Malini Awasthi

Biography

Malini Awasthi (born 15 October 1966) is an Indian singer, who has been called the Folk Queen of India. Having been trained classically, she is equally adept in various forms of Hindustani music like vintage Dadra, Thumri, Kajri Chaiti, etc. Her knowledge of music finds a reflection in her renditions of Ghazals and Sufiyaana Kalaam too. A Ganda-baandh disciple of Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi, she is a connoisseur of 'Chaumukhi gayan' of Benares Gharana. She commands equally over multiple dialects and languages like Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundeli, and Braj.
Acknowledging her decades long service to music of the land, Government of India awarded her the civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 2016. She worked as a visiting professor at Centre for Media Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University . Currently she is appointed as a Professor of Practice at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, U.P.

Early life and background

Malini Awasthi was born in the city of perfumes, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh into a family of doctors. She was the youngest among the trinity that the couple were parents to. Her father Dr. P.N. Awasthi, was fond of classical music and her mother Mrs. Nirmala Awasthi, deeply cherished the Purab Ang Gayaki and Bhajans. This blend reflects in her singing today. She was initiated into music at the age of 5, on the insistence of her music-loving mother. This early innitiation into music gave her ample opportunity to serve the country. The picture of the puzzle got better when she cleared her exams of Prayag Sangeet Samiti years before she was expected to.
Along with her academic training from Mount Carmel College, she received her formal tutelage from Ustad Rahat Ali Khan.
She went on to do her Postgraduation in Hindustani classical music from Bhatkhande University, Lucknow. and a Postgraduation in Modern History with specialisation in Medieval and modern Indian architecture, from University of Lucknow simultaneously. She was conferred with a gold medal in both of her master's degrees.
She is a Ganda bandh student of Legendary Hindustani Classical Singer, Padma Vibhushan Vidushi Girija Devi of Banaras Gharana.
This was the only satisfaction that her mother, a cancer patient, could see happening before she left. She is married to senior IAS officer Awanish Kumar Awasthi (UP:1987) who retired as Principal Secretary to Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Currently her spouse is an advisor to Honorable Chief Minister of U.P. They have a son Adwitiya and a daughter Ananya.

Career

Malini Awasthi started as an artist for Akashvani (radio broadcaster) at a very young age and went on to contribute immensely towards it in varying age and capacity. She is a Top grade artist of All India Radio and an 'A' grade artist of Doordarshan, Lucknow. Contrary to the popular notion, this accreditation is for Ghazals and not for folk. She was an ICCR approved artist and a performing artist prior to her marriage.
By the time she started training under her Guru Thumri Queen Girija Devi she was already a popular artist. Through her Guru she learnt Purab Ang Gayaki, of which she is an acclaimed face today. She ventured into various reality shows like Antakshari, Sa Re, Ga Ma Pa, and Lux Junoon

Her efforts at preserving the folk songs bore fruits, and her songs like Railiya Bairan and Saiyan Mile Larkaiyan became a cult.
She is a regular performer at the popular classical music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau. Rekhta (website)
She judged the Bhojpuri - Musical Reality Show "Sur Sangram".
She ventured as a payback singer into many films:-
Mann Ki Asha (Bumm Bumm Bole) Teri Katili Nigahon Ne Mara(Jaanisaar) Tumko Ane Mien Tumko Bulane Mien (Jaanisaar) Yeh Jivan Hai (Soundtrack (film)), Super hit track Dil Mera Muft Ka (Remix) (Agent Vinod (2012 film)), "Sunder Susheel" in the 2015 film Dum Laga Ke Haisha which had music by Anu Malik, Jiggi Jiggi (Lipstick Under My Burkha) her critically acclaimed song Heer (Durgamati) Missed call (Joram (film)), recent Chakka Jaam (Bhaiyya Ji) and many more.
Apart from singing on stage and lending her voice to films, Awasthi lends her voice to preserve culture and help Government promote well-being. Malini has sung the popular title song of the Kisan channel that was launched by the Prime Minister of India.
On the occasion of inauguration of Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya, she was invited to lend her voice for Ram Naam Kirtan while statue of Ramlalla was being unveiled.
Malini performed and represented India in an event of ABU TV in 2023 that was held in Seoul, South Korea.

