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Swarnalatha

2021-12-13T15:00:55Z

2409:4072:8E9C:130D:0:0:548B:B00B: Added content

{{short description|Indian singer}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}

{{Infobox musical artist 
| name = Swarnalatha
| background = solo_singer
| image = https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swarnalatha.jpg
| image_size = https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swarnalatha.jpg
| caption =
| alias =The Humming Queen Swarangalin Arasi Nightingale of Tamil Nadu
| birth_date = 29 April 1973
| birth_place = [[Chittur (village)|Chittur]], [[Palakkad]], Kerala, India
| death_date = 12 September 2010 (aged 37)
| death_place = [[Chennai, India]]
| genre = [[Playback singer|Cinema Playback singing]], [[Carnatic music]], [[Hindustani Music]], Ghazal
| occupation = Singer
| instrument = vocals
| years_active = 1987–2010
}}

'''Swarnalatha''' (29 April 1973 – 12 September 2010) was an Indian playback singer. In a career spanning almost 22 years (from 1987 till her death), she recorded over 10,000 songs in many languages, including [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]], [[Hindi]], [[Urdu]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Oriya language|Oriya]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], and [[Badaga language|Badaga]].<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article627430.ece| title=Playback singer Swarnalatha passes away| newspaper=The Hindu| date=12 September 2010| access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref> She is fondly called as "The Humming Queen"<ref>{{Cite news|title=Swarnalatha's music keeps fans humming nine year after her death|work=The Federal|url= https://thefederal.com/features/swarnalathas-music-keeps-fans-humming-nine-years-after-her-death/|access-date=2021-08-04}}</ref> and "Swarangalin Arasi".

She won the [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] for her rendition of the song "Porale Ponnuthayi" from the film ''[[Karuththamma]]''. The song was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], under whose musical direction she recorded many memorable songs. She was also the first female playback singer to get a National Award In AR Rahman Music.<ref name="asiantribune.com">[http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/09/14/national-award-winning-playback-singer-swarnalatha-passes-away National award winning playback singer Swarnalatha passes away], Asian Tribune, Tue, 14 September 2010 03:25</ref>

==Personal life==
She was born in Kerala, to K. C. Cherukutty and Kalyani. Her father was a harmonium player and singer. Her mother also had interest in music. Swarnalatha was trained to play harmonium and keyboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist-biography/3604/7/swarnalatha.html|title=Swarnalatha Biography|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714022925/http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist-biography/3604/7/swarnalatha.html|archive-date=14 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Swarnalatha's family later moved to [[Bhadravathi, Karnataka|Bhadravathi]] in [[Shivamogga]] District, [[Karnataka]] where she had her education.<ref name="career">{{cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam%20Home&contentId=7886295&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@|title=Home|access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> She started singing at the age of 3. Surrounded by a family of musicians and music lovers, Swarnalatha was trained in Carnatic and Hindustani music. Her sister Saroja was her first music teacher.

==Career==
Swarnalatha's family moved to [[Chennai]] to seek opportunities in the film industry for her singing talent. The first opportunity came from [[M. S. Viswanathan]] in 1987, when she performed a duet with [[K. J. Yesudas]], "Chinnachiru Kiliye" in the film ''[[Neethikku Thandanai]]''.<ref name="career" /> Subsequently, she was approached by many other music directors to perform songs under their baton. She also had the opportunity to work with director [[P. Venu]]. She was recruited by musicians like [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and [[A. R. Rahman]]. She also recorded a few Hindi songs, the most notable one being "Hai Rama Yeh Kya Hua" from the film ''[[Rangeela (1995 film)|Rangeela]]'' with singer [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]].

In Telugu, she recorded more songs under the music direction of [[Mani Sharma]], [[Ramana Gogula]], [[Raj-Koti]], and [[Vandemataram Srinivas]]. They include the immensely popular songs like Raamma Chilakamma, Osey Ramulamma, and Nizam Babulu.

A. R. Rahman employed Swarnalatha for many of his songs. She was one of the most versatile singers of her times, as she was able to sing melodies like "Maalayil Yaaro Manathodu Pesa" from ''[[Sathriyan]]''<ref name="asiantribune.com"/> or "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuthamma]]'' as well as Rahman's experimental songs like "[[Mukkabla]]" from ''[[Kadhalan]]'' or "Mottu Vittadha" from ''[[Pavithra]]''. Swarnalatha was the first female playback singer to fetch the National Award under [[A. R. Rahman]]'s music direction. She received the award for the song "Porale Ponnuthayi". She recorded many songs with music directors [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]], [[Harris Jayaraj]], [[Anu Malik]], [[Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy]], [[Raj-Koti]], [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], [[Mani Sharma]], [[Hamsalekha]] and many others.

She recorded all the songs originally rendered by [[Lata Mangeshkar]] and [[Shamshad Begum]] for the Tamil movie ''Anarkali'' (the dubbed version of the Hindi movie ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'') and was praised by the Bollywood music director [[Naushad Ali]], which she considered the best moment in her career.<ref>{{Citation|title=Singer swarnalatha captain TV marakka mudiyuma show|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=501BNdE3Dvo|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=ஸ்வர்ணலதாவிற்கு கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqxv1hU5ZL8|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

'''Television'''

She was part of Few Music Reality shows in early 2000's. In a 2001 Vijay TV reality show and in 2004 Jaya TV Ragamalika show as judge.<ref>{{Citation|title=இசை பொக்கிஷம் கலைமாமணி இசைப்பேரரசி ஸ்வர்ணலதாவின் அபூர்வராகங்கள் #Swarnalathaofficial|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUrirxRd4O0|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=JayaTV Rewind: ஸ்வர்ணலதா கலந்துகொண்ட ராகமாலிகா {{!}}{{!}} Swarnalatha {{!}} Ragamalika|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YL6fKRJtbQ|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

==Death==
Swarnalatha died at Malar hospitals Ltd Adayar, Chennai at the age of 37, on 12 September 2010. She had been suffering from [[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis|Idiopathic lung disease]].

