Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu-born singer and performing artist Tanya Gupta has been conferred with the Jammu & Kashmir State Award 2026 which were recently announced on the occasion of Republic Day, recognising her significant contribution to music, culture, and social service.
Known for her powerful voice and versatile performances, Tanya Gupta has built a distinguished career that bridges classical training with contemporary expression. Deeply rooted in Jammu’s cultural ethos, she has represented India on some of the world’s most prestigious platforms.
A defining highlight of her journey was her performance at the Asian Games 2010 Closing Ceremony in China, where she sang before a live audience of over eight lakh people, with millions watching globally. The event remains one of the largest cultural spectacles in international sporting history.
Beyond the stage, Tanya has consistently used her art in service of the nation. She has been closely associated with the Indian Armed Forces, supporting the families of martyred soldiers through music and outreach initiatives. Her commitment earned her a coveted recognition from Ex-President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, an honour she considers among the most meaningful of her life.
Her work has also received international acclaim. In 2022, she was awarded Best Singer by the Dadasaheb Phalke International Icon Award Films Organisation in Dubai, UAE, for her commercial body of work.
The J&K State Award stands as a homecoming honour for Tanya Gupta, celebrating not only her artistic excellence but her role as a cultural ambassador who continues to represent Jammu & Kashmir with pride, purpose, and integrity.
In her upcoming Album, Khabar-e-Tahayyur-e-Ishq” is a profound Sufi ghazal by Siraj Aurangabadi (18th century) focusing on divine love (ishq-e-haqiqi).
Tanya’s journey as a singer spans a rich body of work, including albums such as Gal Sun Yaara, Kithey Nain Na Jodi, Naina De Buhe, Sajdee, and many more. She possesses a rare ability to sing across multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Tamil, Malayalam, Bangla, and Punjabi. For Tanya, music is not just performance but identity. She believes in standing for what is true and meaningful, using her voice with purpose.
She is an A-Grade certified radio artist, a fellowship holder, and a gold medalist in Indian classical music. Trained in Hindustani Classical music for over 15 years, she belongs to the prestigious Kirana Gharana. Her early training began under Prof. B. S. Bali. Through years of dedication and disciplined practice, she earned the mentorship of legendary maestros Suresh Wadkar and Ghulam Ali Khan, under whose guidance she further refined her art.
Tanya holds a postgraduate degree in Indian Classical Music from the University of Jammu. Beyond music, she is a passionate theatre artist who enjoys blending acting with singing to create deeper emotional expression. She believes the world is her canvas, and her actions are the brushstrokes through which she paints it with soul.
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