Hariharan- Male Playback Singer of India

Hariharan ( born 3 April 1955) is an Indian playback singer in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bhojpuri and Telugu movies, an established ghazal singer, and one of the pioneers of Indian fusion music. His melody is strongly appreciated by the film fraternity. In 2004, he was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Hariharan
Background information
Born	3 April 1955 (age 56) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Genres	Ghazal, filmi
Occupations	Singer
Years active	1977–present
Associated acts	Colonial Cousins, Leslie Lewis

Early life

Born in Thiruvananthapuram he grew up in Mumbai in a Tamil speaking family, and has bachelor degrees in science and law. He did his collegiate studies from S.I.E.S.College. The son of renowned Carnatic vocalists, Shrimati Alamelu and the late H.A.S. Mani (full name:Anantha Subramani Iyer), he inherited his parents' musical talents. Alamelu was Hariharan's first guru (mentor). From here he picked up Carnatic music skills. He was also exposed to Hindustani music from a young age. In his teens, inspired by the songs of Mehdi Hassan and Jagjit Singh, Hariharan developed a passion for ghazals and started training in Hindustani music from Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. He used to put in thirteen hours of singing practice everyday. The committed Hariharan also put heart and soul into learning Urdu when he decided to become a ghazal singer.

Career

Film career

At the start of his career, Hariharan did the concert circuit and also performed on TV. He sang for a number of TV serials (e.g., Junoon). In 1977, he bagged the top prize in the "All India Sur Singaar Competition" and was promptly signed on by the late music director Jaidev to sing for his new Hindi film Gaman (1978). His debut song "Ajeeb Saane He Mujh Par Qarar" in that movie became such a hit that it won him an Uttar Pradesh State Film Award, as well as a National Award nomination.

Hariharan entered the world of Tamil films in 1992 introduced by debutant music director A.R. Rahman with the patriotic song "Thamizha Thamizha" in Maniratnam's film Roja. He was judged best male playback singer in the 1995 Tamil Nadu State Government Film Awards for his soulful rendition of the song "Uyire Uyire" also by music director A.R Rahman in Maniratnam's Bombay (Hariharan sang the song with K.S. Chithra). Hariharan has been one of the most trusted singers of Rahman and has sung many songs for him in long list of movies that includes Muthu, Minsara Kanavu, Jeans, Indian, Mudhalvan, Taal, Rangeela, Indira, Iruvar, Anbe Aaruyire, Kangalal Kaithu Sei, Sivaji, Alaipayuthey, Kannathil Muthamittal, Guru, Enthiran etc. In 1998, Hariharan won the national award for the best playback singer for the soulful rendition of the song "Mere Dushman Mere Bhai" from the Hindi movie Border, composed by Anu Malik. Hariharan got another National Award for the Marathi song "Jiv Rangla" from Jogwa, set to tune by Ajay Atul in the year 2009.

He has sung more than 500 Tamil songs and nearly a thousand Hindi songs. He has also sung hundreds of songs in Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Bengali languages.

Hariharan has acted in a Tamil film with Khushboo, Power of Women, and played cameo roles in the Tamil film Boys and the Malayalam film Millennium Stars.

Ghazals

Hariharan is one of the foremost Indian ghazal singer and composer who has more than thirty albums to his credit.[4] In his early career, he cut several successful ghazal albums, writing most of the scores himself. One of Hariharan's first ghazal albums was Aabshar-e-Ghazal with Asha Bhonsle, which went gold in sales.Another outstanding ghazal album was Gulfam, which not only hit double platinum in sales but also fetched Hariharan the Diva Award for the Best Album of the Year in 1994.[4] The other major ghazal albums by him are Hazir (1992), Jashn (1996), Halka Nasha (1996), Paigham (1997), Kaash (2000), Lahore Ke Rang Hari Ke Sang (2005), and Guftagoo. His live concert recordings, Hariharan in Concert (1990), Saptarishi (1996) and Swar Utsav (2001) were run away successes. His latest ghazal album is Lafzz... (2008). Hariharan worked with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain on his album Hazir.[4] The album Lahore Ke Rang Hari Ke Sang with renowned ghazal composers from Pakistan won him rave reviews and critical acclaim inside and outside India.

Colonial Cousins

The year 1996 was a career milestone; he formed the band Colonial Cousins with Bombay-based composer and singer Leslie Lewis.Their first album, Colonial Cousins was a fusion album and was the first Indian act to be featured on MTV Unplugged. It won a string of awards including the MTV Indian Viewers' Choice award and Billboard Award for the Best Asian Music Group. By this single album, Hariharan established himself as one of the pioneers of Indian fusion music. The next albums by this band were The Way We Do It (1998) and Aatma (2001) but were fairly noticed. 2009 Tamil film Modhi Vilayadu had score and soundtrack composed by Colonial Cousins.They also scored the 2010 Tamil film Chikku Bukku.

Recent years

In 2004, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri and Yesudas Award for his outstanding performance in music.

