Beyond Lip-Syncing! From Salman Khan To Yash, Indian Stars Who Sang For Their Own Films
From Salman Khan’s latest recording to Yash’s playback debut, revisit Indian stars who lent their voices to songs from their own films.
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A familiar face on screen and a familiar voice on the soundtrack usually belong to two different people. Every so often, though, an actor steps into the recording studio and makes the song doubly their own. The results can be wonderfully unpredictable: a mischievous duet, a full-throttle rap, a tender lullaby or a number that becomes impossible to imagine in anybody else’s voice. Across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema, stars have given us plenty of reasons to look beyond their dance moves and check the singing credits.
Salman Khan’s latest recording, ‘Teri Sexy Beauty’ from the upcoming ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace’, brings that tradition back into focus. Released on November 4, the song offers a fresh reason to revisit actors who supplied the vocals as well as the screen presence.
1. Salman Khan – ‘Teri Sexy Beauty’ And ‘Yu Karke’
Salman is back behind the microphone for ‘Teri Sexy Beauty’, singing alongside Muskaan, with additional vocals, music and lyrics by Sajid Khan. The track belongs to Apoorva Lakhia’s ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace’, starring Salman and Chitrangda Singh. The song arrived on November 4, 2026; the film’s theatrical release date remains unannounced. Composer Sajid told Mid-Day that Salman initially questioned whether the lyrics suited the film’s patriotic theme before eventually deciding to sing it himself.
His earlier recordings include ‘Yu Karke’ with Payal Dev for Prabhu Deva’s ‘Dabangg 3’, released on December 20, 2019, with Sonakshi Sinha, Saiee Manjrekar and Kichcha Sudeep. That song was composed by Sajid-Wajid and written by Danish Sabri.
2. Yash – ‘Annthamma’
Long before Rocky’s voice became a calling card for audiences beyond Karnataka, Yash used it to sing ‘Annthamma’ for ‘Mr. & Mrs. Ramachari’. V. Harikrishna composed the song and Yogaraj Bhat wrote its lyrics. Directed by Santhosh Ananddram, the film paired Yash with Radhika Pandit and released on December 25, 2014.
The backstory is particularly endearing. Yash told The New Indian Express that his director spent nearly two months persuading him to sing. He rehearsed for four to five days before recording the number in one take. A song conceived as a way for the hero to address his fans ended up giving those fans another reason to cheer.
3. Shah Rukh Khan – ‘Apun Bola’
Shah Rukh Khan gave Max’s swagger its own soundtrack with ‘Apun Bola’ from ‘Josh’. Sung with Hema Sardesai, the playful exchange was composed by Anu Malik and written by Nitin Raikwar. SRK’s conversational delivery is part of its appeal: the song sounds like a character telling his friends about his romantic adventures, with considerable confidence and questionable results. Mansoor Khan directed the film, which also starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Chandrachur Singh, Priya Gill and Sharad Kapoor and released on June 9, 2000.
4. Aamir Khan – ‘Aati Kya Khandala’
Few musical invitations have proved as durable as ‘Aati Kya Khandala’. Aamir sang alongside Alka Yagnik for Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Ghulam’, starring Rani Mukerji and released on June 19, 1998. The song combined Jatin-Lalit’s composition with Nitin Raikwar’s lyrics. Composer Lalit Pandit later recalled that Aamir initially wanted to record it quietly and abandon the experiment if it did not work. Instead, his cheeky delivery became one of the film’s defining attractions. A holiday destination had acquired a remarkably catchy invitation.
5. Amitabh Bachchan – ‘Rang Barse’
A Holi playlist without ‘Rang Barse’ feels distinctly unfinished. Amitabh Bachchan sang the number for Yash Chopra’s ‘Silsila’, released on August 14, 1981, alongside Rekha, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Shashi Kapoor. Shiv-Hari composed it, while Amitabh’s father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, supplied the lyrics. Beyond its life at festive gatherings, the song is an unusually effective piece of film storytelling: the apparent merriment barely conceals the romantic tensions between its characters. Amitabh Bachchan’s voice makes the scene feel even more personal.
