Renowned Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik, celebrated for her iconic voice and numerous hits from the 90s, revealed on Monday that she has been diagnosed with a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Yagnik shared her diagnosis with her fans, friends, and well-wishers, shedding light on her recent absence from the public eye.
Yagnik, whose melodious contributions include evergreen tracks like “Pardesi Pardesi,” “Gazab Ka Hai Din,” and “Taal Se Taal Mila,” began her emotional message by recounting the moment she realized something was wrong. “A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything,” she wrote. This alarming experience led to a medical diagnosis of sensorineural nerve hearing loss, which doctors attribute to a sudden viral attack.
The news came as a shock to her many fans and colleagues in the industry. In her Instagram post, Yagnik expressed her need for their prayers and support during this challenging time. She also issued a caution to her followers and younger colleagues about the dangers of exposure to loud music and excessive use of headphones, noting the potential long-term damage to hearing. “One day, I wish to share the health perils of my professional life,” Yagnik added, hinting at the physical toll that years of playback singing have taken on her.
Alka Yagnik’s last social media activity was a Mother’s Day post in May 2024, making her recent announcement particularly poignant. She expressed a strong desire to recalibrate her life and make a return to her fans. “Your support and understanding will mean the world to me in this critical hour,” she wrote.
The music fraternity has rallied around Yagnik, with singers such as Ila Arun, Sonu Nigam, Tauseef Akhtar, and Paushali Sahu sending their wishes for her speedy recovery. Despite her health challenges, Yagnik has continued to contribute to the music industry. Recently, she recorded the song “Choli” for Rajesh A. Krishnan’s female-led heist comedy Crew and the track “Naram Kalija” for Imtiaz Ali’s biographical drama Amar Singh Chamkila.
