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{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Bharatpedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox person<!-- Please do not change this "infobox person" because changing this infobox causes other info not appearing in it. --->
| name             = Swarnalatha
| name               = Swarnalatha
| background       = solo_singer
| background         =
| image           = Swarnalatha.jpg
| image             = Swarnalatha.jpg
| caption         = Swarnalatha at a studio
| caption           =
| alias           = Humming Queen
| image_size        =
| birth_date       = {{Birth date|df=yes|1973|04|29}}
| birth_name        = Swarnalatha  
| birth_place     = [[Chittur]], [[Palakkad]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| alias             = ''Humming Queen Of Universal''
| death_date      = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2010|09|12|1973|04|29}}
'' Queen Of Tones In Indian Cinema''<br/>
 
''Golden Nightingale Of South India''
 
 
       
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|df=yes|1973|04|29|}}
| birth_place       = [[Chittur]], [[Palakkad]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| death_date      = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2010|09|12|1973|04|29|||}}
| death_place      = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| death_place      = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
|parents            = K.C.Cherukutty<br/> Kalyani
| genre           = [[Playback singer|Cinema Playback singing]], [[Carnatic music]], [[Hindustani Music]], [[Ghazal]]
| known_for          = Swarangalin Arasi
| occupation      = Singer
 
| instrument       = Vocals
Aalapanai arasi
| years_active    = 1987–2010
| occupation        = {{Hlist| Singer}}
| yearsactive        = 1987–2010 
| honours           =
 
| module            = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed      = yes
| background = solo_singer
| genre      = [[Playback singer|Cinema Playback singing]], [[Carnatic music]], [[Hindustani Music]], [[Ghazal]]
 
| instrument = Vocals, Harmonium, Keyboard
}}
}}
}}
     
 
'''Swarnalatha''' (29 April 1973 – 12 September 2010) was an Indian playback singer she is referred to as the ''golden nightingale'' and ''queen of yodeling'' due to her unique voice and mellifluously sounding. 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>


'''Swarnalatha''' (29 April 1973 – 12 September 2010) was an Indian playback singer. In a career spanning almost 22 years (from 1987 until her death), she recorded over 10,000 songs in many Indian  languages, including [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[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|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916041012/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article627430.ece|archive-date=16 September 2010| newspaper=The Hindu| date=12 September 2010| access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref> She is specifically recognized by the title "Queen of Tones in India".  <ref>{{Cite news|title=The Queen Of Tones In India:Heart touching Swarnalatha with melodious songs on her birthday... |url=https://tamil.news18.com/entertainment/cinema-singer-swarnalatha-s-birthday-is-today-959448.html}}</ref>


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>
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 receive a [[National Film Awards|National Award]] in [[A. R. 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==
==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.
She was born to K. C. Cherukutty and mother Kalyani. 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==
==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]].
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 recorded a duet with [[K. J. Yesudas]], "Chinnachiru Kiliye" in the film ''[[Neethikku Thandanai]]''.<ref name="career" /> Subsequently, she recorded songs for many other music directors. She also had the opportunity to work with the director [[P. Venu]]. She was frequently collaborated with 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 top-rated 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 ''[[Kaadhalan]]'' or "Mottu Vittadha" from ''[[Pavithra (film)|Pavithra]]''. In Kannada, her first song, "Saradara Baa Baalina Sindhoora" was a duet with actor-singer [[Dr. Rajkumar]] for the film ''[[Parashuram (1989 film)|Parashuram]]'' in 1989.


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.
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 (composer)|Vidyasagar]], [[Harris Jayaraj]], [[Anu Malik]], [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], [[Raj–Koti]], [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], [[Mani Sharma]], [[Hamsalekha]] and many others.


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 initially 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| date=10 October 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=501BNdE3Dvo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/501BNdE3Dvo |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=ஸ்வர்ணலதாவிற்கு கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி| date=12 November 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqxv1hU5ZL8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/zqxv1hU5ZL8 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
 
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'''
'''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>
Swarnalatha appeared as a judge in many television singing competitions, notably in the 2001 Vijay TV reality show and in the 2004 Jaya TV Ragamalika.<ref>{{Citation|title=இசை பொக்கிஷம் கலைமாமணி இசைப்பேரரசி ஸ்வர்ணலதாவின் அபூர்வராகங்கள் #Swarnalathaofficial|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUrirxRd4O0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/rUrirxRd4O0 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=JayaTV Rewind: ஸ்வர்ணலதா கலந்துகொண்ட ராகமாலிகா {{!}}{{!}} Swarnalatha {{!}} Ragamalika| date=18 September 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YL6fKRJtbQ|language=en|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>


