MS Subbulakshmi Biography

Born: September 16, 1916
Died: December 11, 2004
Achievements: Famous for rendering devotional songs; called as Nightingale of India; recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Ramon Magsaysay Award, and Bharat Ratna

MS Subbulakshmi was a legendary Carnatic musician. She was popularly known as Nightingale of India. Her rendering of bhajans (devotional songs) was divine and used to enthrall and transfix listeners, and transport them into a different world

MS Subbulakshmi (Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi) was born as Kunjamma in the temple city of Madurai on September 16, 1916. She was born into a family of musicians. Her grandmother Akkammal played the violin and her mother was a veena artist.

MS Subbulakshmi started learning Carnatic music from a very early age. She made her debut as a singer at the age of eight and went on to perform in concerts, a domain traditionally reserved for males. She began her Carnatic classical music training under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and then Hindustani classical training under Pandit Narayan Rao Vyas.

By the age of 17, Subbulakshmi was giving concerts on her own, including major performances at the Madras Music Academy, the prestigious center for the study and promotion of Carnatic music. In 1940, she married T. Sadasivam, a freedom fighter, and a follower of Rajaji. He played a key role in advancing her career.

She also acted in a few Tamil films in her youth. Her first movie "Sevasadanam" was released in 1938. MS Subbulakshmi also played the male role of Narada in "Savitri" (1941) to raise money for launching Kalki, her husband's nationalist Tamil weekly. Her title role of the Rajasthani saint-poetess Meera in the eponymous film (1945) gave her national prominence. This movie was re-made in Hindi in 1947. The movie had M.S Subbulakshmi. sing the famous Meera bhajans, with Dilipkumar Roy as the music director. Those renditions by M.S. continue to haunt listeners to this day. Following the success of the film she quit films and turned wholly to concert music.

MS Subbulakshmi traveled to London, New York, Canada, the Far East, and other places as India's cultural ambassador. Her concerts at Carnegie Hall, New York; the UN General Assembly on UN day in 1966; the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1982; and at the Festival of India in Moscow in 1987 were significant landmarks in her career.


MS Subbulakshmi received many honours and awards. These include Padma Bhushan in 1954, Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1968 (She was the first woman recipient of the title), Ramon Magsaysay award in 1974, the Padma Vibhushan in 1975, the Kalidasa Samman in 1988, the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1998. She was also honored as the court-singer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

After the death of her husband Sadasivam in 1997, MS Subbulakshmi stopped all her public performances. She had no children. MS Subbulakshmi died on December 11, 2004 after a brief illness.

Dr. Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna

Born - 6 July 1930
Achievements - Balamurali Krishna turned out to be a child prodigy, who began staging musical shows from the age of five. He composed the Raganga Ravali that's a detailed work on the 72 Melakarta scheme when he was merely 14 years old. Also he is said to have composed as many as 400 Carnatic musical compositions.

Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna is a very well-known Carnatic music vocalist cum musician of India. Born on 6 July 1930 at the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, he was initially named Murali Krishna at birth. It was the distinguished Harikatha performer, Musunuri Suryanarayana Murty Bhagavatar, who added 'Bala' to the name of young Muralikrishna. Read on further to get more information about the biography of M Balamurali Krishna.

Balamurali Krishna turned out to be a child prodigy, who began staging musical shows from the age of five. Music happened to be in the blood of Balamurali Krishna as his father himself was a popular musician and could play the flute, violin and the veena, whereas his mother was a skilled veena player. As such, little Balamurali Krishna mastered a number of instruments within a short time. He was presented the All India Radio's "Top Grade" for seven different performance areas.

M Balamurali Krishna also happens to be the only Indian musician ever to win National Awards for classical music, music direction and film playback singing. The life history of the musical career of Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna is interesting. He composed the Raganga Ravali that's a detailed work on the 72 Melakarta scheme when he was merely 14 years old. By 16, he had mastered all the 72 Melakarta ragas and composed kritis in all of them. Also he is said to have composed as many as 400 Carnatic musical compositions.

