The "Bhajan Samrat" of India, Anup Jalota, was born in Nainital, Uttarakhand to Purushottam Das Jalota, a renowned bhajan exponent of the Sham Chowrasi gharana of Punjab. Even as he was pursuing his graduation at Lucknow University, he was studying classical music from Bhatkande University. After his graduation he began performing at stage shows and parties, singing Kishore Kumar songs and earned the epithet "Junior Kishore".

He then landed a job with All India Radio as a chorus performer and later got promoted as a recording artiste. It was during this period that some of his most remembered bhajans were recorded - "Aisi Lagi Lagan", "Maiyya Mori Main Nahi Makhan Khayo" and "Jag Mein Sundar Hain Do Naam".

His film break came when actor/producer Manoj Kumar signed him up for his film "Shirdi Ke Sai Baba" (1977). The films and the songs were well received, after which followed a number of bhajan and ghazal albums. His most well known film song is probably "Solah Baras Ki" ("Ek Duje Ke Liye", 1981).

In 2001, he turned producer with the film "Hum Deewane Pyar Ke". He later produced films like "Maalik Ek" (2010) and "Tere Mere Phere" (2011).