Sirkazhi Govindarajan: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by Ira Leviton
Last edited January 21, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
m Removed empty portal template using script
m Improved wording and formatting
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Indian singer}}
{{Short description|Indian singer (1933–1988)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Sirkazhi Govindarajan
| name             = Sirkazhi Govindarajan
| image = Sirkali Govid.jpg
| image           = Sirkazhi Govindarajan.jpg
| birth_name = Sirkazhi Govindarajan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2001/06/29/stories/0929070h.htm |title=Simple, soul-stirring music |last=Chaama |first=Sridhar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 June 2001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118221630/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2001/06/29/stories/0929070h.htm |archive-date=18 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| birth_name       = Sirkazhi Govindarajan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2001/06/29/stories/0929070h.htm |title=Simple, soul-stirring music |last=Chaama |first=Sridhar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 June 2001 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118221630/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2001/06/29/stories/0929070h.htm |archive-date=18 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=y|1933|01|19}}
| birth_date       = {{Birth date|df=y|1933|01|19}}
| birth_place = [[Sirkazhi]], Thanjavur district [[Madras Presidency]], British India
| birth_place     = [[Sirkazhi]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]]<br/>(now in [[Tamil Nadu]], India)
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=y|1988|03|24|1933|01|19}}
| death_date       = {{Death date and age|df=y|1988|03|24|1933|01|19}}
| death_place = [[Chennai]], Tamil Nadu, India.
| death_place     = [[Madras]] (now [[Chennai]]), [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| instrument = Vocalist
| instrument       = Vocalist
| genre = [[Film music]] ([[playback singing]]), [[Indian classical music]]
| genre           = [[Film music]] ([[playback singing]]), [[Indian classical music]]
| occupation = Singer, actor
| occupation       = Singer, actor
| years_active = 1952–1988
| years_active     = 1952–1988
| label =
| label           =  
| associated_acts =
| current_members =  
| current_members =
| past_members     =  
| past_members =
| background       = non_performing_personnel
| background=non_performing_personnel
}}
}}


'''Sirkazhi Govindarajan''' (19 January 1933 – 24 March 1988) was a leading vocalist in [[Carnatic Music]] and a leading playback singer of Indian cinema.
'''Sirkazhi Govindarajan''' (19 January 1933 – 24 March 1988) was a [[Carnatic Music|Carnatic vocalist]] and a playback singer of Indian cinema, predominantly in Tamil cinema.<ref name="Bureau 2022 g659">{{cite web | last= | first= | title=Sirakazhi Govindrajam: The Man Who Sang For God | website=News18 | date=25 March 2022 | url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/sirakazhi-govindrajam-the-man-who-sang-for-god-4909196.html | access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=" 2022 l796">{{cite web | title=Remembering the legendary Singer Sirkazhi Govindarajan on his birthday | website=Vikatan | date=19 January 2022 | url=https://www.vikatan.com/spiritual/remembering-the-legendary-singer-sirkazhi-govindarajan-on-his-birthday | language=ta | access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="Sekar 2024 g080">{{cite web | last=Sekar | first=Divya | title=தனித்துவமாக ஓங்கி ஒலிக்கும் குரல்.." உள்ளத்தில் நல்ல உள்ளம் உறங்காதென்பது" சீர்காழி கோவிந்தராஜன் நினைவுநாள் இன்று! | website=Tamil Hindustan Times | date=24 March 2024 | url=https://tamil.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/lets-remember-singer-sirkazhi-govindarajan-today-on-his-memorial-day-131711176739031.html | language=ta | access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="Selvaraj 2022 p. 143">{{cite book | last=Selvaraj | first=S. | title=A Poetic Encounter With Identity: A Glimpse Into Tamil Culture and the Poetry of Kannadasan | publisher=Notion Press | year=2022 | isbn=979-8-88555-423-7 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DBFlEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT143 | access-date=2 May 2024 | page=143}}</ref>  He was conferred the [[Padma Shri]] award by the Government of India.


