Meena Rana, popularly known as the “Lata Mangeshkar of Uttarakhand” and the “Kokila of Uttarakhand,” is a renowned folk singer who has lent her voice to Garhwali, Jaunsari, and several other regional languages. She was born on May 25, 1975, in Delhi, into a Garhwali family. She completed her high school education in Delhi and later moved to Dehradun for further studies, where she finished her education at Girls’ Inter College, Mussoorie.
As known for her melodious voice, Meena Rana began performing at the Akashvani Club in Mussoorie at the age of 16. Her husband, Sanjay Kumola, is the owner of Surbhi Multi Track Sound Studio.
Meena Rana got her first break in the Garhwali music industry in 1992 through the Garhwali film Nauni Pichadi Nauni, alongside folk singers Mani Bharti and Pooran Singh Rawat. In the film, she sang popular songs such as Biwanu Sheru Ma, Baith Dola Ladi, and Jado Ni Chhav Mi.
Over the years, she has sung in several popular Uttarakhand albums, including Chand Taro Ma, Meri Khati Meethi, Darbar Nirala Sai Ka, Uttarakhand Garhwali Teri Meri Maya, Meru Uttarakhand, Mohana, Chandra, and Lalita Chi Hum. She has also collaborated with renowned Uttarakhand singers such as Narendra Singh Negi, Pritam Bharatwan, Lalit Mohan Joshi, Anil Bisht, Gajendra Rana, and Manglesh Dangwal.
Apart from Garhwali and Kumaoni, Meena Rana has recorded more than 500 songs in languages including Jaunsari, Jaunpur, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Kargali, Balti, and Hindi. Through her live shows and musical performances, she has played a significant role in promoting Uttarakhand’s folk music on both national and international platforms. She has also performed in countries such as Oman, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Major Awards and Achievements
- Paliya Gaon Ka Mohana (2010) – Best Female Singer
- Hit O Bhina (2011) – Nominated for Best Female Singer
- Nominated six times for the Young Uttarakhand Cinema Awards