==Awards and recognitions==
{| class="infobox" style="width: 25em; text-align: center; font-size: 70%; vertical-align: middle;"
|+ '''Awards'''
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |
|- style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"
!style="vertical-align: middle;"| Awards
| style="background:#cec; font-size:8pt; width:60px;"| Wins
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[National Film Awards]]:
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Andhra Pradesh State Film Awards]]:
|{{won|2}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]:
|{{won|3}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Cinema Express]]:
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
;[[Kalaimamani]]:
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
;Total
|{{won|12}}
|}


'''[[National Film Awards|National Award]]''' ('''[[National Film Awards|Silver Lotus Award]]''')-('''[[National Film Awards|Rajat Kamal]]''')
* [[42nd National Film Awards|1994]]– [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuththamma]]''<ref name="award">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/05/08/stories/2009050850351600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510085158/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/05/08/stories/2009050850351600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 May 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|title=My first break – Swarnalatha|date=8 May 2009}}</ref>

'''[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]'''
* 1991 – [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback]] for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref name="award"/>
* 1994 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuththamma]]''<ref name="award"/>
* 2000 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Evano oruvan" from ''[[Alaipayuthey (film)|Alaipayuthey]]''<ref name="award"/>

'''[[Cinema Express Awards]]'''
* 1991 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZBlAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,722114&dq=cinema+express&hl=en |title=Chinna Thambhi Bags Cinema Express Award |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=25 February 1992 |access-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>
* 1995 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Muquala Muqapala" from ''[[Kadhalan]]''
* 1996 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Akkadannu nanga" from ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''
* 1999 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Ulunthu vidaikayile" from ''[[Mudhalvan]]''
* 2000 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Yevano Oruvan " from ''[[Alaipayuthey]]''
'''Government Honour'''
* 1994– [[Kalaimamani]] Award by the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]]

'''Recognition'''
* 2002 – The song "Rakkama Kaiya Thattu" from the movie ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991) was among the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll. It was performed by [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam|S. P. Balasubrahmaniyam]] and Swarnalatha<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/us/features/topten BBC World Service 70th Anniversary Global Music Poll: The World's Top Ten.] 2002. Retrieved 5 February 2011.</ref>

==Frequent collaboration==
;Ilaiyaraja
She has sung over 300 songs for [[Ilayaraja]] and marked as one of the noted combinations in 90's. 'Povomaa Oorkolam' and 'Nee Yengae Enn Anbae' from the film Chinnathambi were hits. Government of Tamil Nadu honoured her with the award of Best Singer for the song 'Povomaa Oorkolam'.

The song 'Raakkamma Kayyathattu' from the film ''Thalapathi'' figured in BBC's ''Hits List of World Songs''.

She had sung several experimental songs for Ilayaraja such as "Sollividu VelliNilave', "Kanne Indru Kalyana Kathai" and "Ennai Thottu Allikonda".

;A. R. Rahman
[[A. R. Rahman]] and Swarnalatha association started from the year 1993. Their Combination is known for the magical songs such as "Mukkala Mukkabala", "Hai Rama yeh kya hua", which are the hit songs of 90's. She was the first female singer to receive National Award under Rahman's Music for the song "Porale ponnuthayi" from karuthama released in the year 1994. She has sung nearly 80 songs for [[A. R. Rahman|Rahman]].

== Discography ==
{{Main|List of songs recorded by Swarnalatha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|id=0841913|name=Swarnalatha}}

{{National Film Award Best Female Playback Singer}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian female film singers]]
[[Category:Tamil singers]]
[[Category:Malayalam playback singers]]
[[Category:Infectious disease deaths in India]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:People from Palakkad district]]
[[Category:Singers from Kerala]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Best Female Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from pulmonary fibrosis]]

Swarnalatha

2021-12-12T18:02:08Z

2409:4072:8E9C:130D:0:0:548B:B00B: Added content

{{short description|Indian singer}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}

{{Infobox musical artist 
| name = Swarnalatha
| background = solo_singer
| image = https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swarnalatha.jpg
| image_size = https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swarnalatha.jpg
| caption =
| alias =The Humming Queen Swarangalin Arasi Golden Nightingale Isaiyarasi Isaikuyil
| birth_date = 29 April 1973
| birth_place = [[Chittur (village)|Chittur]], [[Palakkad]], Kerala, India
| death_date = 12 September 2010 (aged 37)
| death_place = [[Chennai, India]]
| genre = [[Playback singer|Cinema Playback singing]], [[Carnatic music]], [[Hindustani Music]], Ghazal
| occupation = Singer
| instrument = vocals
| years_active = 1987–2010
}}

'''Swarnalatha''' (29 April 1973 – 12 September 2010) was an Indian playback singer. In a career spanning almost 22 years (from 1987 till her death), she recorded over 10,000 songs in many languages, including [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]], [[Hindi]], [[Urdu]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Oriya language|Oriya]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], and [[Badaga language|Badaga]].<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article627430.ece| title=Playback singer Swarnalatha passes away| newspaper=The Hindu| date=12 September 2010| access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref> She is fondly called as "The Humming Queen"<ref>{{Cite news|title=Swarnalatha's music keeps fans humming nine year after her death|work=The Federal|url= https://thefederal.com/features/swarnalathas-music-keeps-fans-humming-nine-years-after-her-death/|access-date=2021-08-04}}</ref> and "Swarangalin Arasi".

She won the [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] for her rendition of the song "Porale Ponnuthayi" from the film ''[[Karuththamma]]''. The song was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], under whose musical direction she recorded many memorable songs. She was also the first female playback singer to get a National Award In AR Rahman Music.<ref name="asiantribune.com">[http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/09/14/national-award-winning-playback-singer-swarnalatha-passes-away National award winning playback singer Swarnalatha passes away], Asian Tribune, Tue, 14 September 2010 03:25</ref>

==Personal life==
She was born in Kerala, to K. C. Cherukutty and Kalyani. Her father was a harmonium player and singer. Her mother also had interest in music. Swarnalatha was trained to play harmonium and keyboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist-biography/3604/7/swarnalatha.html|title=Swarnalatha Biography|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714022925/http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist-biography/3604/7/swarnalatha.html|archive-date=14 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Swarnalatha's family later moved to [[Bhadravathi, Karnataka|Bhadravathi]] in [[Shivamogga]] District, [[Karnataka]] where she had her education.<ref name="career">{{cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam%20Home&contentId=7886295&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@|title=Home|access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> She started singing at the age of 3. Surrounded by a family of musicians and music lovers, Swarnalatha was trained in Carnatic and Hindustani music. Her sister Saroja was her first music teacher.

==Career==
Swarnalatha's family moved to [[Chennai]] to seek opportunities in the film industry for her singing talent. The first opportunity came from [[M. S. Viswanathan]] in 1987, when she performed a duet with [[K. J. Yesudas]], "Chinnachiru Kiliye" in the film ''[[Neethikku Thandanai]]''.<ref name="career" /> Subsequently, she was approached by many other music directors to perform songs under their baton. She also had the opportunity to work with director [[P. Venu]]. She was recruited by musicians like [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and [[A. R. Rahman]]. She also recorded a few Hindi songs, the most notable one being "Hai Rama Yeh Kya Hua" from the film ''[[Rangeela (1995 film)|Rangeela]]'' with singer [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]].

In Telugu, she recorded more songs under the music direction of [[Mani Sharma]], [[Ramana Gogula]], [[Raj-Koti]], and [[Vandemataram Srinivas]]. They include the immensely popular songs like Raamma Chilakamma, Osey Ramulamma, and Nizam Babulu.