==Death==
==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]].
Swarnalatha died at Malar Hospitals Ltd Adayar, [[Chennai]] at the age of 37, on 12 September 2010. She had [[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]].{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}


==Awards and recognitions==
==Awards and recognitions==
{| class="infobox" style="width: 25em; text-align: center; font-size: 70%; vertical-align: middle;"
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="width: 25em; text-align: center; font-size: 70%; vertical-align: middle;"
|+ <span style="font-size: 9pt">'''Awards'''</span>
|+Awards
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |
|-  style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"
|-  style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"
!style="vertical-align: middle;"| Awards
!style="vertical-align: middle;"| Awards
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|- style="background:#eef;"
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
| style="text-align:center;"|
;[[National Film Awards]]:
[[National Film Awards]]
|{{won|1}}
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]
;[[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}}
|{{won|3}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Cinema Express]]
;[[Cinema Express]]:
|{{won|5}}
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Kalaimamani]]
;[[Kalaimamani]]:
|{{won|1}}
|{{won|1}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;" |
| style="text-align:center;" |Total
;Total
|{{won|10}}
|{{won|12}}
|}
|}
<!--For verifiability, please cite a reliable source when adding an award. This section in particular has a history of disruption and spurious additions. -->
<!--For verifiability, please cite a reliable source when adding an award. This section in particular has a history of disruption and spurious additions. -->
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* 1991 – [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback]] for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref name="award"/>
* 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"/>
* 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"/>
* 2000 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Yevano Oruvan" from ''[[Alai Payuthey]]''<ref name="award"/>


'''[[Cinema Express Awards]]'''
'''[[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>
* 1991 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Povomma Oorkolam" from ''[[Chinna Thambi]]''<ref>{{cite news |date=25 February 1992 |title='Chinnathambi' Bags ''Cinema Express'' Award |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VZBlAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,722114&hl=en |access-date=4 October 2013 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>
* 1995 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Muquala Muqapala" from ''[[Kadhalan]]''
* 1995 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Muquala Muqapala" from ''[[Kaadhalan]]''
* 1996 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Akkadannu nanga" from ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''
* 1996 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Akkadannu nanga" from ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''
* 1999 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Ulunthu vidaikayile" from ''[[Mudhalvan]]''
* 1999 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Ulunthu vidaikayile" from ''[[Mudhalvan]]''
* 2000 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Yevano Oruvan " from ''[[Alaipayuthey]]''
* 2000 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Yevano Oruvan " from ''[[Alai Payuthey]]''
'''Government Honour'''
'''Government Honour'''
* 1994– [[Kalaimamani]] Award by the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]]
* 1994– [[Kalaimamani]] Award by the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]]
Line 121: Line 86:
* 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>
* 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==
==Frequent collaborations==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2022}}
;Ilaiyaraja
;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'.
Swarnalatha has sung over 200 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''.
 
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".
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
[[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]].
[[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 ''[[Karuthamma]]'' released in the year 1994. She has sung nearly 80 songs for Rahman. The last song she recorded with Rahman was "Kummi Adi" from the film ''[[Sillunu Oru Kadhal]]'' (2006).
 
;Deva
Swarnalatha sang for [[Deva (composer)|Deva]] from the year 1990. The song "Kanne Karisal" from ''[[Vaigasi Poranthachu]]'' marked their first association. The songs sung by her from the films ''[[Senthoorapandi]]'' (1993), ''[[Rasigan]]'' (1994), ''[[Baashha]]'' (1995), ''[[Vishnu (1995 film)|Vishnu]]'' (1995), ''[[Maanbumigu Maanavan]]'' (1996), ''[[Kadhal Kottai]]'' (1996), ''[[Arunachalam (film)|Arunachalam]]'' (1997), ''[[Anantha Poongatre]]'' (1999), ''[[Mugavaree]]'' (2000) and ''[[Chokka Thangam]]'' (2003) have been popular.


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

Latest revision as of 18:23, 25 March 2026


Swarnalatha
File:Swarnalatha.jpg
Swarnalatha at a studio
Background information
Also known asHumming Queen
Born(1973-04-29)29 April 1973
Chittur, Palakkad, Kerala, India
Died12 September 2010(2010-09-12) (aged 37)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
GenresCinema Playback singing, Carnatic music, Hindustani Music, Ghazal
Occupation(s)Singer
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1987–2010

Swarnalatha (29 April 1973 – 12 September 2010) was an Indian playback singer. In a career spanning almost 22 years (from 1987 until her death), she recorded over 10,000 songs in many Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi, and Badaga.[1] She is specifically recognized by the title "Queen of Tones in India". [2]

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 receive a National Award in A. R. Rahman Music.[3]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

She was born to K. C. Cherukutty and mother Kalyani. Swarnalatha was trained to play harmonium and keyboard.[4] Swarnalatha's family later moved to Bhadravathi in Shivamogga District, Karnataka where she had her education.[5] 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[edit | edit source]

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 recorded a duet with K. J. Yesudas, "Chinnachiru Kiliye" in the film Neethikku Thandanai.[5] Subsequently, she recorded songs for many other music directors. She also had the opportunity to work with the director P. Venu. She was frequently collaborated with 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 with singer Hariharan.