6. Vijay – ‘Ranjithame’
Vijay’s contribution to ‘Ranjithame’ extends well beyond the energetic choreography. He sang the Tamil track with M.M. Manasi, working with composer Thaman S and lyricist Vivek. It featured in Vamshi Paidipally’s ‘Varisu’, released in its original Tamil version on January 11, 2023, with Rashmika Mandanna, R. Sarathkumar, Jayasudha and Prakash Raj among the ensemble. The buoyant duet gives Vijay’s fans two performances to follow at once: the star moving across the frame and the singer driving the song forward.
7. Rajinikanth – ‘Adikuthu Kuliru’
Rajinikanth’s many screen songs have familiar playback voices behind them, making ‘Adikuthu Kuliru’ an especially enjoyable discovery. He sang the duet with S. Janaki for Mannan, with music by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics by Vaali. P. Vasu directed the film, starring Vijayashanti and Khushbu alongside Rajinikanth, which released on January 15, 1992. Rajinikanth later recalled Ilaiyaraaja making him sing the number. For listeners accustomed to hearing his unmistakable speaking voice, the recording offers a different kind of superstar entrance.
8. Kamal Haasan – ‘Pathala Pathala’
For ‘Pathala Pathala’, Kamal Haasan handled both the singing and the words. The number, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who also shares the vocal credit, opened the musical campaign for Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Vikram’. Released on June 3, 2022, the film starred Kamal, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil. Its slang-filled, rhythm-heavy delivery lets Kamal enjoy himself as a performer before the thriller moves into considerably darker territory.
9. Dhanush – ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’
Some songs promote a film; ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ became a phenomenon of its own. Dhanush wrote and sang the number, composed by the then-debutant Anirudh Ravichander, for Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s ‘3’, starring Dhanush and Shruti Haasan. The film released on March 30, 2012, months after the song’s viral arrival in November 2011. Anirudh told Rediff that the tune and words came together in about 20 minutes. Its deliberately conversational mix of English and Tamil-inflected phrasing made heartbreak sound oddly infectious.
10. Ranveer Singh – ‘Apna Time Aayega’
Playing an aspiring rapper required Ranveer Singh to do more than look convincing with a microphone. He performed ‘Apna Time Aayega’ for Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Gully Boy’, released on February 14, 2019, with Alia Bhatt, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Kalki Koechlin and Vijay Varma. DIVINE and Dub Sharma composed the track, while DIVINE and Ankur Tewari wrote its lyrics. Ranveer’s performance makes Murad’s ambition audible: every declaration feels like a young artist trying to turn a private conviction into something the world has to hear.
11. Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar And Abhay Deol – ‘Señorita’
Three friends, one Spanish holiday and a song featuring all three actors’ voices: ‘Señorita’ gave ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ an extra layer of camaraderie. Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol sang alongside Spanish vocalist María del Mar Fernández, with music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyrics by Javed Akhtar. Zoya Akhtar’s film released on July 15, 2011, also starring Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin. Hearing the three leads together makes the musical detour feel like a shared adventure rather than an interruption to one.
12. Ayushmann Khurrana – ‘Pani Da Rang’
Ayushmann introduced himself to film audiences with an acting debut and a song that sounded wonderfully lived-in. He sang the male version of ‘Pani Da Rang’ and co-wrote and co-composed it with Rochak Kohli for Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Vicky Donor’. Released on April 20, 2012, the film also starred Yami Gautam and Annu Kapoor. Ayushmann told The Times of India that he and Rochak had written the song in college in 2003. Its journey from student composition to film soundtrack was a long wait with a lovely payoff.
