Shabbir Kumar whose real name is Shabbir Shaikh was born in Vadodara, Gujarat. He started his music career with the stage show Ek Shaam Rafi Ke Naam, a tribute to Mohammed Rafi. Shabbir claims that when he attended Rafi's funeral in 1980, his watch fell into Rafi's open grave. He interpreted the incident as a divine message that he was to be Rafi's successor.

Music director Usha Khanna gave Shabbir Kumar a break in the film Tajurba (1981). Shabbir got a major break, when the directorManmohan Desai, who was looking for a Rafi substitute, noticed him recommended him to music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal (L-P). Within a few days, L-P gave Shabbir Kumar songs in the film Coolie, which was released in 1983. Shabbir's first released film with L-P was Main Intequam Loonga.

• Khil Uthin Phool Ki Manind Tumhari Aankhen

• Phir Luti Bastiyan Yaad Ane Lagin 

• Main Khud Ko Sare Shaher Mein Kal Dhoonta Raha

• Apna Gham Apna Gham Hai (Geet)

• De Jaam Chhalekta Jaam 

• Kahin Na Kahin Milenge Zaroor (Nazm)

• Rahat Na Sahi Dard Ki Saughat Bahut Hai 

• Bheed Mein Main Na Mil Sakoonga Tumhen (Nazm)