On Thursday, October 23, 2025, here is a detailed and simple biography of Altaf Raja, the famous Indian singer known for his soulful and heart-touching songs, especially in the 1990s.
Early Life
Altaf Raja was born on October 15, 1967, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He grew up in a family that loved music deeply. His father, Ibrahim Iqbal, and his mother, Rani Rooplata ji, were professional Qawwali singers. Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music. From a young age, Altaf was surrounded by music at home. He listened to the sounds of harmonium and tabla as he grew up. He started formal music training when he was around 15 years old. His parents wanted him to get a good education, so they sent him to Mumbai for schooling. But Altaf’s passion was always music. He practiced singing every day and also performed at local events in Nagpur, especially at Sufi gatherings and festivals. These early experiences helped him improve his voice and singing style.
Altaf Raja Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Family
Career
Altaf Raja’s major breakthrough came in 1997 when he released his hit album titled “Tum To Thehre Pardesi.” The songs in this album struck a chord with many music lovers across India. The main song, "Tum To Thehre Pardesi," became extremely popular and sold millions of cassette tapes. The album’s huge success even earned a place for Altaf Raja in the Guinness World Records for cassette sales. His style was different from other singers because he mixed Qawwali with Bollywood-style music. His voice had a unique, emotional quality that touched many listeners’ hearts. After this success, Altaf released more albums, but none matched the success of his first big hit.
Rise to Fame
Altaf Raja is famous for his sad and emotional songs. His singing often talks about love, separation, and pain. He uses Urdu poetry, known as Shayari, to add beauty and meaning to his songs. Many people admire him for his deep, soulful voice and his ability to express strong feelings through music. He does not only sing in films but also performs Qawwali music traditionally rooted in Indian culture. His songs bring a mix of modern and classic styles which made him loved by both young and old audiences.
Key Albums
- “Tum To Thehre Pardesi” (1997) – This album made him famous.
- “Mujhe Apna Bana Lo” (1999)
- “Aaj Ki Raat Na Ja Pardesi” (1999)
- “Do Dil Haare” (2000)
- “Dil Ke Tukde Hazaar Huye” (2000)
- “Sai Ka Deewana” (2001)
He continued making music in the 2000s and 2010s, showing his dedication and love for music.
Notable Work
Besides singing albums, Altaf Raja also worked in Bollywood movies. He sang songs for many films and appeared as a playback singer in movies like “Shapath” (1997), “Yamraaj” (1998), “Mother” (1999), and “Ghanchakkar” (2013). His voice helped bring life to many film songs that were loved by the audience.
Personal Life
Altaf Raja is known to be a quiet and humble person. Despite his fame, he keeps his personal life private. He remains unmarried. He continues to live in Mumbai, where he works on music and performances.
Legacy And Impact
Altaf Raja is remembered as one of the unique voices in Indian music. His early work, especially from the 1990s, still touches many people today. His mixture of Qawwali and Bollywood singing created a new style that few could copy. Many new singers look up to his music and style. He proved that with passion and hard work, even someone from a small city like Nagpur can reach national fame.
His songs remain popular in music collections, radio, and streaming platforms. Altaf Raja’s name brings to mind emotions of love and longing for many music lovers in India and beyond.