Shahnaz Akhtar is a popular Indian devotional and folk singer, who was born into a Muslim family but sings Hindu bhajans with powerful energy. With her soulful voice and deep stage impact, she has become a recognisable figure in the Bhajans devotional music circuits across Madhya Pradesh as well as in other regions of India, performing live shows and recording numerous devotional albums. In this article, we will also read about Shahnaz Akhtar age, biography, height, family, net worth, husband, and more.
Who is Shahnaz Akhtar?
Shahnaz Akhtar is a devotional singer known for performing Hindu bhajans and folk heritage songs, as well as her abode of Sanatan Dharma in the life’s role model. Known widely as the “Bhagwa Rang singer,” her singing is a mix of folk beats and devotion at jagarans, religious congregations, and cultural programs.
Her life story epitomizes perseverance, strength and artistic liberation in the face of personal tragedy and social barriers.
Shahnaz Akhtar Biography Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shahnaz Akhtar |
| Profession | Devotional & Folk Singer |
| Famous For | Hindu Bhajans, Jagarans, Devotional Stage Shows |
| Nickname / Title | Bhagwa Rang Singer |
| Date of Birth | 12 September 1974 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 51 Years |
| Birthplace | Barghat, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion (by Birth) | Islam |
| Spiritual Belief (Public Persona) | Sanatan Dharma |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband’s Name | Ejaz Khan (Ajaz Khan) |
| Children | Two Daughters – Sara Akhtar, Veera Akhtar |
| Music Genres | Bhajan, Folk, Devotional |
| Popular Songs | Mere Bhole Baba, Bam Bam Bhola Re, Dam Dam Damru Baje |
| Stage Performances | Jagarans, Navratri, Shivratri, Cultural Festivals |
| Net Worth | ₹40–60 lakh (some sources estimate higher) |
Shahnaz Akhtar Age & Date of Birth
Shahnaz Akhtar was born on 12 September 1974 in Barghat, Seoni District of Madhya Pradesh. She is 51 years old as of 2026. She grew up in a fertile musical enviorenment, and the early exposure made her passionate about music which ultimately led to a career of many years in what is termed devotional and folk music.
Shahnaz Akhtar Religion & Community Background
Shahnaz Akhtar was born in a Muslim family and she follows Islam religion from the birth itself. But in her public spiritual life she has turned to the Sanatan Dharma, singing bhajans of Hindu deities and even donned some saffron.
But the move has won her fans and detractors alike, and she is much talked about.
Shahnaz Akhtar Family Details
- Father: Mohammad Haneef (classical Vocalist, Tabla player)
- Mother: Shabnam Akhtar (folk singer)
- Husband: Ejaz Khan
- Children: Two daughters- Sara Akhtar and Veera Akhtar
Details on siblings isn’t known publicly, and she tends to keep family related matters under the radar.
Shahnaz Akhtar Education
Shahnaz Akhtar studied in a local high school and intermediate college at Barghat, Seoni. She subsequently received a graduate degree from a private college where she balanced her studies with early professional singing features.
Additional academic information post-graduation is not available in the public domain.
Early Life & Struggles
Shahnaz Akhtar, who grew up in a musical Muslim family in a village in Madhya Pradesh, started singing early. In addition to financial and career difficulties, she was subjected to intense social criticism for singing Hindu devotional music.
She was said to be ‘attacked by fundamentalist forces’ and is also believed to have been hospitalized – both signs of the level of opposition she met.
How Shahnaz Akhtar Started Her Singing Career
She started singing in childhood at temple jagarans and local religious events of Seoni. Raised in a non-musical household with no formal classical training, Laurie learned through the influences of family, practice and exposure to live stages.
Musical Journey & Breakthrough
Her career grew through regional stage shows and devotional circuits, gathering speed with albums like “Bam Lahri Bam Lahari” (2005).
She has also judged reality shows of singing as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs which added recognition value to her public presence.
Shahnaz Akhtar Popular Songs & Performances
| Song Title | Theme/Deity | Notable Release/Album Context |
|---|---|---|
| Lat Khol Ke Nacho Meri Maa | Maa Durga/Navratri | Nonstop Navratri special 2024 |
| Dulhaniya Re | Maa Durga | Navratri jukebox 2025; describes nine-day forms |
| Rang De Maiya Ki Chunariya | Maa Durga | Frequent in Devi bhajan collections |
| Maiya Ji Ke Basti Mein | Maa Durga | Part of nonstop bhajan medleys |
| Mehar Dham Re | Maa Meera | Navratri devotional hit |
| Maa Meri Bhi Aaraz Sunn Le | Maa Durga | Emotional plea in live performances |
| Mere Bhole Baba | Lord Shiva | Signature Shiv bhajan; top YouTube hit |
| Bam Bam Bhola Re | Lord Shiva | Album “Bam Lahri Bam Lahari” (2005); stage favorite |
| Dam Dam Damru Baje | Lord Shiva | High-energy performance staple |
| Mamta Mayi Jagdambe | Maa Durga | Top 10 Devi bhajan (2025 jukebox) |
| Ran Me Garaj Rahi Re | Maa Durga | Battle-themed; popular in festivals |
| Kali Mai Kali | Maa Kali | Intense folk rendition |
| Na Mane Na Mane Mata | Maa Durga | Devotee favorite for jagarans |
| Nagar Kot Ki Jwala Rani | Maa Durga | Dramatic Navratri track |
| Takdir Mujhe Le Chal | Mahakal | Mahakal Ki Basti; recent viral |
Folk, Sufi & Qawwali Style
Shahnaz Akhtar’s repertoire largely consists of devotional folk, bhajans sprinkled with brisk qawwali-like rhythms. Not quite Sufi, but her soulful rendition reflects traditional devotional fervour particularly during Shivratri and Navratri.
