K. S. Chithra Female Play Back Singer in India

K. S. Chithra  often credited as Chitra, is a six time National Film Award winning playback singer who has made her mark in the Indian (film) music playback industry. Known as the Nightingale of South India, she has lent her voice to Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Assamese and Bengali films.

K. S. Chithra പത്മശ്രീ കെ.എസ്‌.ചിത്ര
K.S.Chitra
Background information
Birth name	Chithra Krishnan Nair
Born	July 27, 1963 (1963-07-27) (age 47) Trivandrum, India
Genres	Playback singing, Carnatic music
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocalist
Years active	1982–present

Personal life

Born on July 27, 1963, in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, into a family of musicians, Chithra’s talent was recognized and nurtured from an early age by her father, the late Krishnan Nair. He was also her first guru (teacher). Chithra received her extensive training in Carnatic music from Dr. K. Omanakutty, after she was selected for the National Talent Search Scholarship from the Central Government from 1978–1984. She is married to Vijayashankar, an engineer and businessman. Her only daughter Nandana, was born in 2002.

Professional career

Chitra was introduced to Malayalam playback singing by M. G. Radhakrishnan in 1979 and went on to become a regular singer for many malayalam musicians including Raveendran and the likes. Her duets with K. J. Yesudas in Malayalam and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam in all other languages are the most hummed songs by the music lovers. She made her debut in the Tamil film industry in Chennai under the guidance of film music composer Ilaiyaraaja. Poojaikketra poovithu song Film- Neethana Antha kuil is the first song in Tamil music by Ilaiyaraaja. Her knowledge of South Indian languages and Hindi enables her to render songs with originality and perfection. Ilaiyaraaja has contributed so much to Chitra's glory. Fazil was doing a remake his Malayalam movie in Tamil Poove Poochudava a strong subject movie with wonderful music of Ilayaraja. Raja heard Chitra’s voice in the Malayalam version and got impressed by that and asked her for audition. Then her turn came for the movie Nee thana antha kuyil with a beautiful song “Poojaiketa Poovidhu”. “Antha Kuyil has incidentally become China Kuyil of South India”. Since then, she has sung some wonderfully melodious songs mostly with classical overtures in Tamil Films and it is astounding that Illayaraja & A. R. Rahman have fetched her some memorable songs leading to the National awards. She also delivered some most memorable songs for Deva, Vidyasagar, Ouseppachan, M. Jayachandran, M. M. Keeravani, Hamsalekha, Raj-Koti, Rajan-Nagendra, S. A. Rajkumar, Mani Sharma, Harris Jayaraj, M. S. Viswanathan, G. Devarajan, Devisri Prasad and many other south Indian music directors. She gave a touch of vibrance and youthfulness to many Actresses in southern Cinema with her lovely voice.[1]. She is the inspiration for many upcoming female playback singers.She is the only south indian playback singer who well accepted in all major Indian languages after P.Leela.

Chitra is also a house hold name in Bollywood music. She has recorded many memorable Hindi songs for various music directors of bollywood namely Anand-Milind, Anu Malik, Rajesh Roshan, Viju Shah, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Naushad, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Jatin-Lalit and many others. She also recorded the Hindi versions of her own Tamil songs sung for A. R. Rahman.

Currently, Chitra is one among the panel of judges in the singing reality shows at Kerala (Idea Star Singer) and Tamil Nadu (Airtel Super Singer Junior).

Awards

Chithra has recorded more than 25 thousands of film and non-film songs to date. During her illustrious career which is still continuing, numerous recognitions have come her way including six National Awards for best female playback singer.She is just behind K.J. Yesudas who has won 7 national awards as a singer. This is the highest number of national awards awarded to any female playback singer. She has won the awards for the following films:

Civilian Awards:

* 2005 - Padma Shri - India's fourth highest civilian honours

National Film Awards:

* 2004 - Best Female Playback Singer - Autograph, Tamil Film (Song: 'Ovvoru Pookalume')

* 1997 - Best Female Playback Singer - Virasat, Hindi Film (Song: 'Payalein Chun Mun')

* 1996 - Best Female Playback Singer - Minsaara Kanavu, Tamil Film (Song: 'Maana Madurai (Ooh La La La)')

* 1989 - Best Female Playback Singer - Vaishali, Malayalam Film (Song: 'Indupushpam Choodi Nilkum Raathri')

* 1987 - Best Female Playback Singer - Nakhashathangal, Malayalam Film (Song: 'Manjal Prasadavum')