Academic honors

Honorary Doctorate from Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, U.P.
D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) from University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, U.P.
Honorary Dlit from Sampoornanand Sanskrit University, Banaras
Centenary Chair Professor for the Bharat Adhyan Kendra at the Banaras Hindu University
Visiting professor at Center for Media Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University

Social causes And social welfare

She has worked with Vidya Niwas Mishra to develop her understanding and to work for proliferation of the regional languages.
She is an orator, and has been called on varied national and international platforms to render her views and opinions on topics of importance. She has collaborated with TEDXHYDERABAD TEDXSRMUWOMEN TEDXNIFTJODHPUR. She has also been invited to give her valuable insights on topics concerning culture in TOI Dialogues Vision and Voices's Varanasi and Kanpur Sessions. She has given workshops on Kajri at various places across Uttar Pradesh and on Purab Ang Gayaki at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata, in 2024.
She was recently invited as one of the panellists on the topic Evolution of Folk Music in India alongside Ila Arun Prasoon Joshi Papon (singer) and others in the WAVES Summit, 2025 that was recently held at Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai.
During the Covid -19 pandemic, her Facebook live sessions daily at 5 'O' clock in the evening were the talk of the town and were a beam of positivity in the times of distress. She created a song titled "Darna Nahi Muskurana Hai" over Covid-19 pandemic, that was appreciated by Narendra Modi, Honorable Prime Minister of India. Retweeting Awasthi's post he wrote, " Every individual is striving to contribute positively towards the Janta Curfew. Folk Singer, Malini Awasthi is motivating people in her own way !"
Malini had been appointed as an ambassador of Election Commission of India for three terms. She had been appointed as a Member of expert committee on folk music by Sangeet Natak Academy. She has also been appointed as a member for the sub Commission on culture under the Indian Commission for cooperation with UNESCO.
She has founded an organisation called SONCHIRAIYA for promotion and proliferation of Folk. It has been giving platforms to many artists from different regions for past 10 years. The Lucknow-based NGO which started with Vidushi Girija Devi as its chairperson, has conceptualised varied critically acclaimed shows and workshops under the guidance of the founder Mrs.Awasthi. Muktigatha and Deshaj being the top favourites.

National

Baarish, 2nd edition, Delhi, 2026
Juni Shani Mandir , Indore, M.P. , 2026
Maati 9, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 2026
Sanskritik Shaurya Sangam, Central Command,Indian Army, Prayagraj, U.P. , 2026
Malan Albeli ( Natak on her life), Bharteendu Natak Academy, Lucknow, 2026
Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan 11th Foundation Day, Madhubani, Bihar, 2026
Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, 2026, Day-1, Varanasi, U.P. 2026
Banaras Ke Ghat Se Awadh Ke Angan Tak, KCC, Kolkata, W.B. 2026
Gulaab Badi, Kanpur, U.P. 2026
Gulaab Badi, N.B.R.I., Lucknow, U.P. 2026
SPANDAN, BHU, Varanasi, U.P., 2026
Bharat Rang Mahotsav and Sarang 'Closing Ceremony ' , DLCSUPVA, Rohtak, Haryana, 2026
Bharat Rang Mahotsav, NSD, Delhi, 2026
Saptak, Ahmedabad, Gujrat, 2026
150th Anniversary of Vande Matram, Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, WB, 2026
Kala Sangam, Magh Mela, Prayagraj, U.P. 2026
150th Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, Jalandhar, Punjab, 2025
Vanvaar Mahotsav, Jahanabad, Bihar, 2025
Akhtari: Uff Ye Phasana ! Sahitya Aajtak, Delhi, 2025
Gorakhpur Book Festival, Gorakhpur, U.P., 2025
Ganga Mahotsav, Varanasi, 2025
Chath Puja, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 2025
Daastan-e-Akhtari, Royal Opera House, Mumbai, 2025
Sanskritik Sandhya, UP International Trade Show, India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, 2025
Badariya, Delhi, 2025
Malhar and the Sea, Goa, 2025
Teri Mitti- A musical tribute, Lucknow, 2025
Roots and Ragas, Jaipur, 2025
The Rasa Experience, Mumbai, 2025
6th Rajeshwari Kala Mahotsav, Jalandhar, Punjab, 2025
Raghuraiyya : Awadh Ke Sangeet Concert, Day 1 Timeless Ayodhya Art and Literature Festival, Ayodhya, 2025
Holi Ke Rang, Malini Ke Sang, Delhi 2025
Day 1& Day 2 Jahan-e- Khusrau, Delhi, 2025
Jashn-e-Adab, Delhi, 2025
Daastan-e-Akhtari, Sacred Amritsar, Amritsar, 2025
Sahaj Parv, Kolkata, 2025
Taj Mahotsav, Agra, 2025
Kalagram, Mahakumbh, Prayagraj, 2025
Bharat Parv, Lal Quila, Delhi,2025
Uttar Pradesh Diwas, Lucknow, 2025
SAPTAK, Ahmedabad, 2025
Savarna Sangeet Sammelan, Kolkata, 2025
1st Jaigarh Heritage Festival, Jaipur, 2024
Shravasti Mahotsav, 2024
Gulaabari, Dariya Kinare, Banaras, 2022, 2024
Virasat, Dehradun, 2024
Narmada Mahotsav, Jabalpur, 2024
Indo American Chamber of Commerce (North India Council)'s CULTURAL EVENING, DELHI 2024
Kalki Mahotsav, Sambhal, U.P., 2024
Ganpati Mahotsav, BBD University, Lucknow, 2024
Saptak, Ahmedabad, 2024
Sahitya Aajtak, Lucknow 2024
Sankatmochan Sangeet Samaroh, Banaras 2024
Cultural Kaarva'n Delhi 2024
Bandish by NCPA 2024
Pranati Bhopal 2024
Malhar Mahotsav Gorakhpur 2024
Jashn-e-Adab, Patna 2024
Raag Seva, First Day, Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya, 2024
Kanpur Dehat Mahotsav 2023
Subh E Banaras, 2022
Pudducherry Literature Festival, 2022
Mahashivratri Music Festival, ANTIM NISHA, Banaras, 2021
Mahindra Kabira Festival, Banaras, 2021
Tagore Theatre, Sangeet Natak Academy, Chandigarh, 2020
SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan, IHC Delhi, 2019
Shilpotsav, NOIDA, 2019
Sahitya Aaj Tak, Delhi, 2018
Trigart Kangra Valley Festival, 2018
Ras Banaras Sanskriti Mahotsav, 2018
Chath Puja, Pravasi Mahasangh, NOIDA, 2017
Chath Utsav, NOIDA, 2015
Bhramhanand, Nagpur, 2015
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Delhi, 2015 Tihri, 2018 Reva 2019 Bikaner 2023
Lucknow Mahotsav, 2014
Lucknow Literature Fest, 2014 - Tribute to Begum Akhtar
Banaras Utsav, 2013
Thumri Festival, 2012
Bhojpuri Cinema- Strong at 50 Patna, 2011
IIT KANPUR GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS, 2009
Rag-rang-Festival, Taj-Mahotsav, Ganga- Mahotsav, Lucknow-Festival, Budh-Mahotsav, Ramayan-Mela, Kajri-Mela, Kabir-Utsav etc. in Uttar Pradesh.
Shruti-Mandal-Samaroh, Kumbhal-Gardh-Festival, Teej- Festival-Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Surajkund-Craft-Mela and Heritage-Festival-Pinjore in Punjab and Hayana.

