How the ‘Baby Doll’ Singer Turned a Friendship into Marriage

The story behind the sensational voice of “Baby Doll” reads like a modern fairytale. Kanika Kapoor, born in Lucknow in 1978, cultivated her musical talent from a young age, performing on national radio and collaborating with classical maestros. Her early marriage to Raj Chandok took her to London, where she gave birth to three kids and put her singing on hold.

Financial independence after her 2012 divorce motivated her to revive her career, and the massive success of “Baby Doll” in 2014 earned her a Filmfare award and renewed industry interest. Throughout this period, she maintained a close bond with Gautam Hatremani, a friend of fifteen years. Believing the timing was right after her hit, she first proposed in 2014, only to be taken lightly. Undeterred, she approached him again in 2020; this time his response was affirmative. Their engagement in August 2021 and subsequent May 2022 wedding were inclusive affairs, welcoming Kanika’s children and parents into the celebration.