Shahnaz Akhtar is a well-known Indian devotional and folk singer who gained popularity for singing powerful Hindu bhajans and spiritual songs despite being born into a Muslim family. Her energetic performances and soulful voice have made her a familiar face in devotional music programs, jagarans, and religious festivals across India.
Over the years, she has built a strong reputation in the devotional music industry, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Her music blends traditional folk rhythms with deep spiritual devotion, which resonates strongly with audiences.
In this article, we will explore Shahnaz Akhtar age, biography, family, husband, children, career journey, net worth, and other interesting facts about the devotional singer.
Who is Shahnaz Akhtar?
Shahnaz Akhtar is an Indian devotional singer famous for her bhajans, folk-style devotional songs, and live religious performances. She is often referred to as the “Bhagwa Rang Singer” because of her saffron attire and strong spiritual stage identity. Her music blends traditional folk rhythms with devotional themes, which makes her performances highly energetic and engaging for audiences.
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 | Sanatan Dharma |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Ejaz Khan |
| Children | Sara Akhtar, Veera Akhtar |
| Music Genres | Bhajan, Folk, Devotional |
Shahnaz Akhtar Age & Date of Birth
Shahnaz Akhtar was born on 12 September 1974 in Barghat, Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh, India. As of 2026, Shahnaz Akhtar is 51 years old.
From a very young age, she developed a deep interest in music. Growing up in a family that appreciated traditional music helped her discover her passion for singing early in life. Over time, this passion transformed into a successful career in devotional and folk music.
Shahnaz Akhtar Religion & Community Background
Shahnaz Akhtar was born into a Muslim family, but her public spiritual journey took a unique direction. She became widely known for singing Hindu devotional bhajans dedicated to deities such as Lord Shiva, Maa Durga, and Kali.
Because of her devotion and stage presence, she often performs wearing saffron attire, tilak, and rudraksha beads. Her spiritual identity has earned her the nickname “Bhagwa Rang Singer.”
Shahnaz Akhtar Family Details
Shahnaz Akhtar comes from a musically inclined family that supported her passion for singing.
Family Members
- Father: Mohammad Haneef – Classical vocalist and tabla player
- Mother: Shabnam Akhtar – Folk singer
- Husband: Ejaz Khan
- Children: Two daughters – Sara Akhtar and Veera Akhtar
Shahnaz Akhtar Education
Shahnaz Akhtar completed her school education in Barghat, Seoni district. She later studied at a local intermediate college before pursuing her graduation from a private institution.
During her student life, she actively participated in music programs and cultural events, which helped her gain stage experience at an early age.
Early Life & Struggles
Shahnaz Akhtar’s journey was not easy. Growing up in a small town, she faced both financial difficulties and social criticism while pursuing her passion for devotional music.
Since she belonged to a Muslim family but performed Hindu devotional songs, she encountered strong opposition from certain groups. Reports suggest that she even faced threats and physical attacks because of her spiritual choices.
How Shahnaz Akhtar Started Her Singing Career
Shahnaz Akhtar began her singing career by performing at local temple jagarans and religious events in Seoni district. Initially, she had no formal classical music training. Instead, she learned through practice, family influence, and live stage experience.
Her powerful voice and energetic performances quickly caught the attention of event organizers, which led to more stage opportunities and eventually devotional album recordings.
Musical Journey & Breakthrough
Her career took a major step forward when she started releasing devotional music albums and performing at larger events across the country. One of her early successful albums was “Bam Lahri Bam Lahari” released around 2005, which became popular among Shiva devotees. Over time, she also appeared as a judge in singing reality shows, which helped increase her public recognition.
Today, she is considered one of the recognizable voices in the regional devotional music industry.
Shahnaz Akhtar Popular Songs & Performances
Many of Shahnaz Akhtar’s songs are widely played during Navratri, Shivratri, and other religious festivals.
| Song Title | Theme |
| Lat Khol Ke Nacho Meri Maa | Maa Durga |
| Dulhaniya Re | Navratri |
| Rang De Maiya Ki Chunariya | Maa Durga |
| Mere Bhole Baba | Lord Shiva |
| Bam Bam Bhola Re | Lord Shiva |
| Dam Dam Damru Baje | Lord Shiva |
| Mamta Mayi Jagdambe | Maa Durga |
| Kali Mai Kali | Maa Kali |
| Nagar Kot Ki Jwala Rani | Maa Durga |
These songs are especially popular during devotional events and jagarans.