International

Braj or Awadh Ke Geeton mien Malini , Kathmandu Literary Festival, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2026
Bijhar Cultural Confluence, Singapore, 2025
Vishwa Hindi Diwas, Tanzania, 2025
NOOR - Festival of Lights, Dubai, 2024
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London 2024
Rhythms of India, Jazz at Lincoln Center, USA 2024
Ashavari Festival, San Francisco, 2024
India By The Creek, Dubai, 2024
Whitlam Centre, Sydney, Australia, 2024,
Chath Puja, Melbourne, Australia, 2022
Pravasi Diwas at Trinidad, 2017
Festival of India in Mauritius, 2015 2024
ICCR 40th, Anniversary celebration in Fiji, 2011
Independence Day celebration Houston, USA, 2004
Cultural Performance in Pakistan; 2007
Cultural Performance in South Bank center, London, 2011
Indian festival celebration in Netherlands: 2002, 2003, 2015 and 2016, 2023
Vishwa Bhojpuri Sammelan, Mauritius; 2000, 2004, 2016
Cultural Concert in Philadelphia and Los Angeles; 2016

Filmography/ Discography

Jhoom Banware- Haq (2025 film)
Saiyan Mile Larkaiyan- Mannu kya Karegga (2025 film)
Holi Ayi Rey – Coke Studio Bharat Season -3
Jai Ho Chhath Maiya – Shailendra Singh, Malini Awasthi
Bhole Shankar
Bumm Bumm Bole
Ata Pata Laapata
Agent Vinod
Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Bhagan Ke Rekhan ki – Issaq (2013 film)
Chaarfutiya Chhokare (2014 film)
Soundtrack (film)
Lipstick Under My Burkha
Durgamati
Joram (film)
Bhaiyya Ji

OTT

Ram Katha with Amitabh Bachchan (JioHotstar)
Made in Heaven (TV series)

Television-

Title Track -Yashomati Maiyaa Ke Nandlala