Govindarajan, was born at [[Sirkazhi]], a small town in [[Madras Presidency]] (present day [[Tamil Nadu]]) to Siva Chidambaram and Avayambal Ammal. Sirkazhi was the birthplace of Thirugnanasambandar, one of the Samaya Naalvar and the 63 Nayanmar of the Saiva faith. It was little wonder that he became a child prodigy performing at the Tirupurasundari Temple at the age of eight on the occasion of the Gnana Paal Festival.<ref name = "sirkali">[http://www.sirkali.org/ Sirkali Home Page]</ref> His son [[Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram]] is also a Carnatic singer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2001/12/07/stories/2001120700980200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202095052/http://www.hindu.com/2001/12/07/stories/2001120700980200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 December 2009|author=T. Ramakrishnan|title=An Aussie honour for Indian vocalist |date=7 December 2001|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] | access-date = 2 August 2009}}</ref>
== Early life ==
Govindarajan, was born on 19 January 1933 at [[Sirkazhi]] (a small town in present-day [[Mayiladuthurai district]], [[Tamil Nadu]]; famed birthplace of [[Sambandar]], one of the 63 [[Nayanars]] of the Saiva faith) to Siva Chidambaram and Avayambal Ammal. At the age of eight, Govindarajan began to perform at the Tirupurasundari Temple on the occasion of the Gnana Paal Festival.<ref name="sirkali">[http://www.sirkali.org/ Sirkali Home Page]</ref>


He graduated from the [[Tamil Isai Sangam|Tamil Isai College]] in Chennai (Madras) in 1949 with the degree 'Isaimani'.<ref name="kalyanamalai_1">{{cite web|url=http://www.kalyanamalaimagazine.com/Content/Thiraichuvai/Jan11_16_31/Potpourri_of_titbits_about_Tamil_cinema_Sirkazhi_Govindarajan.html |title=Potpourri of titbits about cinema - Sirkazhi Govindarajan (page 1) |author=Majordasan |work=Kalyanamalai Magazine |date=1999 |access-date=31 October 2021 |archive-date=24 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224022943/http://www.kalyanamalaimagazine.com/Content/Thiraichuvai/Jan11_16_31/Potpourri_of_titbits_about_Tamil_cinema_Sirkazhi_Govindarajan.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He also graduated with the Degree of 'Sangeetha Vidwan'. At the same time, he started rigorous training (Gurukulavasam) under his Guru Sri. Thiruppampuram Swaminatha Pillai, who was then a Professor at the Central College of Carnatic Music, Madras. Under his tutelage and in-depth study, he gained knowledge of the nuances and intricacies of Indian Music, especially, Classical Carnatic Music. During this period, 1951–1952, he won many competitions, conducted by the Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) and the Rasika Ranjani Sabha. He was the recipient of three gold medals (first place) in the austere and hallowed halls of Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) from [[Karaikudi Sambasiva Iyer]]. "Sangeetha Vidwan" Sirkali won all first places in the three categories: Apoorva Krithis of Sri Thyagaraja swamigal, Ragam-Thalam-Pallavi, and Tamil Classical Songs.<ref name = "sirkali" />
== Musical education ==
 
He graduated from the [[Tamil Isai Sangam|Tamil Isai College]] in Chennai (Madras) in 1949 with the degree 'Isaimani'.<ref name="kalyanamalai_1">{{cite web|url=http://www.kalyanamalaimagazine.com/Content/Thiraichuvai/Jan11_16_31/Potpourri_of_titbits_about_Tamil_cinema_Sirkazhi_Govindarajan.html |title=Potpourri of titbits about cinema – Sirkazhi Govindarajan (page 1) |author=Majordasan |work=Kalyanamalai Magazine |date=1999 |access-date=31 October 2021 |archive-date=24 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224022943/http://www.kalyanamalaimagazine.com/Content/Thiraichuvai/Jan11_16_31/Potpourri_of_titbits_about_Tamil_cinema_Sirkazhi_Govindarajan.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He also graduated with the Degree of 'Sangeetha Vidwan'. At the same time, he started rigorous training (Gurukulavasam) under his Guru Thiruppampuram Swaminatha Pillai, who was then a professor at the Central College of Carnatic Music, Madras. Under his tutelage and in-depth study, he gained knowledge of the nuances and intricacies of Indian Music, especially, Classical Carnatic Music. During this period (1951–1952) he won many competitions, conducted by the Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) and the Rasika Ranjani Sabha.
He was conferred the [[Padma Shri]] award by the Government of India. The Central College of Carnatic Music was the next institution for his musical enrichment.
 
Govindarajan had also done playback singing in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]] and [[Malayalam]] films.<ref>[http://www.sirkali.org/Sirkazhi Govindarajan Profile]{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Madras University]] conferred a doctorate ([[Honoris Causa]]) on him in 1983. He died of a massive heart attack in 1988, aged just 55.
 