Folk, Sufi & Qawwali Style
Shahnaz Akhtar’s musical style is primarily rooted in devotional folk music, but her performances often include elements of qawwali-inspired rhythms and energetic stage expressions.
Her singing style focuses heavily on emotional connection and audience engagement, which makes her live performances particularly powerful during large religious gatherings.
Stage Shows & Live Performances
Shahnaz Akhtar is widely known for her live devotional performances. She regularly performs at:
- Jagarans
- Navratri festivals
- Shivratri celebrations
- Cultural and religious events
- Regional music festivals
Her stage shows often attract large audiences, especially in central and northern India.
Shahnaz Akhtar Husband Name
Shahnaz Akhtar’s husband is Ejaz Khan, who belongs to Seoni district in Madhya Pradesh. Their relationship gained public attention due to a 2009 murder case related to Shahnaz’s alleged lover Azhar Khan. The case became highly controversial, and both Shahnaz Akhtar and Ejaz Khan were arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Later, reports suggested that she was released on parole. Since then, she has largely kept her personal life away from the public spotlight.
Shahnaz Akhtar Children
Shahnaz Akhtar is the mother of two daughters:
- Sara Akhtar
- Veera Akhtar
Very little information about their personal lives is publicly available because the singer prefers to maintain privacy regarding her family.
Shahnaz Akhtar Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | Around 55 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Shahnaz Akhtar Net Worth
Shahnaz Akhtar’s estimated net worth ranges between ₹40 lakh and ₹60 lakh, although some sources suggest it may be higher. Her earnings mainly come from devotional performances and music releases.
Shahnaz Akhtar Income Sources
Her primary income sources include:
- Devotional stage shows
- Religious and cultural events
- Music albums and recordings
- Reality show judging
- Online music platforms and YouTube
Social Media Presence
Shahnaz Akhtar has a strong digital presence where she shares her devotional music and stage performances.
| Platform | Username | Followers |
| @shahnaaz_akhtar_official | 1.2M | |
| YouTube | @shahnaaz-akhtar | 4.38M |
| Shahnaaz Akhtar | 198K |
Awards & Recognition
Although she has not received many major national awards, Shahnaz Akhtar has gained significant recognition within the devotional music community.
Her achievements include:
- Judge on regional singing reality shows
- Appreciation from devotional music audiences
- Large fan following in religious music circles
Controversies
Shahnaz Akhtar’s life has also been mired in controversy. Her most famous controversy was that she was charged with murder alongside her husband in regards to the murder of Azhar Khan in 2009—the case gained national media attention. She has received threats and criticism for singing Hindu devotional songs, even though she was born into a Muslim family.
Interesting Facts About Shahnaz Akhtar
- She was born into a Muslim family but became famous for singing Hindu bhajans.
- She reportedly started performing at a very young age.
- She is known as the “Bhagwa Rang Singer.”
- Her stage presence includes saffron clothing and spiritual symbols.
- Despite controversies, she continues performing devotional music.
Conclusion
Shahnaz Akhtar’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and commitment in pursuing her artistic career. Her remarkable achievement of overcoming societal barriers to emerge as a beloved devotional singer demonstrates Shahnaz’s tenacity within the realm of Indian sacred music. Although she has had to confront numerous controversies, in addition to experiencing many difficult personal circumstances, Shahnaz is still able to motivate and uplift others through the motivating powers of her devotional songs.
FAQ’s
What is Shahnaz Akhtar age in 2026?
Shahnaz Akhtar is 51 years old as of 2026.
When was Shahnaz Akhtar born?
She was born on 12 September 1974.
Where is Shahnaz Akhtar from?
She is from Barghat, Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Who is Shahnaz Akhtar husband?
Her husband’s name is Ejaz Khan.
How many children does Shahnaz Akhtar have?
She has two daughters – Sara Akhtar and Veera Akhtar.
What is Shahnaz Akhtar famous for?
She is famous for singing Hindu devotional bhajans and folk devotional songs.
Also Read More : Malavika Manoj Age: Biography, Family, Career, Net Worth and More