A. R. Rahman employed Swarnalatha for many of his songs. She was one of the most versatile singers of her times, as she was able to sing melodies like "Maalayil Yaaro Manathodu Pesa" from ''[[Sathriyan]]''<ref name="asiantribune.com"/> or "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuthamma]]'' as well as Rahman's experimental songs like "[[Mukkabla]]" from ''[[Kadhalan]]'' or "Mottu Vittadha" from ''[[Pavithra]]''. Swarnalatha was the first female playback singer to fetch the National Award under [[A. R. Rahman]]'s music direction. She received the award for the song "Porale Ponnuthayi". She recorded many songs with music directors [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]], [[Harris Jayaraj]], [[Anu Malik]], [[Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy]], [[Raj-Koti]], [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], [[Mani Sharma]], [[Hamsalekha]] and many others.

She recorded all the songs originally rendered by [[Lata Mangeshkar]] and [[Shamshad Begum]] for the Tamil movie ''Anarkali'' (the dubbed version of the Hindi movie ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'') and was praised by the Bollywood music director [[Naushad Ali]], which she considered the best moment in her career.<ref>{{Citation|title=Singer swarnalatha captain TV marakka mudiyuma show|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=501BNdE3Dvo|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=ஸ்வர்ணலதாவிற்கு கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqxv1hU5ZL8|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

'''Television'''

She was part of Few Music Reality shows in early 2000's. In a 2001 Vijay TV reality show and in 2004 Jaya TV Ragamalika show as judge.<ref>{{Citation|title=இசை பொக்கிஷம் கலைமாமணி இசைப்பேரரசி ஸ்வர்ணலதாவின் அபூர்வராகங்கள் #Swarnalathaofficial|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUrirxRd4O0|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=JayaTV Rewind: ஸ்வர்ணலதா கலந்துகொண்ட ராகமாலிகா {{!}}{{!}} Swarnalatha {{!}} Ragamalika|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YL6fKRJtbQ|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

==Death==
Swarnalatha died at Malar hospitals Ltd Adayar, Chennai at the age of 37, on 12 September 2010. She had been suffering from [[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis|Idiopathic lung disease]].

==Awards and recognitions==
{| class="infobox" style="width: 25em; text-align: center; font-size: 70%; vertical-align: middle;"
|+ '''Awards'''
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |
|- style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"
!style="vertical-align: middle;"| Awards
| style="background:#cec; font-size:8pt; width:60px;"| Wins
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[National Film Awards]]:
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Andhra Pradesh State Film Awards]]:
|{{won|2}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]:
|{{won|3}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Cinema Express]]:
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
;[[Kalaimamani]]:
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
;Total
|{{won|12}}
|}


'''[[National Film Awards|National Award]]''' ('''[[National Film Awards|Silver Lotus Award]]''')-('''[[National Film Awards|Rajat Kamal]]''')
* [[42nd National Film Awards|1994]]– [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuththamma]]''<ref name="award">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/05/08/stories/2009050850351600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510085158/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/05/08/stories/2009050850351600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 May 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|title=My first break – Swarnalatha|date=8 May 2009}}</ref>

'''[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]'''
* 1991 – [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback]] for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref name="award"/>
* 1994 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuththamma]]''<ref name="award"/>
* 2000 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Evano oruvan" from ''[[Alaipayuthey (film)|Alaipayuthey]]''<ref name="award"/>

'''[[Cinema Express Awards]]'''
* 1991 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZBlAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,722114&dq=cinema+express&hl=en |title=Chinna Thambhi Bags Cinema Express Award |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=25 February 1992 |access-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>
* 1995 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Muquala Muqapala" from ''[[Kadhalan]]''
* 1996 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Akkadannu nanga" from ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''
* 1999 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Ulunthu vidaikayile" from ''[[Mudhalvan]]''
* 2000 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Yevano Oruvan " from ''[[Alaipayuthey]]''
'''Government Honour'''
* 1994– [[Kalaimamani]] Award by the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]]

'''Recognition'''
* 2002 – The song "Rakkama Kaiya Thattu" from the movie ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991) was among the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll. It was performed by [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam|S. P. Balasubrahmaniyam]] and Swarnalatha<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/us/features/topten BBC World Service 70th Anniversary Global Music Poll: The World's Top Ten.] 2002. Retrieved 5 February 2011.</ref>

==Frequent collaboration==
;Ilaiyaraja
She has sung over 300 songs for [[Ilayaraja]] and marked as one of the noted combinations in 90's. 'Povomaa Oorkolam' and 'Nee Yengae Enn Anbae' from the film Chinnathambi were hits. Government of Tamil Nadu honoured her with the award of Best Singer for the song 'Povomaa Oorkolam'.

The song 'Raakkamma Kayyathattu' from the film ''Thalapathi'' figured in BBC's ''Hits List of World Songs''.

She had sung several experimental songs for Ilayaraja such as "Sollividu VelliNilave', "Kanne Indru Kalyana Kathai" and "Ennai Thottu Allikonda".

;A. R. Rahman
[[A. R. Rahman]] and Swarnalatha association started from the year 1993. Their Combination is known for the magical songs such as "Mukkala Mukkabala", "Hai Rama yeh kya hua", which are the hit songs of 90's. She was the first female singer to receive National Award under Rahman's Music for the song "Porale ponnuthayi" from karuthama released in the year 1994. She has sung nearly 80 songs for [[A. R. Rahman|Rahman]].

== Discography ==
{{Main|List of songs recorded by Swarnalatha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|id=0841913|name=Swarnalatha}}

{{National Film Award Best Female Playback Singer}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian female film singers]]
[[Category:Tamil singers]]
[[Category:Malayalam playback singers]]
[[Category:Infectious disease deaths in India]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:People from Palakkad district]]
[[Category:Singers from Kerala]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Best Female Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from pulmonary fibrosis]]

Swarnalatha

2021-12-12T06:52:19Z

2409:4072:8E9C:130D:0:0:548B:B00B:

{{short description|Indian singer}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}

{{Infobox musical artist 
| name = Swarnalatha
| background = solo_singer
| image = https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swarnalatha.jpg
| image_size = https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swarnalatha.jpg
| caption =
| alias =The Humming Queen Swarangalin Arasi Swarna Kokila
| birth_date = 29 April 1973
| birth_place = [[Chittur (village)|Chittur]], [[Palakkad]], Kerala, India
| death_date = 12 September 2010 (aged 37)
| death_place = [[Chennai, India]]
| genre = [[Playback singer|Cinema Playback singing]], [[Carnatic music]], [[Hindustani Music]], Ghazal
| occupation = Singer
| instrument = vocals
| years_active = 1987–2010
}}

'''Swarnalatha''' (29 April 1973 – 12 September 2010) was an Indian playback singer. In a career spanning almost 22 years (from 1987 till her death), she recorded over 10,000 songs in many languages, including [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]], [[Hindi]], [[Urdu]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Oriya language|Oriya]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], and [[Badaga language|Badaga]].<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article627430.ece| title=Playback singer Swarnalatha passes away| newspaper=The Hindu| date=12 September 2010| access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref> She is fondly called as "The Humming Queen"<ref>{{Cite news|title=Swarnalatha's music keeps fans humming nine year after her death|work=The Federal|url= https://thefederal.com/features/swarnalathas-music-keeps-fans-humming-nine-years-after-her-death/|access-date=2021-08-04}}</ref> and "Swarangalin Arasi".