* 1986 - Best Female Playback Singer - Sindhu Bhairavi, Tamil Film (Song: 'Padariyen Padippariyen')

Filmfare Awards South:

* 2009: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Malayalam) - Kunnathe Konnakyum (Pazhassiraja)

* 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Kannada) - Araluva Hoovugale (Autograph)

* 2008: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Malayalam) - Oduvil Oru (Thirakkatha)

* 2006: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Malayalam) - Kalabham tharam (Vadakkumnathan)

* 2004: Filmfare Best Female Playback Award (Telugu) - Nuvvostanante (Varsham)

She has also received 15 awards for the best female playback singer from Kerala State Government, 7 awards from Andhra Pradesh State Government, 4 awards from Tamil Nadu State Government and 3 awards from Karnataka State Government. She is the only playback singer to be recognised by all the four state governments in South India for her contributions.

Kerala State Film Awards:

* 2005 - Best Play Back Singer - Nottam ('Mayangipoyi')

* 2002 - Best Play Back Singer - Nandanam ('Karmukil Varnante')

* 2001 - Best Play Back Singer - Theerthadanam ('Mooli Mooli')

* 1999 - Best Play Back Singer - Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu ('Pular Veyilum')

* 1995 - Best Play Back Singer - Devaragam ('Sasikala Charthiya')

* 1994 - Best Play Back Singer - Parinayam ('Parvanenthu')

* 1993 - Best Play Back Singer - Sopanam ('Ponmeghame'), Chamayam ('Rajahamsame'), Gazal ('Sangeethame')

* 1992 - Best Play Back Singer - Savidham ('Mounasarovaram')

* 1991 - Best Play Back Singer - Keli ('Thaaram'), Santhwanam ('Swarakanyakamar')

* 1990 - Best Play Back Singer - Innale ('Kannil Nin meyyil'), Njan Gandharvan ('Palappoove')

* 1989 - Best Play Back Singer - Oru Vadakkan Veera Gadha ('Kalarivilakku'), Mazhavilkkavadi ('Thankathoni')

* 1988 - Best Play Back Singer - Vaishali ('Indupushpam')

* 1987 - Best Play Back Singer - Eenam Maranna Kattu ('Eenam marannakatte'), Ezhuthappurangal ('Thalolam Paithal')

* 1986 - Best Play Back Singer - Nagakshathangal ( 'Manjalprasadavum')

* 1985 - Best Play Back Singer - Ente Kaanakuyil ('Oreswaram Ore Niram'), Nirakkootu ('Poomaname'), Nokettadoorathu Kannum Nattu ('Aayiram Kannumai')

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards:

* 2004 - Best Female Playback Singer - Ovvoru Pookalume (Autograph)

* 1995 - Best Female Playback Singer - Kannalane (Bombay)

* 1990 - Best Female Playback Singer - Various Films

* 1988 - Best Female Playback Singer - Various Films

Andhra Pradesh State Film Awards:

* 2004 - Best Female Playback Singer - Varsham ('Nuvvostanante Neddontana')

* 1999 - Best Female Playback Singer - Swayamvaram

* 1996 - Best Female Playback Singer

* 1993 - Best Female Playback Singer

* 1992 - Best Female Playback Singer

* 1991 - Best Female Playback Singer

* 1990 - Best Female Playback Singer

Karnataka State Film Awards:

* 2004 - Best Female Playback Singer

* 2000 - Best Female Playback Singer

* 1997 - Best Female Playback Singer

Asianet Film Awards:

* 2009 - Best Female Playback - Kunnathe Konnakkyum (Pazhassiraja)

* 2007 - Best Female Playback - Chellathamare (Hallo)

* 2005 - Best Female Playback - Enthu Paranjalum (Achuvinte Amma)

* 2003 - Best Female Playback - Mizhi Randilum

* 2000 - Best Female Playback - Nil

* 1999 - Best Female Playback - Megham

Jai Hind Film Awards

* 2010 - Best Female Playback Singer Award - Kunnathe Konnakyum (Pazhassiraja)

Radio Mirchi Awards (South)

* 2010 - Radio Mirchi Listeners Choice Award - K. S. Chitra - Kunnathe Konnakyum (Pazhassiraja)

