'Never Took To Seriously': Why Falguni Pathak Never Made It Big In Bollywood

Singer Falguni Pathak enjoyed widespread popularity beyond Navratri and Dandiya, capturing people’s hearts from 1998 to 2002 with her enchanting voice. During this period, her songs were ubiquitous, and anticipation for her new releases was high.

However, as she chose to navigate her career on her own terms, there was a decline in her mainstream presence. Notably, her first music album, Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi, released in 1998, gained immense popularity and marked a significant milestone in her career.

Buoyed by the immense success of her first album Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi, Falguni Pathak boldly followed up with her second album in 1999, titled Maine Payal Hai Chhankai. The sophomore album, too, achieved substantial success, with its songs gaining widespread popularity. Falguni’s voice became a global sensation, making her songs a staple at various events, from weddings to parties. However, it was during this period that a mistake on her part had repercussions, putting her career in jeopardy.

Media reports suggest that after the success of her debut album, Falguni Pathak received multiple offers from music directors to sing in films, but she declined all such opportunities. Her insistence on not venturing into film singing reportedly took a toll on her career. In an interview with Hindustan Times, when asked about her low profile in the film industry despite numerous hit songs, Falguni explained, “This is my nature. I do shows throughout the year, but I’m not that media savvy. I’ve always been like that.”

Falguni Pathak expressed her perspective, stating, “I never took Bollywood seriously. I got offers, but when you enter Bollywood, you have to work twice as hard. I’m happy just doing my show and album.” Her contentment lies in focusing on her live performances and albums rather than pursuing a career in the demanding Bollywood industry.

In an interview, when asked about her first paycheck, Falguni Pathak proudly recalled the memory, sharing that she remembered it well. Her first stage show, which happened at the age of nine, marked the beginning of her journey. She shared that the performance took place on INS Udaygiri, the third ship of the Indian Navy’s Nilgiri-class stealth-guided missile frigates, on August 15th for Independence Day—a remarkable start to her career. Falguni Pathak mentioned receiving ₹25 for her first show, a sum that persisted for a considerable duration before gradually increasing.