He had sung for many leading actors of Tamil cinema like M.G.R, SSR, Gemini Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, and Muthuraman.


==Collaboration==
==Collaboration==


===Music composers===
===Music composers===
[[S. V. Venkataraman]], [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], [[S. Dakshinamurthi]], [[V. Dakshinamoorthy]], [[G. Ramanathan]], C. N. Pandurangam, [[Master Venu]], [[K. V. Mahadevan]], [[Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan]], [[G. Devarajan]], B. Narasimma Rao, A. Rama Rao, [[T. Chalapathi Rao]], [[T. G. Lingappa]], [[P. Adinarayana Rao]], [[T. R. Pappa]], [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]], [[Vedha (composer)|Vedha]], [[G. K. Venkatesh]], [[M. S. Viswanathan]], [[T. K. Ramamoorthy]], [[V. Kumar]], [[A. M. Rajah]], [[C. Ramachandra]], [[Ilaiyaraaja]], and [[Shankar–Ganesh]], [[Baburaj]]
[[S. V. Venkataraman]], [[S. M. Subbaiah Naidu]], [[S. Rajeswara Rao]], [[S. Dakshinamurthi]], [[V. Dakshinamoorthy]], [[G. Ramanathan]], C. N. Pandurangam, [[Master Venu]], [[K. V. Mahadevan]], [[Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan]], [[G. Devarajan]], B. Narasimma Rao, A. Rama Rao, [[T. Chalapathi Rao]], [[T. G. Lingappa]], [[P. Adinarayana Rao]], [[T. R. Pappa]], [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]], [[Vedha (composer)|Vedha]], [[G. K. Venkatesh]], [[M. S. Viswanathan]], [[T. K. Ramamoorthy]], [[V. Kumar]], [[A. M. Rajah]], [[C. Ramachandra]], [[Ilaiyaraaja]], and [[Shankar–Ganesh]], [[Baburaj]]


===Playback singers===
===Playback singers===
He has sung with other male singers such as [[M. S. Viswanathan]], [[T. M. Soundararajan]], [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]], [[P. B. Srinivas]], S. C. Krishnan, [[Tiruchi Loganathan]], [[A. L. Raghavan]], [[K. J. Yesudas]] and S. V. Ponnusamy.
He has sung with other male singers such as [[M. S. Viswanathan]], [[T. M. Soundararajan]], [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]], [[P. B. Sreenivas]], S. C. Krishnan, [[Tiruchi Loganathan]], [[A. L. Raghavan]], [[K. J. Yesudas]] and S. V. Ponnusamy.


He also sang duets with many female singer such as [[M. L. Vasanthakumari]], [[P. Leela]], [[K. Jamuna Rani]], [[Jikki]], [[P. Suseela]], [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]], [[L. R. Eswari]], L. R. Anjali, [[Soolamangalam Sisters|Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi]], [[Soolamangalam Sisters|Soolamangalam Jayalakshmi]], [[Raavu Balasaraswathi|R. Balasaraswathi Devi]], [[N. L. Ganasaraswathi]], [[A. P. Komala]], A. G. Rathinmala, [[T. V. Rathinam]], Bangalore Ramani Ammal, [[Vani Jayaram]], [[S. Janaki]], M. R. Vijaya, Sarala and Rohini.
He also sang duets with many female singer such as [[M. L. Vasanthakumari]], [[P. Leela]], [[K. Jamuna Rani]], [[Jikki]], [[P. Susheela]], [[K. Rani (singer)|K. Rani]], [[L. R. Eswari]], L. R. Anjali, [[Soolamangalam Sisters|Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi]], [[Soolamangalam Sisters|Soolamangalam Jayalakshmi]], [[R. Balasaraswathi Devi]], [[N. L. Ganasaraswathi]], [[A. P. Komala]], A. G. Rathinmala, [[T. V. Rathnam]], Bangalore A. R. Ramani Ammal, [[Vani Jairam]], [[S. Janaki]], M. R. Vijaya, Sarala and Rohini.


He sang duets with singing actors such as [[N. S. Krishnan]], [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]], [[P. Bhanumathi]], [[S. Varalakshmi]] and [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]].
He sang duets with singing actors such as [[N. S. Krishnan]], [[T. R. Mahalingam (actor)|T. R. Mahalingam]], [[P. Bhanumathi]], [[S. Varalakshmi]] and [[Manorama (Tamil actress)|Manorama]].