Other achievements

Chithra was also honoured with the Kalaimamani title from Tamil Nadu Government in 1997, the K. J. Yesudas Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, Kalaiselvam title from the South Indian Nadigar Sangam in 2002, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Global Malayalee Council in London in 2003. She has also received numerous mainstream awards like MTV Video Music Award, Screen – Videocon Award, Film Fans Association Awards, and Cinema Express Awards. She has in her credit, private albums in Hindi, namely Piya Basanti and Sunset Point. Her first ghazal album with Masterio Ghulam Ali and Asha Bhosle is ready for release. She recently released an album in dedication to Smt.M.S.Subbulakshmi named My Tribute. It is a collection of krithis and bhajans dedicated to Smt.M.S.Subbulakshmi. Sony is planning to release a solo album soon owing to success of Piya Basanti. Recognising her contribution to the music world, Smt. Chithra has been conferred the Padma Shri title by the Government of India in 2005.

Stage performance

Chithra has performed all over India, Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia, UK, France, U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark.

Audiotracks

Chithra, who is a Grade A artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan, has established her own recording label, Audiotracs, to promote new talents in the music world by giving them opportunities to collaborate with her as singers, lyricists and music directors.

Kavita Subramaniam Female Play Back Singer in India

Kavita Subramaniam née Kavita Krishnamurthy is an Indian film playback singer. She is classically trained and has sung a wide range of classical-based songs. In her career, she has worked with a variety of music composers, including R.D. Burman and A.R. Rahman. She is also the recipient of four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards.

Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam
Kavita Subramaniam, 2008
Background information
Birth name	Sharada Krishnamurthy
Also known as	Kavita Krishnamoorthy, Kavita Krishnamurti
Born	January 25, 1958 (1958-01-25) (age 52)
Origin	Delhi, India
Genres	Playback singing, fusion, pop
Occupations	Playback singer, fusion artiste
Years active	1980–present

Early life

Born Sharada Krishnamurthy[4] in New Delhi, India to T.S. Krishnamurthy, an employee of Education Ministry. She began her music training with her aunt, Bhattacharya, who taught her Rabindra Sangeet.[3] She began her formal training in Hindustani classical music under Balram Puri, a classical singer.

At the young age of eight, Kavita won a gold medal at a music competition. Subsequently, she kept winning many such gold medals as she kept participating in the Inter-Ministry Classical Competition in New Delhi in the mid 1960s.

Performing career

At the age of nine, she got an opportunity to record a Tagore song in Bengali with the legendary Lata Mangeshkar under the auspices of the music composer and singer Hemant Kumar. Although the young Sharada was aspiring to be working with Indian Foreign Services, Kavita moved to Bombay when she was just 14 to try her luck as a playback singer in the Hindi film industry. She is an alumnus of St. Xaviers' College, Bombay from where she acquired her Ph.D. in Economics. She was also very active in the St. Xaviers' Music Group during her college days. During the annual college festival (Malhar), she accidentally met Ranu Mukherjee, the daughter of Hemant Kumar. Ranu took the initiative of reintroducing Kavita to her father. He was impressed by her grounding in music, so he began using her as a singer during his live performances. In one such performance, playback singer Manna Dey spotted her and employed her to sing advertisement jingles. Through her aunt's strong contacts, she met Jaya Chakravarthy, the mother of actress Hema Malini, who later took the initiative of introducing Kavita to the music director Laxmikant (one half of the composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal) in late 1976.

Playback singing

Laxmikant gave her an option to work as a dubbing artiste or a career in playback singing later. Kavita chose the former and impressed Laxmikant with her strong grounding in Indian classical music and her deep voice. Initially, she used to record songs and cut demos of songs intended for singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. In her struggle phase, she received the patronage of music composers Laxmikant—Pyarelal, who backed her so strongly that she was labelled as a "LP-campwalli" which gave many music directors an excuse to avoid working with her.

In 1980, she first sang the song, "Kaahe Ko Byaahi" in the film Maang Bharo Sajana, which featured her singing in her own voice. Unfortunately, the song was dropped from the final cut of the film. In 1985, her career took off with her first major hit, "Tumse Milkar Na Jaane Kyon" from the Hindi film Pyaar Jhukta Nahin. Post the success of the song, it opened up various opportunities beyond the Laxmikant-Pyarelal camp. However, "Hawa Hawaii" and "Karte Hain Hum Pyaar Mr. India Se", two popular songs from the equally popular movie Mr. India (1987), proved to be a turning point in her career. (The songs were composed by music composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the latter being a duet with Kishore Kumar and lip-synced on screen by actress Sridevi). Her collaboration with Laxmikant-Pyarelal produced several hits.