Hariharan collaborated with Pakistan based band Strings for a track called "Bolo Bolo". He released an album called Destiny with Punjabi / bhangra artist Daler Mehndi. He also coined the terminology "Urdu Blues" with his fairly successful album Kaash which featured musicians like Anandan Sivamani the percussion maestro, Ustad Rashid Mustafa on tabla, Ustad Liyaqat Ali Khan on sitar and Ustad Sultan Khan on sarangi. He also performed the Swagatham song in the 2010 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony held in New Delhi on 3 October

He is currently appearing in a music show in Jaya TV named Hari Yudan Naan which is aired every Thursday , Friday and Saturdays at 9PM.

 Major awards

Civilian Awards

2004 - Padma Shri

National Film Awards

1998 - National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer: "Mere Dushman", Border

2009 - National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer: "Jeev Dangla Gungla Rangla", Jogva

Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas Award

2004 - For his outstanding contribution to Indian film music

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

2004 - Best Male Playback Singer - for various films

1995 - Best Male Playback Singer - for the song "Koncha Naal" in the film Aasai

Nandi Awards

1999 - Best Male Playback Singer - for the song "Hima Semalloyallo" in the film Annayya

Asianet Film Awards

2011 - Best Male Playback Singer - for "Aaro Padunnu" from Katha Thudarunnu[14]

Filmfare Awards South

2011 - Best Male Playback Singer - for "Aaro Padunnu" from Katha Thudarunnu

Discography

Main article: Hariharan discography

Aabshar-e-Ghazal

Aathwan Sur – The Other Side of Naushad

Aatma

Colonial Cousins

Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera Toda

Dil Ki Baat

Dil Nasheen

Ghazal Ka Mausam

Gulfam

Halka Nasha

Hariharan - Down the Years

Hariharan in Concert

Hazir

Horizon

Intoxicating Hariharan

Jashn

Kaash

Kuch Door Hamare Saath

1998 Kadhal Vedham - Tamil

Lafzz...

Lahore Ke Rang Hari Ke Sang

Magic Moments

Paigham

Qaraar

Reflections

Saptarishi

Shamakhana

Swar Utsav

Sukoon

The Great Ghazals

The Very Best of Hariharan Ghazals

The Way We Do It

Velvet Voice - Hariharan

Visaal – Ghazals for Connoisseurs

Waqt Par Bolna

Featured Albums

Main article: Hariharan

Sartaj

1995 Meghutam - The Cloud Messenger (Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt

2002 Tum Aaye

2004 Dhaani

2008 Tum Jo Mile

2009 Lajwaab - Tribute to Medi Hasan

Asha wali Dhoop

Chand Ke Saath

Filmography

This list includes some of the major film songs sung by Hariharan in Tamil languages. For complete list, see Hariharan discography.

Thamizha Thamizha

Konja Naal

Nila Kaikirathu

Vidu Kadhaiya

Rosaappu Chinna Rosaappu

Kathala Kathala

Hai Rama

Kuchi Kuchi Rakkamma

Uyire Uyire Vanthu Yenodu

Maname Thottal

Oru Theathi Paarthal

Kannil Kannil

Poomalai Aagamal

Kathali Kathali

Kathala Kathala Kathalal

Nilavonnu Pattikichu

Tele Phone Mani Pol

Inbathai Karuvakkinal

Malargale Malargale

En Manathai Kollai

Un Uthatora

Udaiyaatha Vennila

Neeyillai Ninaivillai

Vaalibha Vayasukku

Romeo Aattam Potta

Nee Irunthal Naan Iruppaen

Kannaikatti

Oru Mani Adithal

Kanji Pattu Selai

Aval Varuvala

Engengae Engengae

Thigu Thigura...