She won the [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] for her rendition of the song "Porale Ponnuthayi" from the film ''[[Karuththamma]]''. The song was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], under whose musical direction she recorded many memorable songs. She was also the first female playback singer to get a National Award In AR Rahman Music.<ref name="asiantribune.com">[http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/09/14/national-award-winning-playback-singer-swarnalatha-passes-away National award winning playback singer Swarnalatha passes away], Asian Tribune, Tue, 14 September 2010 03:25</ref>

==Personal life==
She was born in Kerala, to K. C. Cherukutty and Kalyani. Her father was a harmonium player and singer. Her mother also had interest in music. Swarnalatha was trained to play harmonium and keyboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist-biography/3604/7/swarnalatha.html|title=Swarnalatha Biography|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714022925/http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist-biography/3604/7/swarnalatha.html|archive-date=14 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Swarnalatha's family later moved to [[Bhadravathi, Karnataka|Bhadravathi]] in [[Shivamogga]] District, [[Karnataka]] where she had her education.<ref name="career">{{cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam%20Home&contentId=7886295&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@|title=Home|access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> She started singing at the age of 3. Surrounded by a family of musicians and music lovers, Swarnalatha was trained in Carnatic and Hindustani music. Her sister Saroja was her first music teacher.

==Career==
Swarnalatha's family moved to [[Chennai]] to seek opportunities in the film industry for her singing talent. The first opportunity came from [[M. S. Viswanathan]] in 1987, when she performed a duet with [[K. J. Yesudas]], "Chinnachiru Kiliye" in the film ''[[Neethikku Thandanai]]''.<ref name="career" /> Subsequently, she was approached by many other music directors to perform songs under their baton. She also had the opportunity to work with director [[P. Venu]]. She was recruited by musicians like [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and [[A. R. Rahman]]. She also recorded a few Hindi songs, the most notable one being "Hai Rama Yeh Kya Hua" from the film ''[[Rangeela (1995 film)|Rangeela]]'' with singer [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]].

In Telugu, she recorded more songs under the music direction of [[Mani Sharma]], [[Ramana Gogula]], [[Raj-Koti]], and [[Vandemataram Srinivas]]. They include the immensely popular songs like Raamma Chilakamma, Osey Ramulamma, and Nizam Babulu.

A. R. Rahman employed Swarnalatha for many of his songs. She was one of the most versatile singers of her times, as she was able to sing melodies like "Maalayil Yaaro Manathodu Pesa" from ''[[Sathriyan]]''<ref name="asiantribune.com"/> or "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuthamma]]'' as well as Rahman's experimental songs like "[[Mukkabla]]" from ''[[Kadhalan]]'' or "Mottu Vittadha" from ''[[Pavithra]]''. Swarnalatha was the first female playback singer to fetch the National Award under [[A. R. Rahman]]'s music direction. She received the award for the song "Porale Ponnuthayi". She recorded many songs with music directors [[Deva (composer)|Deva]], [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]], [[Harris Jayaraj]], [[Anu Malik]], [[Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy]], [[Raj-Koti]], [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], [[Mani Sharma]], [[Hamsalekha]] and many others.

She recorded all the songs originally rendered by [[Lata Mangeshkar]] and [[Shamshad Begum]] for the Tamil movie ''Anarkali'' (the dubbed version of the Hindi movie ''[[Mughal-e-Azam]]'') and was praised by the Bollywood music director [[Naushad Ali]], which she considered the best moment in her career.<ref>{{Citation|title=Singer swarnalatha captain TV marakka mudiyuma show|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=501BNdE3Dvo|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=ஸ்வர்ணலதாவிற்கு கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqxv1hU5ZL8|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

'''Television'''

She was part of Few Music Reality shows in early 2000's. In a 2001 Vijay TV reality show and in 2004 Jaya TV Ragamalika show as judge.<ref>{{Citation|title=இசை பொக்கிஷம் கலைமாமணி இசைப்பேரரசி ஸ்வர்ணலதாவின் அபூர்வராகங்கள் #Swarnalathaofficial|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUrirxRd4O0|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=JayaTV Rewind: ஸ்வர்ணலதா கலந்துகொண்ட ராகமாலிகா {{!}}{{!}} Swarnalatha {{!}} Ragamalika|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YL6fKRJtbQ|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

==Death==
Swarnalatha died at Malar hospitals Ltd Adayar, Chennai at the age of 37, on 12 September 2010. She had been suffering from [[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis|Idiopathic lung disease]].

==Awards and recognitions==
{| class="infobox" style="width: 25em; text-align: center; font-size: 70%; vertical-align: middle;"
|+ '''Awards'''
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |
|- style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"
!style="vertical-align: middle;"| Awards
| style="background:#cec; font-size:8pt; width:60px;"| Wins
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[National Film Awards]]:
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Andhra Pradesh State Film Awards]]:
|{{won|2}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]:
|{{won|3}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[Cinema Express]]:
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
;[[Kalaimamani]]:
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
;Total
|{{won|12}}
|}


'''[[National Film Awards|National Award]]''' ('''[[National Film Awards|Silver Lotus Award]]''')-('''[[National Film Awards|Rajat Kamal]]''')
* [[42nd National Film Awards|1994]]– [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuththamma]]''<ref name="award">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/05/08/stories/2009050850351600.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510085158/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/05/08/stories/2009050850351600.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 May 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|title=My first break – Swarnalatha|date=8 May 2009}}</ref>

'''[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]'''
* 1991 – [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback]] for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref name="award"/>
* 1994 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from ''[[Karuththamma]]''<ref name="award"/>
* 2000 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Evano oruvan" from ''[[Alaipayuthey (film)|Alaipayuthey]]''<ref name="award"/>

'''[[Cinema Express Awards]]'''
* 1991 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZBlAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,722114&dq=cinema+express&hl=en |title=Chinna Thambhi Bags Cinema Express Award |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=25 February 1992 |access-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>
* 1995 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Muquala Muqapala" from ''[[Kadhalan]]''
* 1996 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Akkadannu nanga" from ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''
* 1999 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Ulunthu vidaikayile" from ''[[Mudhalvan]]''
* 2000 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Yevano Oruvan " from ''[[Alaipayuthey]]''
'''Government Honour'''
* 1994– [[Kalaimamani]] Award by the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]]

'''Recognition'''
* 2002 – The song "Rakkama Kaiya Thattu" from the movie ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991) was among the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll. It was performed by [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam|S. P. Balasubrahmaniyam]] and Swarnalatha<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/us/features/topten BBC World Service 70th Anniversary Global Music Poll: The World's Top Ten.] 2002. Retrieved 5 February 2011.</ref>

==Frequent collaboration==
;Ilaiyaraja
She has sung over 300 songs for [[Ilayaraja]] and marked as one of the noted combinations in 90's. 'Povomaa Oorkolam' and 'Nee Yengae Enn Anbae' from the film Chinnathambi were hits. Government of Tamil Nadu honoured her with the award of Best Singer for the song 'Povomaa Oorkolam'.