The 1990s thrust Kavita to being known as the undisputed leading female playback singer.{[fact}} In 1994, Kavita became the only female singer after Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle to sing for R.D. Burman. Her performance as a singer in the film 1942: A Love Story, composed by R.D. Burman won her a lot of popular acclaim. She went on to work with several music directors of Hindi films of the 1990s, such as Anand-Milind, A.R. Rahman, Ismail Darbar, Nadeem-Shravan, Jatin-Lalit, and Anu Malik. During her stint as a playback singer, she sang duets with the leading male singers of her times like Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Udit Narayan, Mohd. Aziz and Shabbir Kumar.

Post her marriage to violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam in Bangalore on 11 November 1999, Kavita got extremely selective and cut down on her film singing. She started expanding her artistic range to areas which were never explored. She was the main featured soloist in the Global Fusion album released by Warner Bros., featuring musicians from five continents. As she actively started exploring fusion music, Kavita travelled around the world including to the US, UK, Europe, Africa, Australia, the Far East, the Middle East and South America. She performed in concert halls like Royal Albert Hall in London, The Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C., Madison Square Garden, The Lincoln Centre in New York, the Zhongshan Music Hall in Beijing, The Esplanade in Singapore, The Putra Jaya World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, and Gewandhaus Leipzigm.

Although primarily a playback singer, Kavita has sung with orchestras as a soloist; she collaborated with Western artists from jazz, pop and classical fields. She has lent her voice for ghazals and devotional music albums. Both as a fusion music singer and as a playback singer, Kavita has performed throughout India.

[edit] Pop and devotional singing

Due to her participation in fusion and pop music, Kavita has lent her voice for several pop and devotional albums. The most prominent ones being:

* Koi Akela Kahan

* Meera Ka Ram

* Mahalakshmi Stotram

* Pop Time

* Sai Ka Vardaan

* Shagufthagi

* Dil Ki Awaaz (2006)

* Athens

* Asmita

* Mahiya

 TV

Kavita Subramaniam has been making appearances in various music reality shows as a guest judge owing to her popularity as a playback singer. She is currently judging the show Idea: Bharat Ki Shaan. This show airs on Doordarshan at prime time.

Personal life

Kavita Krishnamurthy married violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam in Bangalore on 11 November 1999. They have no children. Subramaniam has three children from his previous marriage,but Kavita treats them as if they are her own children. Their daughter Seetha is a law graduate and is currently working on an English album. Narayanan, the middle one, is working to be a qualified doctor. The youngest, Ambi Subramaniam, is a featured soloist in the Bangalore-based band "Astral Symphony" and has recorded and given several concerts with his parents.

Kavita and her husband are now planning a music institute in Bangalore. The Institute would be named after her late father-in-law Lakshminarayana, who was also her husband's guru. The idea is to make it a global institute. The institute would teach both Indian and Western music. She wants dedicated students to learn from the works of Mozart so that they could collaborate with Western musicians who come to India for tours. The seeds have been sown with violin classes. She says that she is not going to be involved in too many classes. Her role in the institute would be to supervise the teaching process and conduct workshops on how to interpret a song. Her secret desire is to create the best music library that India has ever had, which includes, a vast variety of world music. Subramaniam has already collected a lot of material to which they want teachers, dedicated students and enthusiasts to have access.

In Sep 2010, the couple's maid filed a sexual harassment case against Mr. Subramaniam after he had filed a case of theft in their house.

Awards

Kavita Krishnamurty has received several awards and honours. She was the recipient of three consecutive Filmfare awards from 1995–1997.

[edit] Filmfare Best Female Playback Award

* "Pyaar Hua Chupke Se"—1942: A Love Story (1995)

* "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya"—Yaarana (1996)

* "Aaj Main Upar"—Khamoshi: The Musical (1997)

* "Dola Re Dola"—Devdas (2002)

Star Screen Awards

* "Aaj Main Upar" from Khamoshi: The Musical (1997)

Zee Cine Awards

* Zee Cine Award for Best Female Playback Singer for "Nimbooda" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (2000)

* Zee Cine Award for Best Female Playback Singer for "Dola Re Dola" in Devdas (shared with Shreya Ghoshal) (2003)

International Indian Film Academy

* IIFA Best Female Playback Singer for "Dola Re Dola" in Devdas (shared with Shreya Ghoshal) (2003)

Other awards

* Yesudas Award (2008) by Swaralaya, for exceptional contribution to Indian music.

* Padma Shri (2005), for outstanding contribution to Indian music.