13. Priyanka Chopra Jonas – ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’
Priyanka and Farhan Akhtar provided the vocals for the breezy title song of ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and written by Javed Akhtar. The recording supplies a playful musical companion to a film filled with family arguments, romantic complications and conversations that refuse to stay polite. Zoya Akhtar directed the ensemble drama, released on June 5, 2015, with Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma joining Priyanka and Farhan. Both actors could claim a place in the cast and on the soundtrack.
14. Alia Bhatt – ‘Sooha Saaha’
Alia’s first film-song recording was a gentle lullaby. She shared ‘Sooha Saaha’ with Zeb Bangash, with music by A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil, for Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Highway’. Released on February 21, 2014, the film starred Alia and Randeep Hooda. The softness of the recording fits the story’s moments of vulnerability, giving Alia’s presence a musical intimacy as well as a visual one. For an actor early in her career, it was a strikingly understated way to enter the recording studio.
15. Shraddha Kapoor – ‘Galliyan Unplugged’
After ‘Aashiqui 2’ put Shraddha at the centre of a musical love story, ‘Ek Villain’ gave listeners her actual singing voice. She recorded ‘Galliyan Unplugged’ with Ankit Tiwari, who also composed it, using lyrics by Manoj Muntashir. Mohit Suri’s thriller, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh alongside Shraddha, released on June 27, 2014. Her recording impressed Suri enough for him to have her voice incorporated into the film’s background score too. The microphone became another way to hold on to her character’s presence.
16. Suriya – ‘Love Detox’
Suriya joined Punya Selva on ‘Love Detox’ from ‘Retro’, with music by Santhosh Narayanan and lyrics by Arunraja Kamaraj. Karthik Subbaraj directed the film, which released on May 1, 2025, with Pooja Hegde, Joju George and Jayaram alongside Suriya. For fans who associate Suriya chiefly with intense action and romantic yearning, the extra vocal credit is a pleasing bonus. This time, following their favourite star meant adding his voice to the playlist too.
17. Vikram – ‘Excuse Me’
Vikram’s musical contribution to Kanthaswamy included ‘Excuse Me’, a duet with Suchitra, composed by Devi Sri Prasad and written by Viveka. The teasing exchange gives his voice a lighter task than the film’s vigilante business: keeping pace with a flirtatious musical conversation. Directed by Susi Ganesan, the film starred Shriya Saran and Prabhu alongside Vikram and released on August 21, 2009. It is an entertaining reminder that the actor’s willingness to experiment has extended to the soundtrack as well as his screen transformations.
18. Shruti Haasan – ‘Yaendi Yaendi’
Puli paired Shruti and Vijay in the recording studio as well as on screen. They sang ‘Yaendi Yaendi’, composed by Devi Sri Prasad and written by Vairamuthu. The romantic duet provides a melodic pause amid the film’s fantasy spectacle. Directed by Chimbu Deven, the Tamil film released on October 1, 2015, with an ensemble including Sridevi, Sudeep, Hansika Motwani and Prabhu. For audiences following both leads’ musical work, the appeal was straightforward: a screen pairing that could supply its own singing voices too.
19. Chiranjeevi – ‘Thammudu Are Thammudu’
Chiranjeevi brought his own voice to ‘Thammudu Are Thammudu’ in ‘Master’, with music by Deva and lyrics by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry. The energetic recording adds another dimension to a star performance already built around his rapport with the audience. Suresh Krissna directed the Telugu film, which starred Sakshi Sivanand, Roshini and Puneet Issar alongside Chiranjeevi and released on October 3, 1997. It remains a particularly enjoyable credit for viewers who know the Megastar’s dance numbers better than his work behind the microphone.
20. Pawan Kalyan – ‘Kaatama Rayuda’
Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Kaatama Rayuda’ recording has a charm that comes partly from its informality. The makers released footage of him singing the folk number for Attarintiki Daredi, whose music was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. His animated studio performance gave fans a glimpse of their star enjoying the music before the film arrived. Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, the family drama released on September 27, 2013, starring Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Pranitha Subhash, Nadhiya and Boman Irani alongside Pawan.