Yaaro Azhithathu Poll

Chandiranai Thotadhu Yaar

Aalps Malai

Konjum Manjal

Minal Oru Kodi

Taj Mahale

Sindhmani Sindhmani

Nagomo Yeai Sugamo

Vennilavae Vennilavae Vinnai

Cha Cha Kadalicha

Kathal Solla Vaarthai

Poothirukkum Vanameh

All The Best

Aagaasavaa Nee

Madona Modela

Laila Laila

Anbae Anbae Kolathe

Punagaiyil Theemooti Ponale

Anbea Anbea Nee Yen

China China Kiliyae

Deivamindru

Ilavenirkala Panjami

Koottu Kuyilai

Yetho Yetho Nenjil

Dyana Dyana

Manasa Thotta Kathal

Vasamikka Malarkalai

En Kanvinai Keal

Ennai Thalaata

Etho Oru Paattu

Thottapetta Kuliru

Gnabhagam Irukinratha

Hip Hip

Muthan Muthalil

Muthan Muthalil

Inth Sripinai

Kattaana Ponnu Romantica

Kalaiyil Pokkum

Kobamma Enmel

Vaanam Tharayil

Kumudham Pol

Naan Vanavillaiye

Manathodu Piranthavala

Uyire Uyire Nalamthana

Mazhai Thulli Mazhai Thulli

Meetatha Oru Veenai

Vennilavukku Aasa Pattean

Nee Katru Naan Maram

Nee Katru Naan Maram

O.. Vanthathu Penna

Oivedu Oivedu

Sekka Sivanthavale

Shockadikum Poove

Vaanum Mannum

Vanna Nilave Vanna Nilave

Nee Poovaa Poovanamaa

Nandhavaname

Un Peyar Sollave

1 2 98 Il

Anbea Anbea Yen Anbea

Manasey Manasey Kathavai

Chinna Vennilave

Malarae Oru Varthai

Chudithar Aninthu

Irava Pagalaa

Eranju Maadham

Pachchai Marikozhunthu

Indhanimisham

Iruvathu Kodi

Thodu Thodu Enavae

Itharkku Peyyar

Itharkku Peyyar

Konji Pesu Konja Nearam

Kurukku Siruthavalae

Maalavikka Maalavikka

Naalai Kaalai

Neethana Neethana

Poraale Poraale

Meera Meera Kannan Naan

Nandavan Kuyile

Oh..Vennila

Oodha Oodha

Un Per Solla

Oru Thevathai

Pattuku

Semmeena Venmeena

Solaikuyil Paadum

Vaigasi

Poosu Manjal

Sollathey Solla Sollathey

Sollathey Solla Sollathey

Sona Ho Sona

Thavikiran Thavikiran

Thendralai Kandu

Vaigai Nathikarai

Tholaivinilea Vaanam

Ulakelam Oru

Unnai Partha Kangal

Uyire Vaa

Vennila

Paada Vaa

En Kannadi Thoppukulle

Mookkuthimutthazaghu

Pachai Niramey

Oru Naal Unnai Vizhigal

En Manase

Koila Koila

Ninaithaal Nenjukuli

Moodu Manthiram

Sollamal Thottu

Naan Ippo

Nee Paartha

Ramar Analum

Chembaruthypoove

Solla Vandhen

Kandukonden Kandukonden

Sutrum Vizh Sudarthan

Kaathukku Pookal Sondham

Vennilavae Vennilavae

Iruvathu Vayathu

Iruvathu Vayathu

Taj Mahal

Nilavu Paattu

Yaar Solvatho Yaar Solvatho

Oru Ponnu Onnu

O Nenje Nenje

Yehea Kechu Kiliye

Thuli Thuliyai

Pirivondrai Santhithen

Nathcathira Poogavil

Enakoru Snegidhi

Ennavo Ennavo

Oh Maane Maane

Vaa Vaa Poove Vaa

Madhava Sedhu Madhava

Vanakkam Vanakkam

Athini Chitini

Idhayaththai Kaanavillai

Deva Deva Devathaiye

Uyire Uyire Alaithathu

Kathal Vennila

Velinaattu Kaatru

Enna Solle

Velicham Adikuthadi

Manja Manja Kizhangu

Oru Kathal Devathai

Nilave Nilave

Aruppukottai Akka Ponnu

Azhagu Sundari Unnai

Oor Urangum Nerathil

Vanji Kodi

Purave En

Aayeram Kodi ...

