New Delhi/IBNS: Popular singer Anuradha Paudwal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Paudwal, 69, is known for his devotional songs and considered as one of the prominent Bollywood singers in 1980s and 1990s,

The veteran singer cited the party's "deep connection Sanatan (Dharma)" as the reason behind joining BJP.

"I am happy that I am joining the party and the government which has a deep connection with Sanatan (Dharma)," she said and added, "I am fortunate to join the BJP."

Paudwal, who received a number of awards including the National Awards, is known for her Bhajans.

Paudwal has recorded more than 9,000 and 1,500 Bhajans in several languages over a period of time spanning five decades.

In the 1990s, she mesmerised her audience with her songs in Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Sadak.

In 2017, she was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour of the country.