Shailendra Singh was born on 4 October 1952 in Mumbai, India to a Punjabi family.
He studied at Hill Grange High School at Peddar Road, and did his graduation from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.
He then joined the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune to train as an actor.
His rendition of "Jaane Do Na" from Saagar along with Asha Bhosle added to the sensuality of the entire song.
In addition to his singing career, he acted in a Bengali film Ajasra Dhanyabaad, opposite Aparna Sen.[2] In 1994, he was hospitalized for complication due to diabetes.