnaz Akhtar Age
Shahnaz Akhtar was born on 12 September 1974. As of 2026, Shahnaz Akhtar’s age is 51 years. She is in her early fifties and is still very active in her singing career. People who follow her work often search for “Shahnaz Akhtar age” because she looks very energetic on stage even today. Her energy during live performances surprises many fans and music lovers.
Height & Physical Stats
| Physical Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 Feet 6 Inches (167 cm) |
| Weight | 68 Kilograms |
| Body Measurements | 35-29-36 |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Skin Tone | Wheatish |
| Build | Medium |
Shahnaz Akhtar has a strong and confident physical presence. When she performs on stage, she usually wears saffron clothes. She also wears rudraksha beads and a tilak on her forehead. This spiritual look makes her stage presence very impressive and unique.
Educational Background
Shahnaz Akhtar completed her school education in Barghat, Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. She then studied at a local intermediate college in the same area. After that, she pursued her graduation from a private university.
During her student life, she was always active in music and cultural programs. She participated in singing competitions and school events. This helped her build confidence and stage experience from a young age.
She balanced her studies with her early singing career. Though she was a dedicated student, music was always her first love. There is no public record of any post-graduation or higher academic degree.
Family Details
Shahnaz Akhtar comes from a musically gifted family. Her roots are in the Barghat region of Madhya Pradesh.
Father: Ustad Mohammad Hanif — He was a classical musician and tabla player. He introduced Shahnaz to the world of music at a very early age.
Mother: Shabnam Akhtar — She was a well-known folk singer in the region. Shahnaz learned her early singing from her mother.
Husband: Ejaz Khan — Shahnaz is married to Ejaz Khan, a man from the Seoni area of Madhya Pradesh. Their marriage has been through a very difficult and controversial period (discussed below).
Children: Shahnaz has two daughters — Sara Akhtar and Veera Akhtar. She keeps her daughters away from media attention.
Her family has been both her strength and her challenge. Despite personal troubles, she continued to build her career through music.
Marriage & Relationships
Shahnaz Akhtar is married to Ejaz Khan. However, her personal life has been very controversial. It became one of the most talked-about stories in the region.
Before her marriage, Shahnaz was reportedly in a relationship with a young man named Azhar Khan, who was 19 years old at the time. In 2009, a tragic incident took place. Azhar Khan’s body was found near Kurai village in Seoni district. Police arrested Ejaz Khan, Shahnaz Akhtar, and others in connection with the murder case.
The case created a massive controversy in Madhya Pradesh. It brought Shahnaz under intense public and media scrutiny. For a time, her career was affected by this personal tragedy.
However, despite all this, Shahnaz Akhtar continued her singing journey. She managed to rebuild her public image through her devotional music. Today, she focuses on her career and her children. She rarely speaks about her personal life in public.
Career & Professional Journey
Early Start in Music
Shahnaz Akhtar began her music journey at a very young age. She started performing at local gatherings and religious events in her hometown of Barghat. Her powerful voice caught the attention of people in the area. She sang at jagarans, Navratri events, and temple functions.
Even as a young girl, she showed amazing talent. Her voice was strong, emotional, and deeply spiritual. People were moved by her singing.
First Album in 2005
In 2005, Shahnaz officially recorded her first devotional album — “Bam Lahari Bam Lahari”. This album became very popular. People loved its energy and devotion. The album was dedicated to Lord Shiva and was played widely during Shivratri celebrations.
This was the beginning of a very successful music career. From 2005 to 2008, Shahnaz established herself as a top devotional singer in Madhya Pradesh.
Growing Popularity
After her first album, Shahnaz released many more bhajans. Songs like “Mere Bhole Se Bhole Baba,” “Ran Main Kud Padi Mahakali,” “Kali Mai,” “Mamta Mayi Maa,” and “Ganpati Bappa Moriya” became very popular. These songs were played at temples, jagarans, and religious events across India.
Her demand during Navratri and Shivratri increased greatly. People were willing to pay a high fee to book her for stage shows. She became a household name in devotional music circles.
Challenges and Comeback
In 2009, she faced the major controversy related to the murder case. It disrupted her public image for a while. But Shahnaz did not give up. She returned to music with even more passion.
She continued to perform at festivals, cultural events, and religious gatherings. Her performance at events like Banda Mahotsav drew audiences of thousands. She slowly rebuilt her reputation and fan base.
Recognition and TV Appearance
Shahnaz received wide recognition when she served as a grand jury member on the popular singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, Season 9. This gave her national visibility. People across India got to know her talent and experience.
Her appearance on this show proved that she was not just a regional singer. She had the skills and knowledge to guide young talent at the national level.
Current Career
Today, Shahnaz Akhtar is one of the most respected devotional singers in central India. She actively performs at jagarans, Navratri events, Shivratri festivals, and other religious occasions. She has released over 75–100 devotional albums in her career.
She is also active on social media. She shares her performances, songs, and spiritual messages with millions of followers. Her YouTube videos regularly get millions of views.
Top 10 Songs / Works
| No. | Song / Album Name | Dedicated To | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bam Lahari Bam Lahari | Lord Shiva | 2005 |
| 2 | Mere Bhole Se Bhole Baba | Lord Shiva | 2006 |
| 3 | Ran Main Kud Padi Mahakali | Maa Kali | 2007 |
| 4 | Mori Maiya Ki Chunar Udi Jaye | Maa Durga | 2008 |
| 5 | Mamta Mayi Maa | Maa Durga | 2009 |
| 6 | Kali Mai | Maa Kali | 2010 |
| 7 | Ganpati Bappa Moriya | Lord Ganesha | 2011 |
| 8 | Aage Bajrangi Nache | Lord Hanuman | 2012 |
| 9 | Saji Teri Galiyan | Maa Durga | 2013 |
| 10 | Chum-Chum Channan Baje Maiya Paav Paijania | Maa Durga | 2015 |
Note: The above songs represent her most popular work. Exact release years of some songs are approximate based on available information.
