Early life Irfan was born in
Hyderabad and completed his schooling at
All Saints High School, Hyderabad. His teacher
Ramachari identified Irfan's talent and trained him in music. He used to come back after completing his school to perform in annual events. He won the title of
Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star 2. He was also one of the contestants of
Amul STAR Voice of India, as well as
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005, where he was on
Ismail Darbar's Yalgaar Ho Gharana.
Bollywood career Irfan caught the attention of
veteran singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam during a concert at a musical institute in
Hyderabad. Balasubramaniam recommended him to
A.R. Rahman, after which Rahman asked Irfan to provide
background vocals for the
Mani Ratnam-directed 2010 film
Raavan. Irfan recorded the song "Behene De" for the film alongside
Karthik. The track, which topped music charts for many continuous weeks, also received rave critical reviews. The same year, he recorded two songs for
Mithoon's
Lamhaa, titled "Salaam Zindagi" and "Rehmat Zara", where for the latter he received the best male singer debut award. Irfan performed "Phir Mohabbat" along with
Arijit Singh and Saim Bhat in the
Mukesh Bhatt-produced 2011 film
Murder 2. The song was commercially successful and received radio airplay. He collaborated with the music directors
Sajid–Wajid,
Himesh Reshammiya,
Meet Bros Anjjan,
Jeet Ganguly. His song ‘Dil Sambhal Ja Zara’ in film ‘Murder 2’ that made him establish himself as a singer. In 2014 his songs included "Baarish" from
Yaariyan, "Muskurane" from
Citylights, "Banjaara" from
Ek Villain, "Dard Dilo Ke" from
The Xpose and "Tu Hi Tu" from
Kick. The song "Banjaara", composed and written by Mithoon Sharma, was commercially successful. Reviewing the song,
Rediff.com wrote Irfan "is another singer making an impression in the Bollywood musical arena, and is sure to be noticed with this number". ==Discography==