All throughout his life, Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna has performed at concerts in numerous countries across the globe like USA, Canada, UK, Italy, France, Russia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and so on. Though his mother tongue is Telugu, he sings also sings in Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil et al. There are many stalwart Hindustani musicians who have collaborated with him in "jugalbandhis" or duets like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Kishori Amonkar and others. He has also worked with international artists and won many prestigious awards.

MM Keeravani

M. M. Kreem alias Maragadamani alias M. M. Keera Vaani (also spelt M. M. Keeravani) is a film composer in India. He is also a singer. He is the cousin of Tollywood director S.S. Rajamouli.His family friends like Mallik(cartoonist), S.S.Kanchi(Actor-Amrutham(telugu serial) Fame), M.M.Sreelekha(music director) are all dedicated to the film industry.Keeravani is known for his own footprint in telugu film industry with his compilations for annamayya(telugu film).Liked also by bollywood for his songs in Jism, Paheli, Criminal, etc.

He has given some fabulous music in hindi film Is raat ki Subah Nahi and also in films like Sur, Zakhm, Saaya, Rog.

A.M Raja singer

A. M. Raja was one of the successful composer and a singer in the South Indian film industry in the 1950s era. His successful albums include Missamma, Then nilavu, Kalyana Parisu etc. Starting his singing career in the movie Samsaram, he sang songs for many music directors. He sang many songs for the actor Gemini Ganesan. He became music director in the movie Kalyana parisu, directed by his friend Sreedhar. That was Sreedhar's first movie too. After that he did Then nilavu with Sreedhar. But his downfall started after that. It was said that his attitude brought his own downfall.

Filmography
Jump to filmography as: Music Department, Composer, Actor
Music Department:

1. Pelli Kaanuka (1960) (playback singer)
2. Raja Nandini (1958) (playback singer)
3. Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1958) (playback singer)
4. Allauddin Adhbhuta Deepam (1957) (playback singer)
5. Bhagya Rekha (1957) (playback singer)
6. M.L.A. (1957) (playback singer)
7. Penki Pellam (1956) (playback singer)
8. Missamma (1955) (playback singer)
9. Vipranarayana (1954) (playback singer)
10. Aggi Ramudu (1954) (playback singer)
11. Bangaru Papa (1954) (playback singer)
12. Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam (1954) (playback singer)
13. Aah (1953) (playback singer) (Telegu version)
14. Pakka Inti Ammayi (1953) (playback singer)

Composer:

1. Pelli Kaanuka (1960)
2. Kalyana Parisu (1959)

Actor:

1. Pakka Inti Ammayi (1953)

Master Venu

Composer

1. (8.68) - Todi Kodallu (1957)
2. (7.42) - Preminchi Choodu (1965)

Music Department

1. (8.60) - Malapilla (1938)

Madhavapeddi Satyam singer

Sri Madhavapeddi Satyam is born in 1922 at Brahmanakoduru, Bapatla. He became a famous singer by signing songs in all the languages. He has sung 5000 songs in languages like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Simhali languages to his credit. At the age of 75, he sung a song - Sakurathri Pandagochero - in Krishna Vamsi's Sindhuram and got lot of appreciation by all.

Madhavapeddi Satyam is an actor by profession. He used to do stage plays starting at the age of eight. His first screen appearance was done for the bilingual film Rama Dasu that is made in both Hindi and Tamil. He did sing the songs of his character in both these languages. His Telugu entrance was paved with the film 'Shavukaru'. He acted as a blind man in that film and sung three songs in that film for his character. The most famous song 'Ayyoyyo Jebulo Dabbulu Poyena' came from his melodious voice. Another famous song 'Vivaha Bhojanambu' from Mayabazaar was the magic of his voice.

The man who made a difference with his golden voice to Telugu cinema is no more. He died in Chennai yesterday (18th December 2000) with an ailment at the age of 78. His wife expired in the last year. He is survived by a son and a daughter.

P. B. Sreenivas

P.B. Sreenivas (Prativadi Bhayankara Sreenivas and popularly PBS) is a multi-faceted playback singer from South India. He has sung in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu although he is most well known for his melodious playback singing in the Kannada film industry for Dr.Rajkumar.