* Kishore Kumar Journalists'/Critics' Award in Calcutta (2002)

* Bollywood Award, held in New York (2002)

* Bollywood Award, held in New York (2000)

Jyotsna Radhakrishnan Female Play Back Singer in India

Jyotsna Radhakrishnan (born September 5, 1986) is a playback singer in Malayalam cinema. She is based in Thrissur, Kerala.

Jyotsna Radhakrishnan
Jyotsna Radhakrishnan
Background information
Born	September 5, 1986 (1986-09-05) (age 24) Kuwait
Origin	Thrissur, Kerala
Genres	playback singing
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocalist
Years active	1998-present
Website	jyotsnamusic.org

Early days

Jyotsna Radhakrishnan was born in Kuwait to Radhakrishnan and Girija. She was brought up in Abu Dhabi, and did her schooling up to 10th grade in Abu Dhabi. She is currently doing her final year Degree Course in English Literature, in Kerala, India. She has learnt both Carnatic and Hindustani music when moving back to Kerala.

Singing career

Jyotsana's interest in music started at a very young age. She has learnt Carnatic vocal under Mangad Natesan (A.I.R. artiste) and also Hindustani classical vocal under Guru Dinesh Devdas. Although she started her career in Malayalam Cinema with the song "Valakilukkam Kettedee" from the film "Pranayamani Thooval" in 2002, she shot into the limelight with the song "Sughamanee Nilavu" from the film "Nammal" after which she has had a very busy professional singing career. Till now she has sung in almost 130 movies including Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu. She also has lent her voice for 200 albums. Some of her other hits include ”Karuppinazhagu” from "Swapnakoodu", "Melleyonnu" from "Manassinakkare", "Meheruba" from "Perumazhakkalam" etc.

Some of her latest films include "Classmates", "Pothen Vava", "Don", "Notebook" and "Janmam". She has traveled to the U.K., U.S.A and Singapore for musical programs and has performed with almost all leading playback singers of south India. She successfully concluded another North American tour recently with singer G. Venugopal, performing for Malayalees in major cities.

Awards

Asianet Film Awards:

• 2002 - Best Female Playback -Nammal

1. Winner of Title trophy "Rasna Girl 2001" (Open UAE music competition in Hindi film songs)
2. Prize winner in "Sangeetha Prathibha Sangamam" an open UAE music competition in Malayalam film songs.
3. Shruthi Bharatham Award for best Female Playback Singer 2003
4. "Yuva Prathibha" award by Pallavoor Appu Marar Smaraka Kala Kshetra 2003
5. All Kerala Youth Campus Critics Award 2004
6. Mahatma Gandhi Education Foundation Award 2004
7. "Outstanding Young Person" Award by Jaycees
8. Kaveri Film Critics TV Award 2004
9. Jaycees Foundation Award for Best Female Playback Singer
10. Film Audience Award 2005
11. Gulf Malayalam Music Award 2006
    

Discography

Films

1. Nammal-Sukhamanee Nilavu
2. Pranayamanithooval-Valakilukkam kettedi
3. Kerala house
4. Kasthooriman-One plus one
5. Chathikkatha Chanthu-Mazhameettum, Love letter
6. Vellinakhathram-Pinapple pennae
7. Sathyam-Be happy
8. Krithyam-Kattae
9. Swapnakkoodu-Karuppinazhagu
10. Manassinakkare-Melleyonnu Padi
11. Seelabathi
12. Pulival kalyanam-gujarathi
13. For the People-Ninte Mizhimuna
14. Rain Rain Come Again-Themma Themma
15. Adbhutha dweepu-Chakkara mavinte, Oridathoridathu
16. Youth Festival-Kalla Kalla, Enne ninakkinnu
17. Pezhumazhakkalam-Mehruba Mehruba
18. Pothenvava-Manjadi manimuthu
19. Manju poleru penkutti-Ithile nee
20. Goal-Manam thelinja raavum
21. Rappakal-Katha katha kilippennu
22. Raam-Boom Boom
23. Classmates-Kathirunna pennallae
24. Pathaka-Husunul jamal
25. Don-Swarga naalu
26. Notebook-Hridayavum hridayavum
27. Janmam
28. Abraham & Lincoln-Thakkida tharikida
29. Big B-Muthumazha
30. Pachakkuthira-Varavelkkumo, Oru thottavadi
31. Jalolsavam-Kanneerinte kayal
32. Chocolate-Thamarayum sooryanum
33. Pandippada-Ariyathe ishtamayi
34. Colours-O kanmani
35. Love in singapore-Ithu azhaku
36. Sadhu miranda-Akayam kanamal ponalum
37. Kanmazha peyyumbol
38. Keralolsavam
39. Kick-Gore Gore
40. Anjaneyulu-Yem Vayaso