Stage Shows & Live Performances
She is a star performer at jagarans, Navratri shows, Shivratri functions and massive cultural festivals all over the nation. Gigs at places like Banda Mahotsav have an ocean-like capacity audience for Rajjan who is among the finest draw as far as devotional performers are concerned.
Shahnaz Akhtar Husband Name
Shahnaz Akhtar’s husband Ejaz Khan (Ajaj) is a native of Seoni district in Madhya Pradesh. Their relationship became public due to a murder case which had taken place in 2009, when Ejaz Khan was accused of murdering Shahnaz Akhtar’s teenaged lover Azhar Khan near Kurai village, Seoni district possibly over an extramarital affair.
Shahnaz Akhtar and Ejaz Khan were arrested in connection with the case and had to serve life sentences after which they were released on parole. After that, Shahnaz Akhtar has preferred to keep her private and married life out of the limelight and as of now, no other information is available regarding their marital status.
Children
Shahnaz Akhtar has two daughters:
- Sara Akhtar
- Veera Akhtar
Shahnaz Akhtar Physical Appearance
- Height: Approx. 5 feet 5 inches
- Weight: Around 55 kg
She is usually spotted wearing saffron clothes, tilak, rudraksha beads, and dreadlocks during her performances, which adds to her spiritual stage presence.
Shahnaz Akhtar Net Worth
The net worth of the Shahnaz Akhtar is estimated to be in the range of ₹40-60 lakh to as high as $2 million (approximately ₹16 crores).
The reported earnings of $130,000 in 2022 indicate moderate earnings.
Shahnaz Akhtar Income Sources
Her main sources of income are:
- Devotional stage performances
- Religious and cultural events
- Sales of albums and music
- Judging in singing reality shows
Social Media Presence
She is present on all major social media platforms:
| Platform | Username | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @shahnaaz_akhtar_official | 1.2M followers | |
| YouTube | @shahnaaz-akhtar | 4.38M followers |
| ShahnaazAkhtar | 198K followers |
Awards & Recognition
While no major national awards are officially listed, she has received:
- Recognition as a reality show judge
- Strong fan acclaim in devotional music circles
Some civil award mentions are unrelated to her music career.
Controversies
In 2009, Shahnaz Akhtar was given a life sentence for murder in a case related to her then-boyfriend Azhar Khan, who was murdered by her husband Ejaz Khan near Kurai, Seoni. Later, she was released on parole.
She has also been subjected to constant backlash, threats, and trolling because of her Hindu devotional songs. She has filed FIRs for defamation.
Interesting Facts About Shahnaz Akhtar
- Born Muslim but famous for Hindu devotional songs
- Suffered physical assault for her spiritual beliefs
- Began performing at age 4-10 years
- Kept original name despite saffron identity
- Continued performing despite parole and controversy
Current News & Latest Updates
As of 2026, Shahnaz Akhtar is still actively involved in devotional stage performances and has launched Shivratri devotional songs like “Shiv To The West.” There have been no recent developments or controversies.
Conclusion
Shahnaz Akhtar’s life and career are a testament to the strength of faith, resilience, and artistic conviction. Despite the strong opposition, personal tragedy, and controversy that has surrounded her, she remains a thriving devotional singer, proving that music can overcome religion, boundaries, and adversity.
FAQ’s
Who is Shahnaz Akhtar?
Shahnaz Akhtar is a devotional singer known for performing Hindu bhajans and folk heritage songs, as well as her abode of Sanatan Dharma in the life’s role model.
What is Shahnaz Akhtar husband name?
Shahnaz Akhtar’s husband Ejaz Khan (Ajaj) is a native of Seoni district in Madhya Pradesh.
What is Shahnaz Akhtar religion?
Shahnaz Akhtar was born in a Muslim family and she follows Islam religion from the birth itself. But in her public spiritual life she has turned to the Sanatan Dharma.
What is Shahnaz Akhtar birth date?
Shahnaz Akhtar was born on 12 September 1974.
Is Shahnaz Akhtar active on social media?
Yes, She is highly active on social media.
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