Thaazhntha

Nilave Nilave Sari Gama

Kann Azhagahe

Kaadhalithal Anandham

Adi Kathal Enbadhu

Thom Thom Thithithom

Ennai Ithuvo

Chick Chick China

Coppale Coppale

Australia Desam Varai

Ragasiyamai Ragasiyamai

Kuyiluku Koo Koo

Penkaloda Potti

Poongatrea Konjama

Thendral Varum

Oru Poyyavadu

Aathorathile Allamaram

En Mana Vaanil

Maanu Tholu

Naan Kaanum Ulagangal

Puniyam Thedi Kasikku

Rokkam Irukura Makkal

Vennilavae Vennilavae Nalla

Vinothamanavale

Vinothamanavale

Malare Malare Mugavari

Sadu Gudu Gudu

November Madham

Roja Kaattu

Kandu Pidi Kandu Pidi

Adada Adada

Kathavai Naan

Kavithaigalsollava

Oru Palaivanathai

Uyirae En Uyirae

Malai Katru Vandhu

Muthal Poo Yeathu

Kombhu Mulaitha

Ennai Pada Vaitha

Sonnal Thaan Sonnal Thaan

Sonnal Thaan Sonnal Thaan

Amma Amma Thankadhu

Amma Amma Thankadhu

Chellamai Chellam

O Priya O Priya Sariya

Kathale Kathale Swasam

Manam Valikithe

Chinna Chinna Vilakke

Sundari Siriya Rettai

Chinna Chinnathaai

Yeh Nanbanae Kobam

Sakala Kala

Mottukale Mottukale

Poi Solla Koodadhu

Moongil Kadukale

Yar Intha Devathai

Oru Thadvai

Poopola Thee Pola

Ore Manam Ore Gunam

Sagiyea Sagiyea

Thamizhe Then Thamizhe

Vaana Villae

Vennilavin Pearai

Vidamaataen

India India

Enna Solli

Unnai Kaanum Pothu

Unnai Thedi

Ennennamo Maatram

Mazhai Mazhai

Varthay Illamal

Oru Pournami

Ringaa Ringaa

Thalattum Kaatrae

Oh! Nila

Manase Manase

Thavamindri Kidaitha

En Jannal Nilavukku

Kathal Kathal Inge

Azhakiya Cinderallo

Nee Thungum Nerathil

Nilaviniley Oli

Azhage Karu Neela

Dolna Dolna

Antha Semai Thurai

En Isaikku Inhey

Yendhe Deysathil

Maan Kutty Pulli Maan Kutty

Vanam Enna Vanam

Aiyaiyo Aiyaiyo Pudichirukku

Unnai Naan

Asaravaithay

Vasiyakkaara

Anbe Anbe Anbe Anbe

Kambankaadu

Raasa Raasa Unnaivachu

Pookkale Pesave

Saamimela Sathiyama

Vaa Vaa Poovea

Anbae Diana

Megathil Ondrai Nindro

Ottiyaanam Senju Tharean

Aariya Udhadugal

Mudhal Mudhalaga Jannal

Thottal Poo

Oru Oru Piravi

Yarownee Pinju

Pookum Malarka

Udhaya Udhaya

Kaadu Thiranthe

Unai Kealai

Kangal Theendi

Uyire Uyire ...

Onnuerendu

Mudhal Mudhalaga

Maname Yean Mayakkam

Varukirai Thodukirai

Dhrogam Dhrogam

Iyyagaru Veetu Azhgea

Saami Kitta Solli

Shaheeba Shaheeba

Rim Gim Rim

Katrilvarum Geethamea

Khajiraho

China Magarani

Kathalai Yaaradi

Kanneer Mazhai

Malarae Malarae

Maragatha Mazhai Thuli

Kangalil Kangalil

Solla Mudiyala Solla Mudi

Uyire Piriyade

Vilakuondru

O. Maname

Thadakku Thadakku

Azhaga Azhaga

Poovin Madiyil

Rojapoovin

Agayam Agayam

Kathal Enpathu

Solla Vaarthaigal

Kathaliyae

Orumurai Piranthen

Pookkal Ellam

Thaaliyae Thevaiyillai

Manjal Veiyil

Mudhal Mazhai

Ragasiya Kanavugal

Oorellam

Tamil Selvi Tamil Selvi

Yaarathu Yaarathu

Nee Nee Nee

Oorai Marandhom

Pudhu Vasam

Vaaji Vaaji

Aasaipatta

Aayirm Keligal

Achutha Azhagai

Nisa

Unnai Enakku

Kaalai Matum Kandal

Naan Varaindhu Vaitha

Sollu Sollu Sollamma

Aaradi Kaathe

Thulasi Chediya

Solla Solla

Nenjukkul Peidhidum

Venn Megam

Nenjey

The Pain Of Love

Guru Brahmma

Yezhu Vannathil

Rayilin Padhayil `

Konjam Veyilaga

Iduvarai Iduvarai

Eppodhu Un Jannal

Kuppathu Rajakkal

Kandenae

Kandenae Ii

Nee Sonnaal

Idhu Thaan Kadhal

Hajarea Hajare

Arima Arima

Amali Thumali

Galaa Galaa

G. Venugopal- Male Playback Singer of India

G. Venugopal is an Indian playback singer, active mainly in Malayalam films. He also has Tamil and Telugu songs to his credit. Venugopal started his career in the film Odarathammava Aalariyam (1987) and has sung in more than 280 films and over 250 albums since then.

G. Venugopal
Background information
Born	November 19, 1961 (age 49)
Occupations	Playback singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1987 – present
Website	http://www.gvenugopal.com/

G. Venugopal is a graduate of Kerala University, where he studied literature and journalism. He resides in Trivandrum with his wife Reshmi and two children Arvind and Anupallavi.

G Venugopal - Indian playback singer- the name invokes memories of lilting music and haunting melody. Gifted with a voice described by discerning music lovers as "unbelievably rich", "lush", "opulent" and a singing quality filled with depth and warmth, G Venugopal has in a short span of time made a mark as a singer par excellance. Having hailed from a family of gifted classical musicians has no doubt shaped the formative years of this talented young singer. G Venugopal started his singing career in the film "Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare"(1987) and since then has sung in more than 280 films and has over 250 cassettes to his credit. The many awards he has won including the coveted Best Playback Singer (Kerala State) which he has won thrice, the Film Critics award and the Kerala Kaumudi Gallop Poll award (again twice) further reiterates his popular appeal. The most recent recognition of his melodious voice is the Kerala State award for Best Playback singer(2004) for the song "aadedee--aadaadedee" from the film "Ullam" which makes his tally of state awards an impressive Three!!

Besides, anchoring musical programmes in Kairali channel as well as in Doordarshan and Asianet has made him a household name. G Venugopal is a postgraduate in Literature and Journalism from the Kerala University where he won the first prize for light music, five consecutive years, from 1980 to 1985 and the "sarvakalaaprathibha" title for two years in 1984 and 1985. He resides in Trivandrum with his wife Reshmi and two children Arvind (Monu) and Anupallavi (Ammukutty).