===Awards and honors===
==Filmography==
''Source:'' <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sirkali.org/honors.html|title="Tamil Isai Mannar" Sirkali Honors and Awards|website=sirkali.org|access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|section|date=October 2021}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Movie !! Role
|-
| 1967 || ''[[Kandhan Karunai]]'' || [[Nakkeerar]]
|-
| 1969 || ''[[Vaa Raja Vaa]]'' || Police Officer
|-
| 1970 || ''[[Thirumalai Thenkumari]]'' || Bhagavathar shivachidambaram
|-
| 1972 || ''[[Agathiyar]]'' || [[Agastya|Agathiyar]]
|-
| 1972 || ''[[Dheivam]]'' || Cameo Appearance
|-
| 1973 || ''[[Rajaraja Cholan]]'' || [[Nambiyandar Nambi]]
|-
| 1975 || ''[[Thiruvarul]]'' || Cameo Appearance
|-
| 1976 || ''[[Dasavatharam (film)|Dasavatharam]]'' || [[Narada|Naradhar]]
|-
| 1982 || ''[[Thaai Mookaambikai]]'' || Cameo Appearance
|}
 
==Discography==
{{Main|Sirkazhi Govindarajan discography}}
 
Govindarajan had sung for many leading actors like [[M. G. Ramachandran]], [[Gemini Ganesan]], [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[S. S. Rajendran]], and [[R. Muthuraman]].
 
== Awards and honours ==
He was the recipient of three gold medals (first place) in the austere and hallowed halls of Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) from [[Karaikudi Sambasiva Iyer]]. "Sangeetha Vidwan" Sirkali won all first places in the three categories: Apoorva Krithis of Sri Thyagaraja swamigal, Ragam-Thalam-Pallavi, and Tamil Classical Songs.<ref name="sirkali" />
 
He was conferred the [[Padma Shri]] award by the Government of India. The Central College of Carnatic Music was the next institution for his musical enrichment.
 
Govindarajan had also done playback singing in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]] and [[Malayalam]] films.<ref>[http://www.sirkali.org/Sirkazhi Govindarajan Profile]{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Madras University]] conferred a doctorate ([[Honoris Causa]]) on him in 1983.
 
''Source:''<ref>{{cite web |title="Tamil Isai Mannar" Sirkali Honors and Awards |url=http://www.sirkali.org/honors.html |access-date=30 October 2021 |website=sirkali.org}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|section|date=October 2021}}


* ISAI MANI: 1949 – Degree from Tamil Isai College, Madras
* ISAI MANI: 1949 – Degree from Tamil Isai College, Madras
Line 68: Line 98:
* Di Singenden Hersen Von Indien: 1981 – Yoga Center (Germans), Düsseldorf, West Germany
* Di Singenden Hersen Von Indien: 1981 – Yoga Center (Germans), Düsseldorf, West Germany
* Tamil Nadu Arasavai Kalaignar: 1981 – At the Bharathiyar Centenary Celebrations
* Tamil Nadu Arasavai Kalaignar: 1981 – At the Bharathiyar Centenary Celebrations
* [[Isai Perarignar]]: 1982<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/temple-bell-timbre/article5478471.ece |title=Temple bell timbre |date=19 December 2013 |last=Krishnamachari |first=Suganthy |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref> – Annual music festival honor from Tamil Isai Sangam, Madras
* [[Isai Perarignar]]: 1982<ref>{{cite web |last=Krishnamachari |first=Suganthy |date=19 December 2013 |title=Temple bell timbre |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/temple-bell-timbre/article5478471.ece |access-date=30 October 2021 |newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> – Annual music festival honor from Tamil Isai Sangam, Madras
* [[Padma Shri]]: 1983<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in/?Place=Tamil%20Nadu |title=Padma Awards, Previous Awardees |date=19 December 2013 |website=dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in |publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs (govt. of India)]] |access-date=30 October 2021}} (Seerkhazhi S. Govindarajan)</ref>
* [[Padma Shri]]: 1983<ref>{{cite web |date=19 December 2013 |title=Padma Awards, Previous Awardees |url=http://www.dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in/?Place=Tamil%20Nadu |access-date=30 October 2021 |website=dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in |publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs (govt. of India)]]}} (Seerkhazhi S. Govindarajan)</ref>
* ISAI THENDRAL: 1984 – Thyagaraja Swami Aradhana Committee, Tirutani
* ISAI THENDRAL: 1984 – Thyagaraja Swami Aradhana Committee, Tirutani
* INNISAIMANI: 1985 – Guru Gnana Sambandar Iraipani Manram
* INNISAIMANI: 1985 – Guru Gnana Sambandar Iraipani Manram
Line 80: Line 110:
* CULTURAL AMBASSADOR: 1987 – Frei Platz Axion-World Peace Conference in Switzerland
* CULTURAL AMBASSADOR: 1987 – Frei Platz Axion-World Peace Conference in Switzerland