Albums

1. Manicheppu
2. Chempakame
3. Malayalippennu
4. Krishnapriya
5. Mayakkannaa
6. Ithu Premamo (releasing on 2008)

Jikki Female Playback Singer of India

P.G (Pillavalu Gajapathi) Krishnaveni (aka Jikki (జిక్కి) ) (Telugu: పి.జి.కృష్ణవేణి) , was a popular film playback singer from South India. She sang over nearly 10,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Sinhala languages.

Jikki
Birth name	P.G. Krishnaveni
Also known as	Jikki
Born	Missing required parameter , (-Missing required parameter 1=monthchandragiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
Origin	Chandragiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died	August 16, 2004 Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
Genres	Film music (playback singing), Indian classical music
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocalist

Early life

Jikki was born to Gajapathi Naidu and Rajakanthamma at Chandragiri, near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Her parents moved to Chennai for a living. Indeed music ran in her genes for her uncle Devaraju Naidu worked as music composer with celebrated Kannada theatre legend and movie pioneer Gubbi Veeranna. Jikki began her career as child artist and played a minor role in a telugu movie named Panthulamma directed by Guduvalli Ramabramham in 1943. In 1946 she once again hit the silver screen with the movie Mangalasutram, the rehash of a Hollywood movie 'Excuse Me'.

Career

Jikki got a chance to sing for the Tamil movie 'Gnanasoundari' in 1948. This was the turning point in her life. She sang for the heroine, when she was young. The song Arul Tharaam Deva maathaavey Aadhiyey Inba Jothi... became super hit and so did the film. This changed actress Jikki into Playback singer Jikki. Soon Jikki began to sing regularly not only in Tamil and Telugu but also in Kannada and Malayalam films. During those years as most of the Sinhalese films were produced in South India, she sang for Sri Lankan films movies too. She got many chances to sing in all southern languages. She sang many songs with P. Leela another famous playback singer.

Personal life

She was married to successful playback singer and music director A. M. Rajah. A.M.Rajah-Jikki duets have been super-duper hits. The Tamil movie 'Then Nivalu' was a big hit also because these all time great singers. Jikki has also sung many songs in her husband`s direction - songs that still play in radio stations. A mother of six children, Jikki lost her husband in a train mishap. He slipped and fell in between the tracks while boarding a train. This was one incident that she could never forget. After her husband`s death she stopped singing for sometime. Then she came out of retirement and sang for Ilaiyaraaja. She also started a music troupe with her two daughters and performed in many countries including U.S.

Personality

Unlike many singers she was not always after money. Once when she sang five songs for a tamil film, She asked the producer 'Valampuri Somanathan' to reduce her remuneration because he had given her the opportunity to sing so many songs in a single movie, such is her dedication for singing.

Filmography

1. Mana Desam (1949)
2. Palletoori Pilla (1950)
3. Shavukaru (1950)
4. Samsaram (1950)
5. Patala Bhairavi (1951)
6. Navvite Navaratnalu (1951)
7. Dharmadevata (1952/I)
8. Palletooru (1952)
9. Aah (1953)
10. Bratuku Theruvu (1953)
11. Devadasu (1953)
12. Pardesi (1953)
13. Pratigna (1953/I)
14. Rechukka (1954)
15. Todu Dongalu (1954)
16. Donga Ramudu (1955)
17. Rojulu Marayi (1955)
18. Anarkali (1955)
19. Ardhangi (1955)
20. Chiranjeevulu (1956)
21. Bhale Ramudu (1956)
22. Edi Nijam (1956)
23. Jayam Manade (1956)
24. Kanakatara (1956)
25. Penki Pellam (1956)
26. Suvarna Sundari (1957/I)
27. Maya Bazaar (Telugu, 1957)
28. Maya Bazaar (Tamil, 1957)
29. Bhale Bava (1957)
30. Panduranga Mahatyam (1957)
31. Sarangadhara (1957)
32. Todi Kodallu (1957)
33. Chenchu Lakshmi (1958/I)
34. Mangalya Balam (1958)
35. Krishna Leelalu (1959)
36. Raja Makutam (1959/I)
37. Pelli Kaanuka (1960)
38. Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani (1960)
39. Shantinivasam (1960)
40. Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960)
41. Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam (1961)
42. Batasari (1961)
43. Sabash Raja (1961)
44. Thirudathe (1961)
45. Bhishma (1962)
46. Gulebakavali Katha (1962)
47. Siri Sampadalu (1962)
48. Tirupathamma Katha (1963)
49. Lava Kusha (1963/I)
50. Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971)
51. Shrimanthudu (1971)
52. Vattathukkul Chathuram (1978)
53. Aditya 369 (1991)
54. Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu (1991)
55. Ninne Pelladatha (1996)
56. Murari (2001)