P.B. Sreenivos is fluent in eight languages (including English and Urdu) and has penned several ghazals in Tamil. His "home away from home" was the recently closed Woodlands Drive-In restaurant in Chennai where one could have found him almost any day writing ^[1]. He has headed many music related organizations such as being the president of Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram ^[2].

He has won many awards for his playback singling such as the Madhavapeddi Satyam award by the Siva Foundation ^[3], the Vocational Excellence Award for his fifty years of dedication to music ^[4], and the Vidwath Siromani Puraskaram ^[5].

K.J. Yesudas

Birth Name

(Dr.) Kattassery Joseph Yesudas

Nickname

Dasettan

Spouse

Prabha

(1970 - present)

Trivia

His father was Augustine Joseph Bagavathor, a well-known Malayalam classical musician and stage actor of his time. Yesudas' first Guru was his beloved father himself, who lovingly and painstakingly led him through the basic precepts of Carnatic Music while he was hardly five years old

One of the greatest South Indian musicians of all times. He is one of India's foremost exponents of classical carnatic vocal music and leading playback singer. Yesudas has sung more than 30,000 songs for thousands of Indian films in various languages.

Recipient of the Padmabhushan Award from the President of India. In 1973 the President conferred on him the title of Padmashree on the advice of the Prime Minister on Republic Day.

Has three sons, Vinod, Vijay (who is following in his father's footsteps), and Vishal.

Uncle of fashion designer Anand Jon.

Where Are They Now

(2005) The family is currently settled in Madras, India and visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA time and again for business reasons.

K. S. Chithra

K. S. Chithra is a singer who has made her mark in the Indian (film) playback industry. Known as the “Nightingale of South India”, she has lent her voice to Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi and Bengali films.

Born in Thiruvananthapuram the capital of Kerala state, K. S. Chitra, with her melodious voice, has built a formidable reputation as a playback singer for South Indian as well as Hindi films. She has to her credit, over 11,000 songs in languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali and Oriya.

From her young age she learned the basics in music from her father, late Krishnan Nair who was a singer and composer of repute. The gifted singer learned music at the graduate and post-graduate levels and completed her B A in music with the third rank from the university. She went on to complete her MA in music from Kerala University, for which she was chosen under the aegis of the National Talent Search Scholarship programme and was trained by Professor K. Omanakutty.

Ms. Chithra got a chance in films when Prof. K. Omanakutty introduced her to her brother Mr. M. G. Radhakrishnan, a famous music director in Malayalam film industry. Her first songs were for the films like 'Attahaasam', 'Snehapoorvam Meera', and 'Njaan Ekananu' and from then on there was no looking back. Her expressive melodious voice got her plenty of offers and she was soon making a mark in Malayalam films to the extent that she has today monopolised Malayalam film music. Ilayaraja gave her the big break into Tamil films through his film 'Nee Thaanaa Antha Kuyil' but it was with 'Sindhu Bhairavi' she became a known name in Tamil industry which also won her the National Award for best playback singer. Ms Chitra's foray into Hindi film music was with the song 'Saathiya, ye tune kya kiya' in the film 'Love'. Some of the Hindi films that she has given hit songs are 'Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya', 'Aks', 'Ashoka', 'Rangeela' etc. She is one singer who has successfully broken the North-South divide and blazed a trail of glory in both worlds.

She has won the National Award for the best playback singer five times. For ' Sindhu Bhairavi' (Tamil, 1986),' Nakhashatangal' (Malayalam, 1987), ' Vaishali' (Malayalam, 1989 ), Minsara Kanavu (Tamil, 1996), Virasat (Hindi, 1997).

The Kerala government has heaped upon her the best playback singer award more than 12 times and she has the unique distinction of being the first female singer in the history of South Indian film playback singing to be honoured by all the four southern state governments as the best playback singer.