==Filmography==
== Personal life ==
{| class="wikitable"
Govindarajan was married to Sulochana from Omalur, Tamil Nadu. Their son [[Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram]] is also a Carnatic singer and a Medical Doctor.<ref>{{cite news |author=T. Ramakrishnan |date=7 December 2001 |title=An Aussie honour for Indian vocalist |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/2001/12/07/stories/2001120700980200.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202095052/http://www.hindu.com/2001/12/07/stories/2001120700980200.htm |archive-date=2 December 2009}}</ref>
|-
! Year !! Movie !! Role
|-
| 1967 || ''[[Kandhan Karunai]]'' || [[Nakkeerar]]
|-
| 1969 || ''[[Vaa Raja Vaa]]'' || Police Officer
|-
| 1970 || ''[[Thirumalai Thenkumari]]'' || Bhagavathar shivachidambaram
|-
| 1972 || ''[[Agathiyar]]'' || [[Agastya|Agathiyar]]
|-
| 1972 || ''[[Dheivam]]'' || Cameo Appearance
|-
| 1973 || ''[[Rajaraja Cholan]]'' || [[Nambiyandar Nambi]]
|-
| 1975 || ''[[Thiruvarul]]'' || Cameo Appearance
|-
| 1976 || ''[[Dasavatharam (film)|Dasavatharam]]'' || [[Narada|Naradhar]]
|-
| 1982 || ''[[Thaai Mookaambikai]]'' || Cameo Appearance
|-
| 1989 || ''[[Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal]]'' || [[Agastya|Agathiyar]]
|}


==Discography==
== Death ==
{{Main|Sirkazhi Govindarajan discography}}
Govindarajan died on 24 March 1988 in [[Chennai|Madras]] (now [[Chennai]]) due to a massive heart attack. He was aged 55.


==References==
==References==
 
{{Portal|India|Music}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Line 123: Line 130:
[[Category:1933 births]]
[[Category:1933 births]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Tamil singers]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil people]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil people]]
[[Category:1988 deaths]]
[[Category:1988 deaths]]
[[Category:Male Carnatic singers]]
[[Category:Male Carnatic singers]]
[[Category:Carnatic singers]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:People from Mayiladuthurai district]]
[[Category:People from Mayiladuthurai district]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Tamil-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada-language playback singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male classical singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male classical singers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Singers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Singers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]

Latest revision as of 09:22, 21 January 2026


Sirkazhi Govindarajan
Background information
Birth nameSirkazhi Govindarajan[1]
Born(1933-01-19)19 January 1933
Sirkazhi, Madras Presidency, British India
(now in Tamil Nadu, India)
Died24 March 1988(1988-03-24) (aged 55)
Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India
GenresFilm music (playback singing), Indian classical music
Occupation(s)Singer, actor
InstrumentsVocalist
Years active1952–1988

Sirkazhi Govindarajan (19 January 1933 – 24 March 1988) was a Carnatic vocalist and a playback singer of Indian cinema, predominantly in Tamil cinema.[2][3][4][5] He was conferred the Padma Shri award by the Government of India.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Govindarajan, was born on 19 January 1933 at Sirkazhi (a small town in present-day Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu; famed birthplace of Sambandar, one of the 63 Nayanars of the Saiva faith) to Siva Chidambaram and Avayambal Ammal. At the age of eight, Govindarajan began to perform at the Tirupurasundari Temple on the occasion of the Gnana Paal Festival.[6]

Musical education[edit | edit source]

He graduated from the Tamil Isai College in Chennai (Madras) in 1949 with the degree 'Isaimani'.[7] He also graduated with the Degree of 'Sangeetha Vidwan'. At the same time, he started rigorous training (Gurukulavasam) under his Guru Thiruppampuram Swaminatha Pillai, who was then a professor at the Central College of Carnatic Music, Madras. Under his tutelage and in-depth study, he gained knowledge of the nuances and intricacies of Indian Music, especially, Classical Carnatic Music. During this period (1951–1952) he won many competitions, conducted by the Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) and the Rasika Ranjani Sabha.