Awards and honours

She was honoured with "Ugadi Puraskaram" by Madras Kala Sagar and Government of Tamilnadu awarded her "Kalai Ma Mani".

Death

She had been sufferin from Breast Cancer and had surgery, but the cancer soon spread to her Kidneys and eventually the Brain. Several attempts were made to save her life which were supported by donations through musical nites, medical/financial support from Governments of Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh. Then Tamilnadu chief minister J.Jayalalithaa had granted jikki of Rs 100,000 (one lakh rupees) from the 'Dr.MGR' trust after hearing her illness and her difficulty to meet the treatment expenses. Finally, she died on August 16, 2004 in Chennai.

Jaspinder Narula Female Playback Singer of India

Jaspinder Narula is a noted Punjabi singer and Bollywood playback singer, who shot to fame after a duet ‘Pyar to hona hi tha’ from the 1998 film Pyar To Hona Hi Tha with Remo Fernandes for which she won the 1999 Filmfare Best Female Playback Award, her other notable films are Mission Kashmir, Mohabbatein, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Bunty Aur Babli. She also a singer of Sufi music, and as well as Gurbani and other Sikh religious music .


In 2008, she won the title of India's Best Live Performer in the NDTV Imagine singing reality series, Dhoom Macha De (2008).

Jaspinder Narula
Jaspinder Narula live with Ruhan Kapoor, Jan 2009
Background information
Genres	Punjabi music, religious music, Bollywood music
Years active	1994-present

Jaspinder Narula is a noted Punjabi singer and Bollywood playback singer, who shot to

Career

Jaspinder’s tryst with singing began early. Her father K.S. Narula was a music composer of 1950s. Initially Jaspindar Narula kept away from film singing and specialized in singing bhajans and Sufiana compositions. She finally moved to Mumbai a few years later at the advise of noted music director Kalyanji who heard her at the private gather in Delhi and asked his son and music director, Viju Shah to give her break in films like, Master, Aar Ya Paar and Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan (1998).


She excels in singing folk and devotional songs. She has lent her voice to record numerous music albums for a large number of successful Bollywood films like Dulhe Raja, Virasat, Mission Kashmir, Mohabbatein and Bunty aur Babli to name a few.

Personal life

She lives in Mumbai and is married to an Canada-based Indian businessman. She complete her Ph.D. in Hindustani classical music from Delhi University in 2008. Her husband is demanding a divorce from her but she wants to make a negotiation.

Awards

* Filmfare Award
o 1999: Best Female Playback: "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha" from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha

* Star Screen Award
o 1999: Best Female Playback: "Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha" from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha

Hema Sardesai Female Playback Singer of India

Hema Sardesai also known as simply Hema, is an Indian playback singer, best known for her Hindi songs.

During her career, Sardesai has sung playback songs for over 60 Bollywood films, has released several successful Indipop albums, and has performed numerous live stage shows in almost all the states of India and world tours in different countries around the globe.

Sardesai is the only Indian Singer to win the Grand Prix at the 16th International Pop Song Festival in Germany, and the only female singer other than Lata Mangeshkar to perform at the celebrations for the 50th year of India's Independence day.

Background information
Genres	playback singing, Indian classical music, Folk, Indipop
Occupations	Singer, Playback singer, Composer
Instruments	Vocalist
Years active	1989-present
Website	HemaSardesai.com

Career

Born in Mumbai, India, Hema Sardesai hails from Goa.

She began singing from a very young age and made her stage debut as an eight-year-old at the Navratri Festival. As a child, teachers and friends used to call her Happy Go Lucky Girl and even today she is frequently called so by her colleagues in the Indian music industry.