The song 'Raakkamma Kayyathattu' from the film ''Thalapathi'' figured in BBC's ''Hits List of World Songs''.

She had sung several experimental songs for Ilayaraja such as "Sollividu VelliNilave', "Kanne Indru Kalyana Kathai" and "Ennai Thottu Allikonda".

;A. R. Rahman
[[A. R. Rahman]] and Swarnalatha association started from the year 1993. Their Combination is known for the magical songs such as "Mukkala Mukkabala", "Hai Rama yeh kya hua", which are the hit songs of 90's. She was the first female singer to receive National Award under Rahman's Music for the song "Porale ponnuthayi" from karuthama released in the year 1994. She has sung nearly 80 songs for [[A. R. Rahman|Rahman]].

== Discography ==
{{Main|List of songs recorded by Swarnalatha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|id=0841913|name=Swarnalatha}}

{{National Film Award Best Female Playback Singer}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian female film singers]]
[[Category:Tamil singers]]
[[Category:Malayalam playback singers]]
[[Category:Infectious disease deaths in India]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:People from Palakkad district]]
[[Category:Singers from Kerala]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Kerala]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Best Female Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from pulmonary fibrosis]]

P. Susheela

2021-12-11T15:38:18Z

2409:4072:8E9C:130D:0:0:548B:B00B:

{{short description|Indian singer (born 1935)}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name = P. Susheela
| image = P. Susheela.jpg
| caption = Susheela in 2014
| image_size =
| birth_name = Pulapaka Susheela
| alias =
Melody Queen of South India

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1935|11|13}}
| birth_place = [[Vizianagaram]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]]
| alma_mater = [[Andhra University]]
| known_for = {{Ubl|[[Playback singing]]|[[Guinness Book of World Records]] for singing most songs in Indian languages}}
| occupation = {{Hlist| Singer | musician }}
| yearsactive = 1950–present
| spouse = {{Marriage|Mohan Rao|1957|2012|reason=died}}
| children = 1
| signature =
| awards = [[#Awards|Full list]]
| honours = {{plainlist|
* [[Kalaimaamani]] (1991)
* [[Raghupathi Venkaiah Award]] (2002)
* Gaana Saraswathi (2004)
* [[Padma Bhushan]] (2008)
* [[Kalaimamani|J. Jayalalithaa Special Kalaimamani Award]] (2019)
}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{flat list|
* [[Indian classical music]]
* [[playback singer|Playback singing]]
* [[Filmi]]
* [[Carnatic music|Carnatic]]
}}
| instrument = Vocals, [[Veena]]
| label =
}}
| website = {{URL|psusheela.org}}
| Alise =
| Also Known as =
}}
'''Pulapaka Susheela''' (born 13 November 1935), popularly known as '''P. Susheela''', is an Indian playback singer associated with the South Indian cinema primarily from [[Andhra Pradesh]] for over six decades. She is one of the greatest and best-known playback singers in India. She has been recognized by the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]'' as well as by the ''Asia Book of Records'' for performing a record number of songs in different Indian languages.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/veteran-playback-singer-p-susheela-recognised-by-guinness-and-asia-book-of-records/article8409692.ece?homepage=true | title=P. Susheela enters Guinness World Records | date=29 March 2016 | first=Udhav | last=Naig | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=4 May 2020}}</ref> She is also the recipient of five [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] and numerous state awards.<ref name="Happy Birthday PSusheela">{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/happy-birthday-psusheela-telugu-news-118585.html |title=Happy Birthday PSusheela |date=13 November 2014 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924172238/https://www.indiaglitz.com/happy-birthday-psusheela-telugu-news-118585.html |archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="About">{{cite web|url=http://thesouthernnightingale.net/about/|title=About|work=The Southern Nightingale}}</ref> Susheela is widely acclaimed as a singer who defined feminism<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/5722704|title=South Asian Popular Culture Voices of Meenakumari: Sound, meaning, and self-fashioning in performances of an item number|author=Amanda Weidman}}</ref> in South Indian cinema and is well known for her mellifluous<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/voice-defying-age/article3190832.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216094409/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/voice-defying-age/article3190832.ece|title=Voice defying age|archive-date=16 December 2014|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/a-well-composed-tribute-to-a-veteran-singer/article334162.ece|title=A well composed tribute to a veteran singer|work=The Hindu}}</ref> vocal performances<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/05/18/stories/09180705.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150917150917/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/05/18/stories/09180705.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-09-17|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2001-05-18|title=Accent is on novelty}}</ref> for over 50,000 film songs<ref name="psusheela.org">{{Cite web|url=http://psusheela.org/interviews/aug042000screen.html|title=Melody Queen P. Susheela - Interviews|website=psusheela.org}}</ref> across South Indian languages. She is fondly called "The Melody Queen of South India".

The song "Paal Polave"<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/global/tamil-songwriter-vaali-dies-at-83-1200565558/ |title=Tamil Songwriter Vaali Dies at 83 |last=Dore |first=Shalini |date=19 July 2013 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> from Tamil film ''[[Uyarndha Manidhan]]'' brought her the first ever award at the [[16th National Film Awards]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/16th_nff_1970.pdf |title=Sixteenth National Awards For Films |date=13 February 1970 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225234623/http://dff.nic.in/2011/16th_nff_1970.pdf |archive-date=25 February 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="National Awards Winners 1968: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1968">{{cite news|last1=Times of India|first1=Entertainment|title=National Awards Winners 1968: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1968|work=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/1968/108|accessdate=11 August 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511142357/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/2005/108|archivedate=12 May 2021}}</ref> by winning her the [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] in 1969. Susheela was the first recipient of this prestigious honour, which also made [[Uyarndha Manidhan]], the first film to win a National Award under that category. She is also considered one of the rich voiced singers whose pronunciation of the syllables are to be very clear and precise in any of the languages she sang.<ref name="aboutps">{{Cite web|url=http://psusheela.org/aboutps.html|title=Melody Queen P. Susheela - About Smt. P. Susheela|website=psusheela.org}}</ref> In a career spanning more than six decades, she has recorded nearly 50,000 songs in various [[Languages of India|Indian languages]] including [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Oriya language|Oriya]], [[Sanskrit]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]] and [[Badaga language|Badaga]]. She has also sung for [[Sinhalese language|Sinhalese]] films. Her mother tongue is [[Telugu language|Telugu]]. She can also speak [[Tamil language|Tamil]] fluently, with a little [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Malayalam]] and [[Kannada]].