Awards and achievements

Kerala State Film Awards:

1988 - Best Playback Singer - Moonnaam Pakkam (Song: "Unarumee Gaanam")

1990 - Best Playback Singer - Sasneham (Song:"Thaaney Poovitta Moham")

2004 - Best Playback Singer - Ullam (Song: "Aadedee aadaadedee")

Kerala Film Critics Award

1987 - Best Playback Singer - Thoovanathumbikal (Song: "Onnaam Raagam Paadi")

1989 - Best Playback Singer - Mazhavilkkaavadi (Song: "Mainaaga Ponmudiyil & Pallitherunto")

Kerala State Government Award (Professional Drama):

2000 - Best Singer - Sabko Sanmathi De Bhagwan (Song: "Ee Raavam Poovum")

Asianet Film Awards:

2006 - Best Male Playback - Baba Kalyani

Kerala Kaumadi Gallup Poll Award:

1991 - Best Playback Singer - Sneha Sagaram (Song: "Peeli Kannezhuthi")

1992 - Best Playback Singer - Dhruvam (Song: "Karukavayal Kuruvi")

Academic

M.A. (Literature) and M. J. (Journalism)

Sarva Kalaa Prathibha (1984 and 1985)

Gurdas Maan- Male Playback Singer of India

Gurdas Maan is an Indian singer, songwriter, choreographer, and actor. He is considered one of the most notable figures in the world of Punjabi music. He was born on 4 January 1957 in Giddarbaha, Muktsar, Punjab, India. He gained national attention in India in 1980 with the song Dil Da Mamla Hai. Since then, he has gone on to record over 27 albums and has written over 200 songs.

Gurdas Maan
Born	4 January 1957 (age 54) Giddarbaha, Muktsar, Punjab, India
Genres	Punjabi Bhangra Hindustani
Occupations	Singer-songwriter Actor Musician
Years active	1980 – present
Website	http://www.gurdasmaan.com

Early life

Gurdas Maan was born on 4 January 1957 in a jatt Sikh family in Giddarbaha Muktsar, Punjab (India). His parents are Tej Kaur and Sardar Gurdev Singh Maan. Maan was formally educated in Malout. After completing his education there, his parents enrolled him into a further education institute in Patiala. As a keen sports enthusiast Maan was fascinated by the National Institute of Sports in the city; this prompted him to join the N.I.S and gain a Masters Degree in Physical Education.

He took part in youth festivals organized by various universities and won several awards for his singing and acting, always supported by his friends. He competed in many athletic events and won medals including a bronze at the National Championship as well as achieving a black belt in judo.

Career

1980s

In one of his stage plays he performed a song which he had written himself called Dil Da Mamla Hai. The play was seen by a producer for Doordarshan Kendra Jalandhar, the producer who thought the song to have potential approached Maan with a proposition for a TV performance of the song to which Maan agreed. When the song was aired on 31 December 1980 it gained national attention and Gurdas Maan became a national figure. The success of the song attracted the attention of HMV who wanted to record and release the song. It was with HMV that Maan eventually released his debut album with a year later in 1981. When Maan began his career as a solo performer in India, the music industry was dominated by duet artists and Maan reportedly declined many offers to become part of a duet as he wished to perform and become a successful solo artist. Since his debut Maan mostly performed as a solo artist.

During his early career he also wrote and directed TV programs such as POP Time for the Doordarshan Network in Delhi.

1990s and 2000s

Gurdas Maan is often credited with raising Punjabi folk music from a regional level mostly in the Punjab to gain international recognition. His album Apna Punjab won Best Album at the 1998 Asian Pop and Media Awards held in Birmingham. Maan also won Best Song for the title track and Best International Artist the same year. In addition to these awards, Maan more recently won three music awards of Best Lyrics (Kudiye), Best Song (Heer), as well as Best Singer of the Year at the ETC Channel Punjabi Music Awards on 6 March 2005.

Awards and honours

Gurdas Maan has received an honorary degree of Doctor of Music from the University of Wolverhampton on 7 Sept 2010. Gurdas Maan will be performing at The Royal Albert Hall for 2 nights in April 2011 as part of his UK TOUR. This will be the first time ever Gurdas Maan will perform at The Royal Albert Hall, an opportunity that very few artists come across.

On other fronts, Gurdas Maan has also starred in blockbuster Bollywood films and has received numerous awards, including the Jury’s Award, presented to him by the President of India in 2005.

In 2009 he won "Best International Album" at the UK Asian Music Awards for Boot Polishan.

In 2007 he won the National Award for Best Male playback singer [4] for his songs titled "Couplets of heer" for the movie "Waris Shah - Ishq da Waris".

Film

Gurdas Maan is best known as an actor for his performances in two films: Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waaris (2006), which was nominated as India's selection for the Academy Awards, and Shaheed-E-Mohabbat (1999), the film which tells the real-life story of Boota Singh.

Gurdas also appeared in the hit film Shaheed Udham Singh (2000), in which he played the role of Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary, with no prejudices based on religion, caste or creed. As a singer Gurdas Maan has worked with music directors such as Laxmikant Pyarelal, Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik, Nadeem Sharvan, Amar Haidipur, Charanjeet Ahuja, and Jaswant Bhanyra .

