Alka Yagnik opens up about ongoing battle with hearing loss

Veteran Indian playback singer Alka Yagnik has shared that she continues to battle a rare hearing disorder more than a year after her diagnosis. She shared that the condition has kept her away from new projects while she copes with its lasting effects.

In a recent interview with NDTV, the singer opened up about her ongoing struggle with sensorineural nerve hearing loss. Despite being reluctant to discuss it in detail, she admitted that she is “still suffering” from the illness.

The condition has significantly impacted her professional commitments, with the singer confirming that she has not been able to take up new assignments. "Composers approach me now and then. But I am not able to do it," Alka said in the interview.

Her last recorded song was Naram Kaalja from Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali and composed by A R Rahman. Earlier this year, she was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.

Speaking about the recognition, Alka said, “Not really. Whenever it comes, it's welcome like that."

The singer had first shared news of her diagnosis in 2024 through an emotional Instagram note, revealing that a sudden viral attack had led to the rare condition.

Alka wrote in the note, “To all my fans, friends, followers and well-wishers. A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything. Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well-wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action."

"It has been diagnosed by my docs as a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack. This sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware,” Alka added.

At the time, she had also requested support from her well-wishers. "As I attempt to come to terms with it please keep me in your prayers," she added, while cautioning against exposure to loud music and excessive use of headphones.

Alka Yagnik is known for lending her voice to several iconic songs in Indian cinema, including Tip Tip Barsa Paani from Mohra, Ae Mere Humsafar from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Chaand Chupa Baadal Mein from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Agar Tum Saath Ho from Tamasha.

Source: India Today