Chithra who has a strong base in classical music has an ability to pick up even the most difficult pitch with ease. Ms Chithra has many albums especially devotional music to her credit. She has also tried her hand in pop music and made an album with the 'Voodoo Rapper'. Her hugely successful albums include 'Piya Basanti'; her collaboration with sarangi exponent Ustad Sultan Khan, 'Sunset Point', where she worked with Gulzar and Bhupinder. She has had the opportunities to work with famous music directors like Salil Choudhary, Anu Malik, Nadeem-Shravan and world renowned music maestro A R Rahman. But she remains her simple down to earth self with the trademark pleasant smile. This immensely talented singer continues to impress her numerous fans with memorable songs.

Professional career

Born on July 27, 1963, in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), into a family of musicians, Chithra’s talent was recognized and nurtured from an early age by her father, the late Krishnan Nair. He was also her first guru (teacher). Chithra received her extensive training in Carnatic music from Dr. K.Omanakutty, after she was selected for the National Talent Search Scholarship from the Central Government from 1978 – 1984. She was introduced to Malayalam playback singing by Shri. M. G. Radhakrishnan in 1979. She made her debut in the Tamil film industry in Chennai under the guidance of film music composer Ilayaraaja. Lata Mangeshkar believes that Chithra is the best (next to herself). Even many Hindi music directors believe that Chithra is on par with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. She has worked with music directors such as Gulzar, Ustad Ali, Ghulam Ali, Anu Malik, and A. R. Rahman. She is the best female singer ever made in malayalam playback music.

Awards

To this day, Chithra has recorded thousands of film and non-film songs. During her career, numerous recognitions have come her way including six National Awards for best female playback singer. This is the largest number of national awards awarded to any female playback singer. She has won the awards for the following films:

• 1986 - Sindhu Bhairavi, Tamil film

• 1987 - Nakhaksthangal, Malayalam film

• 1989 - Vaisali, Malayalam film

• 1996 - Minsaara Kanavu, Tamil film

• 1997 - Virasat, Hindi film

• 2004 - Autograph, Tamil Film

She has also received 15 awards for the best female playback singer from Kerala State Government, 7 awards from Andhra State Government, 4 awards from Tamil Nadu State Government and 2 awards from Karnataka State Government. She holds the unique honour of the first male or female playback singer to be recognised by all the four state governments in South India as the best playback singer.

Other achievements

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

Biography of S.Janaki

S.Janaki, the Melody Queen of South India with her magnificent voice, captured the hearts of millions of people in her reigning days. She was born on 23rd April, 1938, in Pallapatla, Repalle village, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh.

Janaki showed interest in music at a tender age and started singing at the age of three. She started learning music from Sree Paidiswamy and continued her lessons until she was ten years old. Then she moved to Madras on the advice of her uncle Dr. Chandrashekar who nurtured her talents. She received a second prize from the former President Dr. Rajendra Prasad at the competitions held by AIR (All India Radio) in 1956. Mr. Chandrasekhar, her uncle recommended her for a job as a singer in AVM Studio. She joined and started her career with Tamil films in 1957 in the film ‘Vidhiyin Vilayattu’ under the famous music director T. Chalapati Rao. Later, she got a chance in a Telugu film MLA. From then on, there was no looking back for her. She has several unforgettable hit songs with the association of the maestros of music.

Janaki has a unique capability to change her voice and sing in a range of tones. She could sing in a child’s voice or an old woman’s voice or along with a Shenai quite naturally. She is not only a singer but also a good lyricist and a good music composer. She wrote many songs for Tamil and Telugu films. She has sung about 20,000 songs in her career, in almost all languages in South India as well as in Hindi, Simhalese, Bengali, Oriya, English, Sanskrit, Konkini, Tulu, Saurashtra, Baduga, and German. She has given several unforgettable hit songs on her own and with the association of the maestros of music.

She has received many awards for her talent. She won national awards for best singer four times -in 1976 for the song ‘Senthoora Poove’ in the Tamil Film ‘16 vayadhinile’, in 1980 for the song ‘Ettumanoorambalathil’ in the Malayalam Film ‘Oppol’, in 1984 for the song’ Vennello godari andham’ in the Telugu film ‘Sithara’, 1992 for the song ‘Inji Idippazagha’ in the Tamil Film ‘Devar magan’. She has won Tamil Nadu state government award 7 times, Kerala state Government awards 14 times, Andhra state government awards 10 times. She was honoured with ‘Kalai Mamani’ in 1986, ‘Sur singar’ award in 1987, Cinema ‘Achiever Award’ by the government of Kerala in the year 2002 and many more.