==Personal life==
Susheela was born in [[Andhra Pradesh]], India, as the daughter of Pulapaka Mukunda Rao, a leading advocate in Vizianagaram, Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh State. She was married to Dr. Mohan Rao, who died in 2012; they have a son named Jayakrishna. Her niece, Sandhya Jayakrishna, is a singer who debuted with [[A. R. Rahman]] in ''[[Iruvar]]'' and she has two grand daughters.

==Education==
After completion of schooling, Susheela joined in Maharaja's Music College under the tutelage of [[Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu]] who was the Principal, Vizianagaram, and completed Diploma in Music from Andhra University in First Class at a very early age.

P. Susheela went on to become the most successful playback singers of south India from 1950 to 1990.

==Career==

===Debut : 1950–1954===
Born into a music-loving family, Susheela had been nurtured with formal classical music training at a very young age. She used to participate in all the musical competitions at her school and Vizianagaram town events. She developed the crucial nuances in singing songs with apt expressions and modulations through her extensive training during those days. She also sang few songs for the [[All India Radio]] (AIR) for their private program telecasts.

In 1950, music director [[Pendyala Nageswara Rao]] was on the look out for some fresh voices to sing for his new film compositions. He approached the AIR to help him shortlist some of the finest singers who have performed for the Radio. AIR sent forward five singers of whom Susheela was selected after some thorough audition tests. She was immediately signed on for the Tamil film ''Petra Thai'' (1952) for a duet song "Edhuku Azhaithhai" with [[A. M. Rajah|A. M. Raja]].<ref name="aboutps"/> This was subsequently made in Telugu as ''[[Kanna Talli]]'' for which she recorded the same duet with [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]]. This resulted in her long term employment with [[AVM Studios]] singing for their productions alone with a fixed monthly salary. The studio owner [[A. V. Meiyappan]] hired a Tamil trainer for Susheela to hone her Tamil pronunciation skills. Thus Susheela began her illustrious career gaining abundant knowledge about music and language. She debuted into Kannada language with the film ''Maadidunno Maaraya'' in 1954.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psusheela.org/articles/kan/aregini_kannada.html|title=Untitled Document|website=psusheela.org}}</ref>

=== Breakthrough : 1955 – 1960 ===
It was not easy for a newcomer to foray into the musical scene in the 1950s with the domination of eminent female vocalists like [[P. Leela]], [[M. L. Vasanthakumari]], [[Jikki]] among others ruling the playback industry. Yet, Susheela made her own mark with her distinct and clear vocals. The year 1955 saw Susheela raising to popularity with her back to back hit songs both in Tamil and Telugu film industries. ''[[Missamma]]'' released in 1955 had hugely popular songs backed with strong carnatic classical essence. Susheela created a huge impact among the listeners with her effortless renditions of the toughest notations. The same year released Tamil film ''Kanavane Kan Kanda Deivam'' made her a household name in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="aboutps"/>

Thus began a huge legacy of Susheela, who sang in almost all the films produced since 1955 through 1960s and 1970s till 1985. The legendary Tamil musicians [[M. S. Viswanathan|Viswanathan]] – [[T. K. Ramamoorthy|Ramamurthy]] duo composed some of the most evergreen songs of [[Tamil language|Tamil]] cinema history in the voice of Susheela. Her duets with the acclaimed singers [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]] in Telugu, [[T. M. Soundararajan]] in Tamil and [[P. B. Srinivas]] in Kannada marked a new era of duet songs in the South Indian music industry. She, along with T. M. Soundararajan went on to record more than hundreds of songs with Viswanathan – Ramamurthy.<ref name="aboutps"/> Susheela's blockbuster Kannada song "Viraha Nooru Nooru Taraha" for the film ''[[Edakallu Guddada Mele]]'' is listed as one of the top 10 evergreen songs in Indian cinema. Her combination with actress [[Jayanthi (actress)|Jayanthi]] is very popular in [[Karnataka]].

=== Successful domination : 1960 – 1985 ===
The early 1960s saw Susheela grow as an undisputed lead female singer across all the south Indian language films putting all the older veteran singers to the background. The year 1960 saw Susheela entering the Malayalam films with the [[V. Dakshinamurthy]] compositions for the film ''Seetha''. From then, she went on to record numerous hit songs with all the Malayalam composers like [[G. Devarajan]], [[M. K. Arjunan]] among others. She recorded many Malayalam duets with the veteran singer [[K. J. Yesudas]]. Her association with M.S. Viswanathan continued even after M.S.V split up with Ramamoorthy in 1965 and under M.S.V her duets with T.M. Sounderrajan and others and her solo songs were too popular with audience and made her first choice singer for every other music composer and film producer from 1960 to 1985. M.S.V.'s composition fetched her the first [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]] in 1969 for her prolific rendition of "Naalai Intha Velai Paarthu" for the Tamil film ''Uyarndha Manidhan''. The same song got her the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards|Tamil Nadu State Award]] as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psusheela.org/awards.html|title=Melody Queen P. Susheela|website=psusheela.org}}</ref> Thereby, Susheela became one of the first recipients of the most dignified National awards in India. It was during these years the Nightingale of India, [[Lata Mangeshkar]] developed a strong friendship with Susheela and praised all her works frequently. Her work in Film Chandipriya is superb with song "Sri Bhagya Rekha - Janani Janani" with Jayaprada superb dance. M.S.Viswanathan is regarded as her mentor and in his music direction she has maximum popular hit songs from 1955 to 1995.

The 1970s also saw Susheela in her prime form winning almost all the awards both nationally and in all the four states of Southern India. She also recorded even Hindi songs during this period with music directors like KV Mahdevan, Laxmikant Pyarelal, L. Vaidyanathan and Laxmi Kiran, S.L. Manohar, Ajit merchant, G. Devarajan and S.N. Tripathi. It was in this era that she sang few notable songs for another prolific Indian music director [[Ilaiyaraja]]. Though Janaki took a leading position from 1980 with her strong association with M.S.V and Ilayaraja, Susheela continued to be at the top till 1985 and after 1985 was still opted by several music directors for her legendary vocals. After 1986, she became selective about film songs and continued to have hit film songs till 2005.

=== Shift to non-films : 1985– 2000s ===
With [[S. Janaki]] and [[Vani Jayaram]] taking over the Southern film songs center stage from 1985 and [[K. S. Chitra]] beginning her career, Susheela slowly shifted her focus from films to devotionals and light music. But she continued to get to sing melodious film songs from 1984 to 1999 though she had after 1985 cut down on offers for singing in films. She even won awards for songs in Telugu films – ''Viswanatha Nayakudu'' in 1987, ''Godavari Pongindi'' in 1989 and Tamil film ''Varam'' in 1989. She sang duets with Kishore Kumar in 1986 for the film ''Singhasan'' – "Chalta Hai Do Dilon Ka Kaise Sansaar" and "Tere Liye Maine Janam" which became popular. She also concentrated more on stage shows across the Globe where many associations worldwide invited her to perform for their organised shows. She recorded more than 1000 devotional songs for various audio companies. In 1988, acclaimed music composer [[Naushad]] insisted her to sing "Janaki Jaane" for his Malayalam film ''[[Dhwani]]''. She also recorded few of her career best songs for [[Illayaraja]], [[A. R. Rahman]] and others in the 1990s. "Kannukku Mai Azhagu" from the film ''[[Pudhiya Mugam]]'' (1993) composed by Rahman was praised all over for its lyrical content and rendition. She had hit songs in Tamil till 2005 and sang many devotional and folk songs from 1986 to 2005 and did many live shows from 1990 to 2005.

