New Delhi: Veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik has shared a candid update about her health. She revealed that she is still struggling with a rare hearing disorder more than a year after her diagnosis. The iconic singer confirmed that the condition continues to affect her ability to work, forcing her to stay away from new music projects.
In a recent interview with NDTV, Alka spoke openly about the challenges she has been facing since stepping away from the spotlight in 2024. The singer explained that although composers continue to approach her for songs, she is not yet in a position to return to the recording studio.
Alka Yagnik reveals she cannot accept new music projects
“Composers approach me now and then. But I am not able to do it,” she said. For those who do not know, the singer was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, a rare condition that affects the inner ear and hearing nerves. According to Alka, the disorder developed suddenly after a viral infection, leaving her shocked and unprepared for the health setback.
Her absence from recent music releases has been noticeable, especially considering her decades-long influence in the Indian music industry. Alka’s last recorded track was Naram Kaalja, featured in filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s biographical drama Amar Singh Chamkila. The song was composed by Academy Award-winning musician A. R. Rahman and released in 2024.
Since then, Alka has not recorded any new tracks.
When Alka Yagnik spoke about her hearing disorder
The singer had first revealed details of her health condition in 2024 through an emotional message shared on social media. She recalled the moment when the problem began unexpectedly while travelling. “To all my fans, friends, followers and well-wishers. A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything,” she wrote in the note.
She continued, “Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action.”
Doctors later diagnosed the issue as a rare nerve-related hearing loss triggered by a viral attack. “It has been diagnosed by my docs as a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack…this sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware,” she added.
At the time, Alka also asked her supporters to keep her in their prayers while she learned to cope with the condition. The singer additionally warned fans about the risks of prolonged exposure to loud sounds, including headphones and high-volume music.