She started her playback singing career in 1989 and made her debut in the film Goonj, singing for actress Juhi Chawla. Since then she has sung songs for over 60 Hindi films for many popular actresses like Manisha Koirala, Urmila Matondkar, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Tabbu, Kajol, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and Kareena Kapoor, collaborating with some of India's most prominent music directors and composers, including Anu Malik, A R Rahman, Rajesh Roshan, Nadeem-Shravan, Vishal Bhardwaj and Pritam.

Her first milestone achievement was her winning the Grand Prix at the 16th International Pop Song Festival '89 held in Germany. This gave her an opportunity to express her stage talent and, since then, she has successfully performed on TV and live stage shows in almost all the states of India and numerous world tours to places such as the USA, UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, West Indies, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and so on.

On 15 August 1997 Hema performed at the celebrations for the 50th year of India's Independence. She sang one of her own compositions, "Mere Vatan Hindustan" at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi witnessed by an audience of nearly 3 million people. The song was specially composed for the occasion.

Her 1999 album Piya Se Milke Aaye Nain won Hema an award for "The best selling album of the season".

During her years in the Indian film industry, Sardesai was widely praised for her song performances. Her performances for songs such as Awaara Bhavaren (Sapnay, 1997), Sona Sona Ye Na Hona (Soldier, 1998), Sar Sar Hawa Hai (Daman, 2001), Kitne Kisse Hain (Astitva, 2001), Hai Re Hai Re (Khushi, 2003), Sun Suniyo (Musafir, 2004), the title track of the film Asambhav (2005) among many other, were much appreciated and applauded by critics and audiences.

Hema is the only singer who sang playback duets with four superstars: Amitabh Bachchan (Baghban), Naseeruddin Shah (Asambhav), Govinda (Hum Do Hamara Do) and Shahrukh Khan (Josh).

Reviews

The Times of India wrote about her once "Hema Sardesai hit an all time high with 'Aawara Bhavaren'. A few albums which did exceedingly well on the charts followed. Hema has always been someone who needs to have her share of fun. She wants to concentrate on being the Indian girl who can get both critical and commercial acclaim. After all with a debut like 'Hindustani Gudiya' you would have expected that."

The Asian Age proclaimed that she is "A playback singer with a difference." Another critic from Record wrote, "One of the most versatile performers and singers in our industry, Hema Sardesai has over the last few years made a mark for herself in the heart of every music lover. She is versatile because she not only sings for films and Indipop, but also renders Indian Classical and Western Pop songs beautifully, besides Folk and Fusion. Her live stints in India and abroad have proved her vocal strength."

Famous songs

This is a list of Hema's Top Hit Playback Songs Sung by Hema, according to her website:

• Ishq Chandi hai - Biwi No.1
• Jaanam Samjha Karo - Jaanam Samjha Karo
• Apun Bola - Josh
• Jungle Hai Aadhi Raat Hai - Biwi No.1
• Sona Sona Ye Na Hona - Soldier
• Tere Pyaar Mein - Zor
• Mein Kudi Anjaani Ho - Zor
• Awaara Bhavaren - Sapnay
• Hulle Hulle - Aar Ya Paar
• Hai Re Hai Re - Khushi
• Kehna Hai Tumse Kehna - Mann
• Naach meri Jaan - Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao
• Na Heera Na Moti - Kunwara
• Eli Re Eli - Yaadein
• Tere Sang Ek Simple Si Coffee - Zameen
• O Maria - Josh
• Chali Chali Phir Chali Chali - Baghban
• Khalli Valli - Market
• Qayamat Qayamat - Qayamat
• Asambhav - Asambhav
• Chori Chori - Garam Masala
• Badal Pe Paon Hai - Chak De! India

Awards and honors

• 1989 - 16th International Pop Song Festival, Grand Prix in Germany
• 1999 - The best selling album of the season for the album Piya Se Milke Aaye Nain
• 2006 - All India Woman's Conference, Gomant Tejaswini Award for her outstanding achievements in the music field.

Harini Female Playback Singer of India

Harini is a South Indian film playback singer, who has worked with film composers A. R. Rahman, Ilayaraaja, Vidyasagar, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Harris Jeyaraj. She is married to another Kollywood Singer Tippu.

Filmography

Harini has sung songs for Tamil films including Indira (1995), Indian (1996), Iruvar (1997), PadayappaAlaipayuthey (2000), Dheena (2000), Thulluvadho Ilamai (2001), Dumm Dumm Dumm (2001) and Anniyan (2005)Puli (2010). Harini has also sung a number of Telugu and Kannada songs. (1999),

Harini
Born	Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Genres	Playback singer
Occupations	Singer
Years active	1995-present