=== Comeback : 2005– present ===

Susheela made a comeback by rendering her voice to her own song ''Raksha Raksha Jaganmatha'' which was released 72 years ago and was released as a single for the movie, [[Aadai]], starring [[Amala Paul]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/jul/11/legendary-singer-p-susheela-sings-for-amala-pauls-aadai-12898.html|title=Legendary singer, P Susheela, sings for Amala Paul's Aadai|work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

==P. Susheela Trust : 2008–present==
The P. Susheela Trust, formed in 2008, has a monthly pension payment scheme and a few musicians in need are being benefited through it. On every 13 November there would be a musical concert during which a senior artist(s) chosen by a panel is conferred with the Lifetime Achievement awards and the P Susheela Trust award. The proceedings of the concert would go towards the Trust maintenance.<ref>http://expressbuzz.com/entertainment/interviews/p-susheela-playback-singer/274394.html{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The Lifetime achievement awards so far has been conferred upon [[T. M. Soundararajan]] and [[P. B. Srinivas]]. The recipients of the Trust's awards so far are [[S. Janaki]], [[Vani Jairam]], [[L. R. Eswari]], [[P. Jayachandran]], [[S. P. Balasubramaniam]] and [[K. J. Yesudas]].

==Guinness World Records==

As verified on 28 January 2016, Susheela has reportedly recorded up to 17,695 solo, duet and chorus backed songs in over six Indian languages since the 1960s, not counting some lost early recordings. She has now been recognized by both the Guinness Book of World Records and Asia Book of Records for singing most songs in Indian languages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/singer-p-susheela-enters-guinness-world-records/article8410119.ece|title=Singer P Susheela enters Guinness World Records|website=@businessline}}</ref>

==Statistics==

===Telugu===
Susheela has sung more than 12000 songs in [[Telugu language|Telugu]]. [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]'s first duet in Telugu was with p susheela. SPB sung his first song with me says the legendary P. Susheela, she has recorded more than 2000 songs in K.V.Mahadevans music. she has recorded more than 2000 songs in K.chakravarthys music also. She won three national awards for Telugu songs.

===Tamil===
{{Main article|P. Susheela discography}}

She has sung more than 6000 songs in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], including devotionals. She has sung around 1000 duets with [[T. M. Soundararajan|T. M. Soundara Rajan]]. She also rendered more than 1500 Songs in [[M. S. Viswanathan|MSV]] music. She won two national awards for Tamil songs.

=== Kannada ===
Susheela has recorded more than 5000 songs in [[Kannada]]. She has performed numerous duets with [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]] and [[P. B. Srinivas]], and also a few duets with legendary actor and singer [[Dr. Rajkumar]]. Her duets with P. B. Shrinivas are considered some of the evergreen songs of [[Kannada Film Industry]]. S. P. Balasubramaniam's first Kannada song ''Kanasido Nanasido'' from [[Nakkare Ade Swarga]] was a duet with Susheela.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psusheela.org/kannada/index.html|title=Melody Queen P. Susheela - Kannada Page|website=psusheela.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2014/aug/06/Melody-Still-Rules-Kannada-Music-Says-SPB-644410.html|title=Melody Still Rules Kannada Music, Says SPB|work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

===Malayalam===
She has sung more than 1200 songs in Malayalam. The musician [[Devarajan]] gave her more than 300 songs (in all languages).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psusheela.org/malayalam/index.html|title=Melody Queen P. Susheela - Malayalam Page|website=psusheela.org}}</ref>

===Other languages===
Susheela has sung more than 300 songs in other languages, including 100 film songs in [[Hindi]], 120 devotional songs in [[Sanskrit]], and 9 film songs in [[Sinhalese language|Sinhalese]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psusheela.org/other.html|title=Melody Queen P. Susheela - Hindi|website=psusheela.org}}</ref> she also Sang in Bengali. Punjabi, Tulu, Baduga and Oriya songs.

==Awards==

=== Civilian and State Government honours ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Award
!Honouring Body
|-
|1991
|[[Kalaimamani]]
|[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |2004
|[[Raghupathi Venkaiah Award]]
|[[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]
|-
|Gaana Saraswathi
|[[Government of Karnataka]]
|-
|2008
|[[Padma Bhushan]]
|[[Government of India]]
|-
|2019
|[[Kalaimamani|J. Jayalalithaa Special Kalaimamani Award]]
|[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]
|}

=== National Film Awards ===
She was the first recipient of the national award for female playback singing in 1969.
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Movie
!Song
!Language
|-
|1969
|[[Uyarndha Manithan|Uyarntha Manithan]]
|Naalai intha velai parthu
| rowspan="2" |Tamil
|-
|1971
|[[Savaale Samali|Savaale Samaali]]
|Chittuk kuruvikkenna kattuppaadu
|-
|1978
|[[Siri Siri Muvva|Siri Siri muvva]]
|Jummandi naadham
| rowspan="3" |Telugu
|-
|1982
|[[Meghasandesam|Megha sandesam]]
|Aakulo Aakunai
|-
|1983
|M.L.A.Edu kondalu
|Entha Beeda Vade
|}

===Filmfare Awards South===
*[[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South]] (2006)<ref name="Filmfare Awards presented">{{cite web|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movietidbits/filmfareawards_aug0407.php|title=Filmfare Awards presented|publisher=telugucinema.com|access-date=2009-08-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303151528/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movietidbits/filmfareawards_aug0407.php|archive-date=3 March 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===State Awards===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Award
!Movie
!Song
|-
|1969
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback|Tamil Nadu State Award]]
|''Uyarntha Manithan/[[Lakshmi Kalyanam (1968 film)|Lakshmi Kalyanam]]''
| "Paal Polave Vaan" / "Brindavanathukku"
|-
|1971
|[[Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer|Kerala State Award]]
|''[[Oru Penninte Katha]]''
| "Poonthen Aruvi Ponmudi Puzhayude"
|-
|1975
|Kerala State Award
|''[[Chuvanna Sandhyakal|Chuvanna Sandyakal]]''
| "Poovukalku Punya Kaalam"
|-
|1977
|[[Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Nandi Award]]
|''[[Daana Veera Soora Karna]]''
| "Kalagantino Swamy"
|-
|1978
|Nandi Award
|''[[Naalaaga Endaro]]''
| "Kalyanini Kanulunna Manusuku Kanipinchu"
|-
|1981
||Tamil Nadu State Award
|''Anbulla Athaan''
| "Aazhakkadal Neenthi Vanthen"
|-
|1982
|Nandi Award
|''[[Meghasandesam]]''
| "Aakulo Aakunai"
|-
|1984
|Nandi Award
|''[[Sangeeta Samrat|Sangeetha Samrat]]''
| "Entha Sogasugaade"
|-
|1987
|Nandi Award
|''[[Viswanatha Nayakudu]]''
| "Kavi Jana Samaaja Bhoja"
|-
|1989
|Nandi Award
|''Godavari Pongindi''
|"Eppatla Godavari Pravahistondi"
|-
|1989
||Tamil Nadu State Award
|''Varam''
| "Magane Magane Kannurangu"
|-
|2002
||Nandi Award
|Many movies
|Many songs
|}