Collaboration[edit | edit source]

Music composers[edit | edit source]

S. V. Venkataraman, S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, S. Rajeswara Rao, S. Dakshinamurthi, V. Dakshinamoorthy, G. Ramanathan, C. N. Pandurangam, Master Venu, K. V. Mahadevan, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, G. Devarajan, B. Narasimma Rao, A. Rama Rao, T. Chalapathi Rao, T. G. Lingappa, P. Adinarayana Rao, T. R. Pappa, Ghantasala, Vedha, G. K. Venkatesh, M. S. Viswanathan, T. K. Ramamoorthy, V. Kumar, A. M. Rajah, C. Ramachandra, Ilaiyaraaja, and Shankar–Ganesh, Baburaj

Playback singers[edit | edit source]

He has sung with other male singers such as M. S. Viswanathan, T. M. Soundararajan, Ghantasala, P. B. Sreenivas, S. C. Krishnan, Tiruchi Loganathan, A. L. Raghavan, K. J. Yesudas and S. V. Ponnusamy.

He also sang duets with many female singer such as M. L. Vasanthakumari, P. Leela, K. Jamuna Rani, Jikki, P. Susheela, K. Rani, L. R. Eswari, L. R. Anjali, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, Soolamangalam Jayalakshmi, R. Balasaraswathi Devi, N. L. Ganasaraswathi, A. P. Komala, A. G. Rathinmala, T. V. Rathnam, Bangalore A. R. Ramani Ammal, Vani Jairam, S. Janaki, M. R. Vijaya, Sarala and Rohini.

He sang duets with singing actors such as N. S. Krishnan, T. R. Mahalingam, P. Bhanumathi, S. Varalakshmi and Manorama.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Year Movie Role
1967 Kandhan Karunai Nakkeerar
1969 Vaa Raja Vaa Police Officer
1970 Thirumalai Thenkumari Bhagavathar shivachidambaram
1972 Agathiyar Agathiyar
1972 Dheivam Cameo Appearance
1973 Rajaraja Cholan Nambiyandar Nambi
1975 Thiruvarul Cameo Appearance
1976 Dasavatharam Naradhar
1982 Thaai Mookaambikai Cameo Appearance

Discography[edit | edit source]

Main article: Sirkazhi Govindarajan discography

Govindarajan had sung for many leading actors like M. G. Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan, N. T. Rama Rao, S. S. Rajendran, and R. Muthuraman.

Awards and honours[edit | edit source]

He was the recipient of three gold medals (first place) in the austere and hallowed halls of Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) from Karaikudi Sambasiva Iyer. "Sangeetha Vidwan" Sirkali won all first places in the three categories: Apoorva Krithis of Sri Thyagaraja swamigal, Ragam-Thalam-Pallavi, and Tamil Classical Songs.[6]

He was conferred the Padma Shri award by the Government of India. The Central College of Carnatic Music was the next institution for his musical enrichment.

Govindarajan had also done playback singing in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films.[8] Madras University conferred a doctorate (Honoris Causa) on him in 1983.

Source:[9][non-primary source needed]