Net Worth
Shahnaz Akhtar’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at approximately ₹1 Crore (INR). Her income mainly comes from live performances, stage shows, album sales, and digital streaming royalties.
During Navratri and Shivratri, her performance fees are very high. She charges a premium amount for bookings at large religious festivals and cultural events.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2010 | ₹10–15 Lakh |
| 2013 | ₹20–25 Lakh |
| 2016 | ₹35–40 Lakh |
| 2019 | ₹55–60 Lakh |
| 2022 | ₹75–80 Lakh |
| 2025 | ₹90 Lakh – ₹1 Crore |
| 2026 | ₹1 Crore+ (Approx.) |
Note: These are estimated figures based on available public data. Exact net worth is not officially confirmed.
Social Media Handles
| Platform | Handle / Link |
|---|---|
| @shahnaaz_akhtar_official | |
| YouTube | Shahnaz Akhtar (Official Channel) |
| Shahnaz Akhtar Fan Page |
Shahnaz Akhtar is quite active on social media. She shares devotional songs, live show clips, and personal updates with her followers. Her Instagram and YouTube following continues to grow every year. Fans love watching her live performance videos on YouTube.
Trivia & Lesser-Known Facts
Here are 25 interesting and lesser-known facts about Shahnaz Akhtar:
- Shahnaz Akhtar was born into a Muslim family, but she chose to sing Hindu devotional bhajans from a very young age.
- She is popularly known as the “Bhagwa Rang Singer” because she always wears saffron on stage.
- She started performing at local events and temples when she was just a young girl growing up in Barghat, Seoni.
- Her father, Ustad Mohammad Hanif, was a classical musician and tabla player. He was her first music teacher.
- Her mother, Shabnam Akhtar, was also a folk singer. Music truly runs in her blood.
- She recorded her first devotional album “Bam Lahari Bam Lahari” in the year 2005.
- Her song “Chum-Chum Channan Baje Maiya Paav Paijania” became a super hit and is one of her most recognized tracks.
- She faced severe social criticism for singing Hindu devotional songs as a Muslim woman. But she never gave up.
- She was reportedly attacked by fundamentalist forces due to her decision to sing Hindu bhajans.
- Despite all opposition, she continued to follow her heart and built a strong career in devotional music.
- Shahnaz has released over 75–100 devotional albums throughout her career.
- She was a grand jury member on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 9, a popular national singing reality show.
- She is one of the highest-paid devotional performers during Navratri and Shivratri festivals.
- She has performed at Banda Mahotsav, one of the biggest cultural festivals in Madhya Pradesh, attracting ocean-sized crowds.
- She is very popular in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.
- Her music style blends traditional folk rhythms with deep spiritual devotion. It has a slightly qawwali-like energy.
- She often wears a tilak on her forehead and rudraksha beads during performances, symbolizing her spiritual identity.
- Her two daughters — Sara Akhtar and Veera Akhtar — are kept away from public attention.
- Shahnaz Akhtar’s age in 2026 is 51 years, yet she performs with the energy of someone much younger.
- She is very active on YouTube and Instagram, where her devotional songs get millions of views.
- She sees her singing as a form of worship (seva), not just a profession or entertainment.
- Many of her performances happen late at night during all-night jagrans where she sings for hours without rest.
- She has personally faced hardships in her marriage and legal battles, but never used them as excuses to quit music.
- She is considered a trailblazer who proved that a Muslim singer can win the hearts of Hindu devotional music lovers.
- Despite fame, she still connects deeply with her rural roots in Barghat, Madhya Pradesh.
FAQs About Shahnaz Akhtar
Q1. What is Shahnaz Akhtar’s age in 2026?
Ans: Shahnaz Akhtar’s age in 2026 is 51 years. She was born on 12 September 1974. When people search for “Shahnaz Akhtar age,” this is the most up-to-date answer.
Q2. Where is Shahnaz Akhtar from?
Ans: She is from Barghat, Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Q3. What religion does Shahnaz Akhtar follow?
Ans: She was born into a Muslim family. However, she is widely known for singing Hindu devotional bhajans. She follows Sanatan Dharma in her public spiritual life and performs in saffron attire.
Q4. Who is Shahnaz Akhtar’s husband?
Ans: Shahnaz Akhtar’s husband’s name is Ejaz Khan. Their relationship was involved in a controversial murder case in 2009. Both she and her husband were arrested at the time.
Q5. What are Shahnaz Akhtar’s most popular songs?
Ans: Some of her most popular songs include “Bam Lahari Bam Lahari,” “Mere Bhole Se Bhole Baba,” “Mori Maiya Ki Chunar Udi Jaye,” “Mamta Mayi Maa,” and “Chum-Chum Channan Baje Maiya Paav Paijania.”
Conclusion
Shahnaz Akhtar is truly a remarkable personality. She was born into one faith but found her calling in another’s devotional traditions. She faced social opposition, personal tragedies, and public controversies. Yet, she never stopped singing.
Her journey proves that real passion cannot be stopped by any barrier — whether it is religion, society, or personal hardship. Her powerful voice, spiritual stage presence, and devotion to bhakti music have made her a legend in Indian devotional singing.
As of 2026, Shahnaz Akhtar continues to inspire millions. She is a true example of courage, faith, and the unifying power of music. If you haven’t heard her bhajans yet, now is the perfect time to start.
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been compiled from publicly available sources. Estimated figures like net worth are approximate and not officially confirmed.
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