In Telugu, she recorded more songs under the music direction of Mani Sharma, Ramana Gogula, Raj–Koti, and Vandemataram Srinivas. They include top-rated 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[3] or "Porale Ponnuthayi" from Karuthamma as well as Rahman's experimental songs like "Mukkabla" from Kaadhalan or "Mottu Vittadha" from Pavithra. In Kannada, her first song, "Saradara Baa Baalina Sindhoora" was a duet with actor-singer Dr. Rajkumar for the film Parashuram in 1989.

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, Vidyasagar, Harris Jayaraj, Anu Malik, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Raj–Koti, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Mani Sharma, Hamsalekha and many others.

She recorded all the songs initially 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.[6][7]

Television

Swarnalatha appeared as a judge in many television singing competitions, notably in the 2001 Vijay TV reality show and in the 2004 Jaya TV Ragamalika.[8][9]

Death[edit | edit source]

Swarnalatha died at Malar Hospitals Ltd Adayar, Chennai at the age of 37, on 12 September 2010. She had Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.[citation needed]

Awards and recognitions[edit | edit source]

Awards
Awards Wins

National Film Awards

1
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 3
Cinema Express 5
Kalaimamani 1
Total 10

National Award (Silver Lotus Award)-(Rajat Kamal)

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

Cinema Express Awards

  • 1991 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Povomma Oorkolam" from Chinna Thambi[11]
  • 1995 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Muquala Muqapala" from Kaadhalan
  • 1996 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Akkadannu nanga" from Indian
  • 1999 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Ulunthu vidaikayile" from Mudhalvan
  • 2000 – Best Female Playback Singer for "Yevano Oruvan " from Alai Payuthey

Government Honour

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. Balasubrahmaniyam and Swarnalatha[12]

Frequent collaborations[edit | edit source]

Ilaiyaraja

Swarnalatha has sung over 200 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 Karuthamma released in the year 1994. She has sung nearly 80 songs for Rahman. The last song she recorded with Rahman was "Kummi Adi" from the film Sillunu Oru Kadhal (2006).

Deva

Swarnalatha sang for Deva from the year 1990. The song "Kanne Karisal" from Vaigasi Poranthachu marked their first association. The songs sung by her from the films Senthoorapandi (1993), Rasigan (1994), Baashha (1995), Vishnu (1995), Maanbumigu Maanavan (1996), Kadhal Kottai (1996), Arunachalam (1997), Anantha Poongatre (1999), Mugavaree (2000) and Chokka Thangam (2003) have been popular.

Discography[edit | edit source]

Main article: List of songs recorded by Swarnalatha

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Playback singer Swarnalatha passes away". The Hindu. 12 September 2010. Archived from the original on 16 September 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  2. ↑ "The Queen Of Tones In India:Heart touching Swarnalatha with melodious songs on her birthday..."
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 National award winning playback singer Swarnalatha passes away, Asian Tribune, Tue, 14 September 2010 03:25
  4. ↑ "Swarnalatha Biography". Retrieved 1 July 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Home". Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  6. ↑ Singer swarnalatha captain TV marakka mudiyuma show, 10 October 2018, archived from the original on 22 December 2021, retrieved 11 May 2021
  7. ↑ ஸ்வர்ணலதாவிற்கு கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி, 12 November 2019, archived from the original on 22 December 2021, retrieved 11 May 2021
  8. ↑ இசை பொக்கிஷம் கலைமாமணி இசைப்பேரரசி ஸ்வர்ணலதாவின் அபூர்வராகங்கள் #Swarnalathaofficial, archived from the original on 22 December 2021, retrieved 11 May 2021
  9. ↑ JayaTV Rewind: ஸ்வர்ணலதா கலந்துகொண்ட ராகமாலிகா || Swarnalatha | Ragamalika, 18 September 2019, retrieved 11 May 2021
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "My first break – Swarnalatha". The Hindu. 8 May 2009. Archived from the original on 10 May 2009.
  11. ↑ "'Chinnathambi' Bags Cinema Express Award". The Indian Express. 25 February 1992. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
  12. ↑ BBC World Service 70th Anniversary Global Music Poll: The World's Top Ten. 2002. Retrieved 5 February 2011.

External links[edit | edit source]

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