He also starred alongside Juhi Chawla in the epic Des Hoyaa Pardes (2004), an emotional film illustrating the tragedies faced by the people of Punjab in the 1980s. He adopted the role of a son of a well-respected Jatt (bilingual separtist) Gurdev Singh Somal. He falls in love with a high ranking police officer’s daughter. Before the wedding, the father is murdered by separatists. This tale soon twists in to the inevitable demise of Gurshaan (Gurdas Maan). This movie was based on actual events.

Aside from singing in Punjabi, he is fluent in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Haryanvi and Rajasthani. As an actor he has performed in Punjabi, Hindi and Tamil movies, but he is best known for his starring role in Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waaris, a depiction of the Punjabi poet Waris Shah during the creation of his epic poem Heer Ranjha, again co-starring Juhi Chawla and Divya Dutta. He also made a special appearance in Veer-Zaara with Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta.

He has also appeared in Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da (1982), Mamla Garbar Hai (1984), Long Da Lishkara (1986), Qurbani Jatt Di (1990), Pratigya (1990), Roohani Taaqat (1991), Saali Adhi Ghar Waali (1992), Wanted: Gurdas Maan Dead or Alive (1994), Kachehri (1994), and Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai (2002).

[edit] Personal life

Maan is married to Manjit and has one son Gurikk who has done his schooling from Yadavindra Public School and Mayo College. He also studied at Eton College.

In Karnal, Haryana, India on 20 January 2007 Maan was involved in a car accident in which his Range Rover was hit and severely damaged by a truck near the town of Madhuban in Haryana. Maan escaped with minor injuries on his face, hands and chest. His driver Ganesh was injured seriously but recovered soon after.

This was the second car accident of two that Gurdas Maan was involved in. The first accident was a head on collision between Maan's vehicle and a truck on 9 January 2001 at a village near Rupnagar, Punjab. In this accident Maan's driver Tejpal was killed. Gurdas Maan later admitted that his driver asked him to wear his seat-belt minutes before the accident. Maan believes that if it had not been for his driver's advice, he would have been dead as well. Later he wrote and performed a song Baithi sade naal savari utter gayi dedicated to his driver, who was also his good friend.He has many students in the india and uk,but he support one of his student(imtiaz from birmingham) as his perfect match.

During a radio interview Maan revealed to the host, Gagan Grewal, that he is an avid supporter of Manchester United football club.

Controvery and Accusations of plagiarism

In 2011, Gurdas Mann released an album called Jogiya. The song "ਸਾਡੀ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਲੱਗੀ ਰਹਿਣ ਦੇ" spurred controversy among Sikhs as it was promoting derawad. Harmandar Kang has written a detailed article about Gurdas Mann's various controversial songs and his relationship with other religious entities.[6]

Discography

2011: Jogiya (T-Series)

2008: Boot Polishan (Sai Creations/UK BOX OFFICE)

2005: Vilayatan (T-Series/MovieBox)

2004: Heer (T-Series)

2003: Punjeeri (T-Series/MovieBox/Music Waves)

2001: Pyar Kar Lai (Tips)

1999: Jaadugarian (Venus)

1998: Dil Hona Chahida Jawaan (Venus)

1997: Yaar Mera Pyar (T-Series)

1996: Chaklo Chaklo (T-Series)

1995: Ishq Na Dekhe Zaat

1994: Aaja Sajna

1994: Ishq Da Giddha (Tips)

1993: Ghar Bhulgi Morh Te Ake

1993: Than Than Gopal (RMI)

1993: Aakarh Aa Hi Jaandi-E'(Music Bank)

1992: Larh Geya Pecha

1991: Dil Da Badshah

1990: Mohabbat Zindabad

1989: Akhiyaan Udeek Dian

1988: Chakkar

1988* Raat Suhani'

1988: Chugliyaan

1988: Wah Ni Jawaniye

1987: Geetan Bhari Patari

1986: Nacho Babeyo

1985: Kurian Ne Judo Sikh Lai

1984: Peer Tere Jaan Di

1983: Masti

1982: Dil Saaf Hona Chahida

1982: Disco Vichari

1981: Dil Da Mamla Hai

Filmography

2010: Chak Jawana

2010: Sukhmani Hope for life

2009: Mini Punjab (Speed OXL Films)

2008: Yaariyan (Universal)

2007: Mummy-Ji (special appearance) (Universal)

2006: Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waaris (MovieBox)

2004: Des Hoyaa Pardes (Universal)

2004: Veer Zaara (special appearance)(Yash Raj Films)

