In 2024, singer Alka Yagnik surprised her fans by disclosing her battle with a rare hearing disorder, leading her to take a break from public appearances. Recently, she provided an update on her health, revealing that she is “still suffering” from the condition.
In a recent conversation with NDTV, Alka discussed her ongoing struggle with rare sensory neural hearing loss. Although hesitant to delve into her health issues, she candidly expressed that the challenges persist.
Due to her condition, Alka has refrained from taking on new singing projects. “Composers reach out to me from time to time, but I’m unable to accept any offers,” she shared during the interview.
Her most recent performance was in Imtiaz Ali’s 2024 film, Amar Singh Chamkila, where she lent her voice to the song Naram Kaalja, composed by A.R. Rahman.
Earlier this year, Alka received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India. When asked if she anticipated this honor, she replied, “Not really. It’s always a pleasant surprise when it comes.”
In 2024, Alka revealed on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with a “rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss” following a “sudden viral attack.”
To her fans and supporters, she wrote, “A few weeks ago, after disembarking from a flight, I suddenly found myself unable to hear anything. After gathering some courage over the following weeks, I felt it was time to address my absence and explain why I’ve been out of the spotlight. My doctors have diagnosed me with a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss due to a viral infection… This unforeseen setback has completely taken me by surprise,” she shared.
At that time, she urged her followers to keep her in their prayers as she tried to cope with her situation. Alka also warned fellow musicians about the dangers of exposure to loud music and headphones, expressing her intention to discuss the “challenges of professional life” in more detail soon.
Having sung some of the most memorable romantic and sultry tracks in Bollywood, including Tip Tip Barsa Paani, Aisi Dewaangi, Choli Ke Peeche, Ae Mere Humsafar, Chaand Chupa Baadal Mein, Pardesi Pardesi, and Agar Tum Saath Ho, Alka’s contributions to the music industry are truly iconic.