  • ISAI MANI: 1949 – Degree from Tamil Isai College, Madras
  • SANGEETHA VIDWAN: 1951 – Degree from Central College of Carnatic Music, Madras
  • ISAI ARASU: 1968 – Kunrakudi Adheenam, Kunrakudi kumari'
  • Best Male Playback Singer: 1971 – for songs of Thirumalai Thenkumari
  • ISAI KADAL: 1972 – Bharathi Youth Association, Madras
  • INNISAI ARASU: 1974 – Tamil Nadu Nalvazhi Nilayam, Madras
  • DHARUMAPURA ADHEENA ISAI PULAVAR: 1974 – Adheena Vidwan of Dharumapura Adheenam appointed by Sri Guru Maha Sannidhaanam
  • KALAI MAMANI: 1975 – Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram (State Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award)
  • INNISAI VENDHAN: 1976 – Kandan Arts Academy, Madras
  • SANGEETHA BHASKARA: 1977 – Sri Shantananda Swami, Sri Bhuvaneswari Adhishtanam, Pudukkottai
  • ISAI THILAKAM: 1977 – Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Sabha
  • ISAI GNANA BHOOPATHI: 1978 – Brittania Hindu Shiva Temple Trust, London
  • EZHISAI VENDHAR AND GANAMRITHA VARITHI: 1978 – During Sri Lanka tours
  • PERISAIMANI: 1979 – Sangeetha Abhivrithi Sabha, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • IRAI ISAI VENDHAI: 1979 – Seshasayee Paper Mill Temple, Erode
  • MIYAN TANSEN AWARD: 1980 – Delhi Drupad Sangam, New Delhi
  • Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: 1980
  • Tamil Isai Mannar: 1981 – New York Tamil Sangam, New York
  • Gandharva Geetha Vithakar: 1981 – Ramalingar Pani Manram, Paris, France
  • Di Singenden Hersen Von Indien: 1981 – Yoga Center (Germans), Düsseldorf, West Germany
  • Tamil Nadu Arasavai Kalaignar: 1981 – At the Bharathiyar Centenary Celebrations
  • Isai Perarignar: 1982[10] – Annual music festival honor from Tamil Isai Sangam, Madras
  • Padma Shri: 1983[11]
  • ISAI THENDRAL: 1984 – Thyagaraja Swami Aradhana Committee, Tirutani
  • INNISAIMANI: 1985 – Guru Gnana Sambandar Iraipani Manram
  • GAMBEERA GANA ISAI VENDHAN: 1985 – Arya Vaisya Schools, Madurai
  • ARUL ISAI ARIGNAR: 1987 – Mauritius Education and Cultural Tour
  • TAMIL ISAIPERARIGNAR: 1987 – Tamil Sangam, Bangalore
  • MUTHAMIZH KALAI MAMANI: 1987 – Tamil Sangam, Salem
  • ISAIMAMANNAR: 1987 – Bharathidasan Centenary celebrations by Dravidar Kazhagam, Madras
  • ISAIPERARUVI: 1987 – Siddhi Vinayakar Temple, Paris, France
  • CULTURAL AMBASSADOR: 1987 – Frei Platz Axion-World Peace Conference in Switzerland

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Govindarajan was married to Sulochana from Omalur, Tamil Nadu. Their son Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram is also a Carnatic singer and a Medical Doctor.[12]

Death[edit | edit source]

Govindarajan died on 24 March 1988 in Madras (now Chennai) due to a massive heart attack. He was aged 55.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Chaama, Sridhar (29 June 2001). "Simple, soul-stirring music". The Hindu.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  2. ↑ "Sirakazhi Govindrajam: The Man Who Sang For God". News18. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  3. ↑ "Remembering the legendary Singer Sirkazhi Govindarajan on his birthday". Vikatan (in தமிழ்). 19 January 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  4. ↑ Sekar, Divya (24 March 2024). "தனித்துவமாக ஓங்கி ஒலிக்கும் குரல்.." உள்ளத்தில் நல்ல உள்ளம் உறங்காதென்பது" சீர்காழி கோவிந்தராஜன் நினைவுநாள் இன்று!". Tamil Hindustan Times (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  5. ↑ Selvaraj, S. (2022). A Poetic Encounter With Identity: A Glimpse Into Tamil Culture and the Poetry of Kannadasan. Notion Press. p. 143. ISBN 979-8-88555-423-7. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sirkali Home Page
  7. ↑ Majordasan (1999). "Potpourri of titbits about cinema – Sirkazhi Govindarajan (page 1)". Kalyanamalai Magazine. Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  8. ↑ Govindarajan Profile[permanent dead link]
  9. ↑ ""Tamil Isai Mannar" Sirkali Honors and Awards". sirkali.org. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  10. ↑ Krishnamachari, Suganthy (19 December 2013). "Temple bell timbre". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  11. ↑ "Padma Awards, Previous Awardees". dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in. Ministry of Home Affairs (govt. of India). 19 December 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2021. (Seerkhazhi S. Govindarajan)
  12. ↑ T. Ramakrishnan (7 December 2001). "An Aussie honour for Indian vocalist". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 December 2009. Retrieved 2 August 2009.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sirkazhi_Govindarajan&oldid=451888"
Discover more