Happy Birthday Alka Yagnik! Born on March 20, 1966 Yagnik is one of the most celebrated Bollywood singers of all time. She was born in the City Of Joy aka Kolkokata. Her mother Shubha Yagnik was an expert singer of Indian classical music who trained Alka at home from childhood. Alka Yagnik started singing for Akashvani (The All India Radio station), Kolkata. At the tender age of 10 Alka's mother mother brought her to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue a career in music.

After making her debut as a playback singer for the film Payal Ki Jhankaar(1979) Yagnik went on to sing the hit Mere Angene Mein for Amitabh Bachchan starrer Lawaris. Alka got her big break with the song Ek Do Teen from the film Tezaab (1988). The song turned her into a singing sensation overnight. Ever since then the legendary singer has never turned back and went on to win 7 Filmfare Awards and she was Nominated for a record 36 times by Filmfare in the category of The Best Female Playback Singer.

On her special day we list 10 unforgettable numbers that made Alka Yagnic the legend that she is!

Ek Do Teen (Tezab): This number made Madhuri Dixit a star overnight and made Alka Yagnik the ultimate singing sensation. Yagnik's youthful exuberance and her versatility was beautifully encapsulated by this chart-buster! No wonder Alka Yagnik received her first Filmfare Award with this number.

Choli Ke Peeche (Khalnayak): Picturised on Madhuri Dixit again, this track created a stir with its controversial lyrics but Yagnik's mellifluous voice coupled with Ila Irun's husky melody brought the much needed playfulness to this track that bagged Filmfare.

Meri Mehbooba (Pardes): Yagnik did justice to this beautifully penned song from the Shah Rukh Khan starrer by infusing pinning and aching to the otherwise romantic number. Meri Mehbooba was an instant chart-buster!

Taal Se Taal (Taal): One of A R Rahman's most beautifully composed albums of all time, Taal  challenged Alka's versatility as a singer. She stretched her vocal chords to sensational effects to impress the maestro and bag the black lady aka Filmafare trophy.

Dil Ne Ye Kaha Hai Dil Se (Dhadkan): This creation has a fan following that can influence a cult of sorts. Yet another romantic number and its mush was further accentuated by Yagnik's unmatched vocal skills. One more black lady was bagged with this extremely hummable track.

O Re Chori (Lagaan): The film was nominated at the prestigious Oscars and one of the key tracks O Re Chori has Alka Yagnik behind the voice. She modulated her voice to match the folksy texture of this beautiful number!

Hum Tum (Hum Tum): It just can't get more romantic than this--Hum Tum has grace, melody and its innocence is further emboldened by the beautiful lyrics. Alka keeps the affair sensuous and romantic at the same time with her singing dexterity!

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai): Easily the most memorable and catchy tunes of all time, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan etched a place in the collective conscious of the cine goers with this track. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is as much a visual treat as it is a treat to listen to! The film bagged the singer the prestigious National Award!

Panchi Nadiyan (Refugee): Javed Akhtar's exceptional lyrics coupled with Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam's voice makes this one a must listen! Critics attention brought this one The National Award!

Pal Bhar (Tamaasha): She can give the contemporary singers a run for their starry bucks with her versatility and range. Imtiaz Ali's Tamasha was beautifully layered and this song created the much expressed void and intangible dimensions in relationship--Yagnik is the soul of this number indeed!

Now you tell us music lovers,which is your favorite Alka Yagnik song and what makes it so memorable. Post your list in the comment section below!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2018 10:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).