2002: Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai

2000: Shaheed Udham Singh (MovieBox) ...Shaheed Udham Singh

1999: Shaheed-E-Mohabbat ...Boota Singh

1999 Sirf Tum (special appearance)

1995: Subedaar

1995: Bagawat ...Gurjeet

1994: Kachehri

1994: Wanted: Gurdas Maan Dead or Alive

1992: Saali Adhi Ghar Waali

1991: Roohani Taaqat

1990: Pratigya ...Billa

1990: Qurbani Jatt Di ...Karma

1990: Dushmani Di Aag

1988: Baghavaat

1987: Chhora Haryana Da

1986: Ki Banu Duniyan Da

1986: Gabhroo Punjab Da ...Shera

1986: Laung Da Lashkara

1985: Patthar Dil

1984: Mamla Garbar Hai

1982: Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da

Ghantasala (singer)- Legendry Male Singer of India

Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao (Telugu: ఘంటసాల వెంకటేశ్వర రావు) (1922–1974) was a popular South Indian singer and music composer of Telugu films and many other languages such as Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu and Hindi. He is the recipient of the Padmashree award, India's fourth highest civilian award. For nearly a quarter of a century, he was the voice of Telugu films. He was one of Telugu cinema's first playback singers. He sang in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu and Hindi. He composed music for more than 100 movies. He sang the Bhagavad Gita just before his death in 1974, a rendition which became highly popular. On February 11, 2003, a stamp was released in honor of Ghantasala at Telugu Lalita Kala Toranam, Public Gardens, Hyderabad.

Ghantasala ఘంటసాల వెంకటేశ్వర రావు
Birth name	Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao
Also known as	Ghantasala
Born	December 4, 1922 Choutapalli, Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died	11 February 1974 (aged 52)
Genres	Film music (playback singing), Indian classical music
Occupations	Singer, composer
Instruments	Vocalist
Years active	1942–1974

Early life

Ghantasala was born to Soorayya, who was a local singer, in a traditional Telugu Brahmin Niyogi family in 1922. During his childhood, Ghantasala used to dance to his father's Tarangams. He lost his father when he was a child, and was brought up by his maternal uncle Ryali Pitchi Ramaiah. He took formal music training from Patrayani Sitarama Sastry, also known as Saluru China Guruvu Garu, and he joined Maharajah's Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayanagram without informing his family. He went through a number of hardships to learn music and went on to become a "Sangeeta Vidhwan".

 The Illustrious Career of 3 decades

Ghantasala participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942, for which he was arrested and imprisoned for 18 months at the Alipore (Allipura) Jail, Bellary. After coming out of jail, he met "Senior Samudrala", who advised him to try his luck in the film industry as a singer.  Upon release from prison, he got married to Savitri of Pedapulivarru. It was in this village that he met Samudrala Raghavacharya, who inducted him into the film industry in Madras.Before Ghantasala found himself in the spotlight of public attention, through the media of films and gramophone records, he was an accomplished singer with impeccable training in Carnatic music.

Ghantasala got his first break as a singer from All India Radio. Later on, Peketi Siva Ram from HMV studios recorded his private songs. Ghantasala debuted as a chorus singer and for a character role in Seeta Rama Jananam by Pratibha Films. After this, he worked with famous music directors like Gali Penchala and C. R. Subbaraman. His first movie as a music director was Laxmamma. He introduced the technique of changing the voice pitch and diction to suit the actor singing the songs on the screen. People were so enamoured by this that they started imagining the actor singing on the screen. He was considered a master of padyam renderings, a unique genre in the Telugu films.

His way with the Telugu padyam (verse) was incomparable. Padyam was a part of the performing arts of Andhra, mostly through mythological dramas, for 50 years. The intent was primarily musical- with what intricate curlicues, what breath control the singer managed being more important than characterisation or serving the needs of the moment in the play. Ghantasala changed all this with his sophisticated interpretation (not on stage but on 78 rpm gramophone records) of the author's intent, the character's intent, the character's turmoil being at once musical and accessible. These verses were rendered without tala (rhythm) as before but he generally had a short, metrical musical interlude doing what background music does in films, setting the stage and emphasising the mental stage of the character. Poets Karunasri and Jashuva enjoyed great regard amongst the literatteurs, but it was Ghantasala who rendered their songs and introduced their work to the man on the street.Long before singers got on to the TTD/Annamacharya bandwagon, Ghantasala recorded at least a dozen sides singing the praise of Venkateswara (not through Annamayya though, only the US LP had Kolani dopariki, alas the pallavi wrongly split!) Ashtapadi-s on a Super Seven disc, Bhagavad Gita on an LP were the other assets he created.

Producer Krishnaveni gave him first chance as full music director for her film Mana Desam, which incidentally was N. T. Rama Rao's first film & which established him once for all as a composer-cum-singer, the most prolific till the mid seventies in Telugu cinema.

He later composed music for many popular Telugu movies like Patala Bhairavi, Gundamma Katha, Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha, Pelli Chesi Chudu, Mayabazar and Lava Kusa. He lent his voice to many popular heroes of the Telugu film industry at that time and has sung over 10,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil & kannada films.

He also served as the Aaasthana Gaayaka (court musician) for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. The famous & much acclaimed renderings of Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao include private albums, like Bhagawad Gita, Patriotic Songs, Padyalu (a unique genre of Telugu - singing the verses in dramatic style), Pushpa Vilapam and folk songs. His recording of "Bhagawad Gita" can now be heard daily in the Tirumala temple.