She has almost retired from the industry after husband Sri.V.Rama Prasad’s death. A devotee of Lord Krishna and Shirdi Sai Baba, she spends a lot of time praying and has also released devotional music cassettes on Meera. She lives with her son Murali Krishna, an actor and daughter-in-law Uma Murali Krishna, a classical dancer (Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi) and two grand daughters Amruthavarshini and Apsara. Janaki with her magnificent and versatile voice will remain in the hearts of music lovers for ages to come.

Biography of P. Susheela

P.Susheela hails from a music family but she was the first to sing in her family. Born in Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, Susheela is the daughter of Sheshavatataram and Mukund Rao, a leading criminal lawyer of his time. She studied classical music in Maharaja`s Music College, Vizianagaram under the tutelage, of the famous violinist Dwaram Venkatasamy Naidu. With a first class diploma, Susheela went to Madras for higher studies in music in the Music Academy under the principalship of Musiri Subramania Iyer. She started giving classical music performances in public and also through All India Radio, Madras, Vijayawada, and Bangalore and Hyderabad stations. Married to Dr. Mohan Rao, who had kept himself away from the limelight of his wife`s career, but had been very supportive to her. Susheela is grateful to him for providing a congenial domestic harmony and environment so that her music career flourished. She has one son P. Susheela has rendered a song composed by A. R. Rahman for the Tamil movie ``Indian.`` Susheela`s career spanning a period of three to four decades is a very satisfying one to the artiste. Susheela, always fascinated by film music, was thrilled when she was called to record a song for a film, ``Kannatalli`` in Telugu, and in Tamil her first playback was for ``Petra Thai``. `Music is God`s gift to me”, she says. She sung with A.M. Raja under the direction of Pendyala Nageswara Rao. Her melodious voice caught the attention of other music directors and she became a much sought after playback singer. There was no Tamil movie without songs by her. Susheela has sung for all the South Indian language films. Her songs in movies like ``Pava Manippu,`` ``Palum Pazhamum,`` ``Parthal Pasitheerum,`` ``Uthama Puthiran,`` etc. still remain favourites of film music lovers. P.Susheela sings effortlessly and with comprehension. The depth of the lyrics is brought out very well. There is no strain while singing. While recording in film studios, recording theatre or while giving public performances of light music concerts, Susheela is composed, calm, totally devoid of gimmicks or mannerisms. In this she is very much like Lata Mangeshkar who is a picture of composure and dignity. Susheela has sung a lot of songs under the music direction of composers Viswanathan-Ramamurthi, and has rendered the maximum of songs with T. M. Soundararajan. She has worked with music directors Subbiah Naidu, G. Ramanathan, K. V. Mahadevan, Viswanathan-Ramamurthi, Devarajan, Raghavan Master, Babu, and Dakshinamurthi, in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Since Susheela feels music nowadays is too much noise a playback singer of her calibre may not be able to sing such songs and so these days one rarely hears a Susheela song in a movie but she has not bid adieu to film playback. She is willing to sing for any music director, but it should be a song with meaning and melody.`` Like the song ``Kanaka Mai Azhagu`` in ``Puthiya Mugam.`` The song so melodiously sung comes across as a whiff of fresh air and the picturisation is also good. It fetched a golden disc award to Susheela. She looks on her career with satisfaction Honours and Titles: She is the recipient of the National Award for female playback singer in 1969, 1971, 1977, 1983, 1984 and has also bagged the Tamil Nadu State Award, the Kerala State Government Award and from her home State Andhra Pradesh she has won the Best Playback Artiste Award given by the Madras Film Fans Associations and during the Indo-Pakistan war she entertained the jawans at the war front. The Government of Tamil Nadu has honoured her with the title of ``Kalaimamani`` and again in the year 1991 she won the Tamil Nadu State Government Award as best playback artiste for 1990-91. In August 1992 Susheela was conferred the honourary Doctorate at Washington, U.S. by the North American Alumni Association. Susheela is now turning more and more to devotional music and has recorded quite a few cassettes. People who heard her in the 50`s feel no difference when they heard her it ``Pudia Mugam`` and ``Indian.``