===Other Awards===
* "Kamban Pugazh" award from All Ceylon Kamban Kazhakam, Sri Lanka, 2016
*Best singer of the decade Award from Dr. Subbarami Reddy in 2001

{| class="wikitable"
|bharathi daasan award by Tamil Nadu Govt -
|-
|KalaimaamaNi award by Tamil Nadu Govt- 1991
|-
|Raghupati Venkaiah Award award by Andhra Pradesh Govt. -2004
|-
|kamukara award by kerala Govt.
|-
|Screen -videocon lifetime achievement award -1996
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|LifeTime Achievement Award by American Telugu Association - 10 July 2004 at Chicago, USA.
|-
|Sangeetha Kala bharathi by Detroit Telugu Association (1979)
|-
|Telugu Association of North America – 1995
|-
|Awards for Excellence by IAAFA in 1993
|-
|Telugu Association of Southern California – 1995
|-
|AVM ’50 award – 1997
|-
|North American Alumini Association
|-
|DTA – 1989
|-
|Madhura Gaana Madhuri Award
|-
|Award by Telugu Association of Greater Chicago
|-
|K.B.Sundaramabal Award
|-
|K.V.Rao Jyothi Rao award -1999
|-
|Ghantasala Award for 2003 (11/22/2003)
|-
|Tamilnadu MGR Cine Cultural Academy Award -1994
|-
|Subbaraami reddy award -1996
|-
|Award by Indian Performing Rights Society
|-
|Award Presented at Andhra Pradesh Rashtra Yuva Janostav
|-
|Bharath kalachar -2001 (gaana kala bharathi)
|-
|Kala Saagar Award
|-
|Award – Tribute To Shivaji -2003
|-
|Jayshree International – Life Time Achievement Award – Kalabushan ( presented by Smt Jayachitra)
|-
|Thyagaraja Ganasabha – Only singer to be presented this award by Thyagraja Ganasabha Andhra Pradesh.
|-
|Krishna Pushkara Award
|-
|Yesudas Award
|-
|Kamukara – Lifetime Achievement Award
|-
|Gaana Saraswathi by Sangeeth Melody Orchestra
|-
|Aasthana Gayini in Shri Kalahasthi Shiva Temple
|-
|Madras film fans association award - 26 times
|-
|''Dr. Rajkumar Award-2020'' by Raghavendra Chitravani Foundation
|}

==Discography==
{{Main|List of songs recorded by P. Susheela}}

=== 1950s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
!Film
!Song
!Composer(s)
!Writer(s)
!Co-Singer(s)
|-
| 1956
!''[[Tenali Raman]]''
|"Chandana Charchita Nila Kalebara", "Thennavan Thaai Nattu Singaarame", "Unnazhagai Kanniyargal"
|[[G. Ramanathan]]
|[[A. Maruthakasi]], [[K. S. Gopalakrishnan]]
|-
| 1958
!''[[Uthama Puthiran (1958 film)|Uthama Puthiran]]''
|"Mullai Malar Mele", "Anbe Amudhey", "Unnazhagai Kanniyargal"
|[[G. Ramanathan]]
|[[A. Maruthakasi]], [[K. S. Gopalakrishnan]]
|-
| 1958
!''[[Sabaash Meena]]''
|"Aanaaga Pirandhadhellam", "Kaanaa Inbam Kannidhadheno", "Erungammaa Summaa Erungammaa"
|[[T. G. Lingappa]]
|[[K. Jamuna Rani]], [[T. A. Mothi]], [[J. P. Chandrababu]], [[T. G. Lingappa]]
|}

=== 1960s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
!Film
!Song
!Composer(s)
!Writer(s)
!Co-Singer(s)
|-
| 1967
!''[[Kaavalkaaran]]''
|"Ninaithen Vanthai", "Mellappo Mellappo", "Kattazhagu Thangamagal"
|[[M. S. Viswanathan]]
|[[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]], [[Alangudi Somu]]
|-
| 1969
!''[[Deiva Magan]]''
|"Kaathalikka Katrukollungal", "Koottathileya Yarthan"
|[[M. S. Viswanathan]]
|[[Kannadasan]]
|}

=== 1980s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
!Film
!Song
!Composer(s)
!Writer(s)
!Co-Singer(s)
|-
| 1986
!''[[Swati Mutyam]]''
|"Laali Laali"
|[[Ilaiyaraaja]]
|[[C. Narayana Reddy]]
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |1988
! rowspan="3" |''[[Swarnakamalam]]''
|"Ghallu Ghallu"
| rowspan="3" |[[Ilaiyaraaja]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]
| rowspan="3" |[[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
|-
|"Shiva Poojaku"
|-
|"Koluvai Vunnade"
|}

=== 1990s ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
! Film
!Song
!Composer(s)
!Writer(s)
!Co-Singer(s)
|-
| rowspan="2" |1991
![[Coolie No. 1 (1991 film)|''Coolie No. 1'']]
|"Kalaya Nijama"
|[[Ilaiyaraaja]]
|[[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]
|[[Ilaiyaraaja]]
|-
!''[[Thalapathi|Dalapathi]] (D)''
|"Aada Janmaku"
|[[Ilaiyaraaja]]
|Rajasri
|
|-
|1993
!''[[Pudhiya Mugam|Padmavyuham]] (D)''
|"Kannulaku Choopandam"(Female)
|[[A. R. Rahman]]
|Rajasri
|
|-
|1995
!''[[Mohan Babu|Kunti putrudu]]''
|"Gummalu Thommidi"(Female)
|[[Ilaiyaraaja]]
|
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|P. Susheela}}
* {{Official website|http://www.psusheela.org}}
* {{IMDb name|0654915}}

{{National Film Award Best Female Playback Singer}}
{{Raghupathi Venkaiah Award Recipients}}
{{Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South}}
{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2000–09}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Susheela, P.}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian female film singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Kerala State Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Malayalam playback singers]]
[[Category:People from Vizianagaram]]
[[Category:Hindi-language singers]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:1935 births]]
[[Category:Andhra University alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:Best Female Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:People from Vizianagaram district]]
[[Category:People from Uttarandhra]]