21. Jr NTR – ‘Follow Follow’
Jr NTR put his voice behind the playful ‘Follow Follow’ for ‘Nannaku Prematho’, with Devi Sri Prasad supplying the music and lyrics. The recording shows a breezier side of the star than the film’s elaborate revenge plot might suggest. Sukumar directed the thriller, released on January 13, 2016, with Rakul Preet Singh, Jagapathi Babu and Rajendra Prasad in major roles. For audiences used to watching NTR carry a song through his dancing, this one offers the additional pleasure of hearing him perform it too.
22. Venkatesh Daggubati – ‘Blockbuster Pongal’
A festive film needs a festive soundtrack, and Venkatesh joined the celebrations himself on ‘Blockbuster Pongal’. He sang alongside composer Bheems Ceciroleo and Rohini Soratt, with lyrics by Ramajogayya Sastry, for ‘Sankranthiki Vasthunam’. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film released on January 14, 2025, starring Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary alongside Venkatesh. The song leans into the communal pleasures of a festival celebration, with its leading man joining the musical party rather than simply arriving for the dance steps.
23. Mohanlal – ‘Aattumanal Payayil’
Mohanlal lent his voice to ‘Aattumanal Payayil’ for ‘Run Baby Run’, working with composer Ratheesh Vegha and lyricist Rafeeq Ahamed. The melody offers a softer counterpoint to the film’s newsroom manoeuvres and political danger, allowing the leading man’s familiar voice to carry a different kind of emotion. Joshiy directed the Malayalam thriller, which released on August 29, 2012, with Amala Paul and Biju Menon in major roles alongside Mohanlal. It is a lovely example of a star’s singing serving the film’s romantic mood.
24. Dulquer Salmaan – ‘Johny Mone Johny’
Dulquer’s ‘Johny Mone Johny’ brought an easygoing musical personality to ‘ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi’. He shared the recording with Anna Katharina Valayil, with music by Gopi Sundar and lyrics by Santhosh Varma and Anna Katharina Valayil. Martin Prakkat’s comedy, starring Jacob Gregory and Aparna Gopinath alongside Dulquer, released on June 14, 2013. With its catchy refrain and youthful energy, the song feels entirely at home in a film about two young men discovering that life outside their American comfort zone has different rules.
25. Prithviraj Sukumaran – ‘Kaane Kaane’
Prithviraj supplied the vocals for ‘Kaane Kaane’, the title number from ‘Puthiya Mukham’, composed by Deepak Dev with lyrics by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. Its forceful energy makes the recording feel like an extension of the film’s action-star presentation: Prithviraj is helping establish the mood before the punches do the talking. Directed by Diphan, the Malayalam film released on July 24, 2009, with Bala, Priyamani and Meera Nandan among the principal cast.
26. Dr. Rajkumar – ‘Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku’
Rajkumar’s place here rests on an accomplished singing career, with ‘Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku’ from ‘Aakasmika’ (1993) among its most cherished recordings. Hamsalekha wrote and composed the song, while T.S. Nagabharana directed the film, starring Madhavi and Geetha alongside Rajkumar. Its celebration of Kannada identity helped give the number a life beyond the film. Rajkumar also won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for ‘Naadamaya’ from ‘Jeevana Chaitra’ – a reminder of the musical achievement behind the screen legend.
27. Puneeth Rajkumar – ‘Edavatt Aithu’
Puneeth’s singing credits provide another substantial chapter in the family’s musical story. For ‘Edavatt Aithu’ from ‘Jackie’, he sang with Priya Himesh, working with composer V. Harikrishna and lyricist Yogaraj Bhat. Directed by Duniya Suri, the film starred Bhavana and Rangayana Raghu alongside Puneeth and released on October 14, 2010. The lively track lets his vocal energy match the physical exuberance audiences associated with him. His name on the soundtrack was another part of the entertainment his films promised.