Gifted with what V. A. K. Ranga Rao called "the most majestic voice", he helped Telugu film music develop its own distinct character. He won the "best singer award" in the Telugu film industry every year for three decades, a feat perhaps unachieved by any other playback singer.

He has given performances in America, England, and Germany, and had the distinction of performing for the United Nations Organisation. The government of Andhra Pradesh felicitated him on the occasion of 25 years of his film career as Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Ghantasala in Hyderabad on February 1, 1970. More than 30,000 people attended the function celebrated at the Lal Bahadur Stadium, Hyderabad.

His illustrious & successful career came to end on 11 February 1974, the day he passed away.

On the occasion of function for stamp release in his name on 11 February 2003, "The Hindu" carried a article showering praise on him as the "Melody king - reigns supreme" & as well highlighting his genius skills - "Ghantasala's blending of classical improvisations to the art of light music combined with his virtuosity and sensitivity puts him a class apart, above all others in the field". Ghantasala has such divine talent, that with his songs, he could move the hearts of the people. Human emotions and music were never in such perfect harmony as was during his reign as playback singer. Even after three decades of his demise, he continues to hold sway over millions of music lovers, crossing generation barriers, with the mellifluous magic spell of his golden voice. Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao strode like a colossus in the Telugu film music world for nearly 30 years and his contribution to Telugu film music remains unparalleled. He is the first movie singer-composer of the South in whose memory a stamp and first day cover was released in 2003.

The Indian express dt. 14 February 1974 paid a glorious tribute to ghantasala on his death stating that : Tributes paid to Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, on his death, praise his "Melodious Voice", but these not only sound inadequate, but also fail to grasp the truth of the matter, since he was "no mere singer" but a "true poet" who could comprehend and did give expression to the deepest feelings of love, pity, joy, suffering, piety, happiness and bitterness in a manner no one else could, or did. One cannot help feeling that it would have been hardly possible for him to sing on all those varied themes with such intensity of fervor and likeness to reality, and precision in apprehension, had he not himself lived and experienced these basic emotions inwardly, in as great a manner as any of the great poets ever had.

The Legendary Ghantasala continues to be as popular as ever. His statutes have been installed across Andhra Pradesh. No other cine/film singer enjoys such honour. Every year his birth/death anniversaries are celebrated with great importance, in Andhra pradesh, India as well as overseas countries

Various Awards after his name are given every year to various musical artists viz., "Ghantasala melody king award" - Popular artists who are recipients of this award include K J Yesudas, Playback singer ; P Suseela, playback singer, Indian Idol Sri Ramachandra etc.

Ghantasala Arts Academy has instituted the "Ghantasala National Award" and the first award was given to S P Balasubrahmanyam, playback singer

Personal life

Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao was married to Savithri. Ghantasala had FIVE children: TWO sons (Vijaya Kumar, Ratna Kumar) and 3 daughters (Shyamala, Suguna and Shanti).

Filmography

Playback singer and music director

Alibaba 40 Dongalu, 1970

Thalli Thandrulu, 1970

Rahasyam, 1967

Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha, 1966

C.I.D., 1965

Gudi Gantalu, 1965

Pandava Vanavasam, 1965

Veera Kesari, 1963

Lavakusa, 1963

Raktha Sambandham, 1962

Gundamma Katha, 1962

Sati Sulochana, 1961

Sabash Raja, 1961

Bhakta Raghunath, 1960

Deepavali, 1960

Shantinivasam, 1960

Pelli Sandadi, 1959

Sabhash Ramudu 1959

Manchi Manasuku Manchi Rojulu, 1958

Pelli Naati Pramanalu, 1958

Mayabazar, 1957

Bhale Bava, 1957

Sarangadhara, 1957

Vinayaka Chaviti, 1957

Chiranjeevulu, 1956

Jayam Manade, 1956

Kanakatara, 1956

Kanyasulkam, 1955

Vadina Gari Gajulu, 1955

Chandraharam, 1954

Bratuku Theruvu, 1953

Palletooru, 1952

Pelli Chesi Choodu, 1952

Patala Bhairavi, 1951

Nirdoshi, 1951

Shavukaru, 1950

Vali Sugriva, 1950

Mana Desam, 1949

Keelugurram, 1949

Playback singer

Devadasu

Atmabalam

Bangaru Babu (1973)

Bhakta Tukaram (1973)

Badi Panthulu (1972)

Jeevitha Chakram (1971)

Prem Nagar (1971)

Bandhavyalu (1968)

Manchi Kutumbam (1965)

Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima (1965)

Dr. Chakravarthi (1964)

Devatha (1964)

Mooga Manasulu (1963)

Aradhana (1962)

Bhishma (1962)

Manchi Manasulu (1962)

Bhakta Jayadeva (1961)

Iddaru Mitrulu (1961)

Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961)

Mahakavi Kalidasu (1960)

Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960)

Illarikam (1959)

Jayabheri (1959)

Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1958)

Panduranga Mahatyam (1957)

Thodi Kodallu (1957)

Kanyasulkam (1955)

Donga Ramudu (1955)

Private albums

Pushpa Vilapam

Patriotic Songs

Bhagawad Gita

Devotional Songs