No, this hasn't anything to do with the damned FilmFare Awards.

If there were ever a study conducted as to "who is the best, most prolific female singer in the Indian film industry," I think that most rational people would agree that the title would, almost without competition, go to Lata Mangeshkar. In fact, the only person who might even stand a chance of rivaling her (though still fail in attempting to do so), would be Mangeshkar's sister, Asha Bhonsle. When it comes to male singers, however, I feel that we have some room for debate. Personally, I prefer Kishore Kumar to all others. This is likely due largely to my love for Amitabh Bachchan's films — and to the fact that, pre-Sudesh Bhosle, Kishore Kumar could more or less be called "Amitabh Bachchan's singing voice" (though, of course, Kumar was far more than just a crooner for Bachchan). Certainly, however, one finds some other inarguable talented men in the search for (subjective) "best": Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Mannadey — any one could be given the crown. After Kumar, I find myself having a particular predilection for Mukesh's voice; I absolutely love his "Raj Kapoor songs."
Well, anyway, what do you guys think? Who's the one you'd give the honor to? Also, please refrain from shouting out "Sonu Nigam!" unless you really think he deserves to be in this (and be prepared to explain why you think so! — lol).

My favorites

Jagjit Singh (unique, awesome, started liking Ghazals now for his tone)
Mhmd Rafi
SPB
Yesudas

Last 3, Illayaraja's favorite as well