P. LEELA SINGER

Date of Birth:
1933, Chittor, North Kerala,
Date of Death:
31 October 2005, Chennai, Tamilnadu,

She was rendering Carnatic music concerts and singing in light music programs almost until last year. Starting at the age of 13, she has sung about 5000 film songs in all the South Indian languages Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. She also sang in one Bengali film and in Sinhala movies. Her songs are known for their emotional touch and classical discipline. She made a name for herself by singing in her mellifluous voice both for the film industry and in carnatic music She considered it an honour to have sung in the same period as M S Subbulakshmi, M L Vasanthakumari and D K Pattammal - three giants of Carnatic music. She has worked under all great music directors and has sung with all the major singers of the South Indian film industry

Porayathu Leela was born in 1934, in Chitthur(Palghat) to V.K.Kunjanmenon and Meenakshi. She was the last of the three daughters- Sharadha, Bhanumathi and Leela. V K Kunjanmenon was working as a teacher in Ramavaram Higher Secondary School at Ernakulam V.K.Menon was passionate about music “We were three girls in our family and I was the youngest. My father wanted us to learn Carnatic music and all three of us used to sing well, My father was solely responsible for making me a singer." said Leela.

Leela had a gifted voice.Thiribuvana Manibhagavadhar the uncle of musician T. V. Gopalakrishnan. was her first guru. Later she learnt from Paththamadai Krishna Ayyar and Maruthuvakudi Rajagopala Iyer.Vadakkancheri Ramabhagavadhar was a very close friend of Menon.He settled down in Madras. Whenever he used to visit Ernakulam, he would invite Menon and Leela to come to Madras to learn music. The headmistress of the school in which Leela was studying advised her father to take Leela to Madras for further training in music.

Menon had an ambition of making his youngest daughter a singer.He made it his lifetime mission . Menon resigned his job in Ernakulam and took Leela to Madras in 1944. Both of them stayed with Vadakkancheri Ramabagavathar in Mylapore and the 10 year old Leela started learning in gurukula style. Her father was very particular that Leela should do sadhaka early in the morning. He saw to it that her sole interest was music.

In Madras,Leela had the opportunity of listening to the concerts of legendary singers like Ariyakkudi Ramanujam, S Ramanathan, GNB, Chembai and others. Leela said this 'kelvi gnanam' helped her in a long way in finetuning her music.and moulding her as a singer. Leela sang at many music competitions in the city winning prizes In 1946, Durgabai Deshmukh gave her the first concert in Andra mahila sabha .Leela was giving concerts in various places.
Entry into the Film industry

Columbia Recording Company was looking out for a female voice and the manager Ganabathirama Iyer, recommended Leela. She was appointed as their artiste. This paved the way for her entry into the films.

In Tamil, Nandakumar was the first movie to introduce playback singing.A.V.Meiyappa chettiar came up with the innovative idea of replacing the soundtrack with another voice and the playback system was introduced in Tamil cinema in 1938. It was gradually accepted and many singers entered the movie world. “I was introduced at a time when the actresses were singing for themselves,” reminisces Leela.

When she landed in Madras she did not know Tamil or Telugu. She used to write the keerthanais in Malayalam and practice them to perfection. Once she started her career as playback singer she arranged for tutors and learnt other languages.

She was offered to sing for a Tamil movie in 1948. Her father was initially reluctant but later he was persuaded to accept. Leela made her debut as playback singer in the movie `Kanganam.' She sang her first song, ‘Sree Varalakshmi’, when she was just 13 years old. C.H. Padmanabhasastry was the music director of the film. She sang all the songs for the heroine in that film.

Kanganam was produced by G.B.Narayanan company. It was released on 10-6-1948. Story was by A.T.Krishnasamy. Lyrics by Kambadasan. K.R.Ramasamy,M.R.Saminathan,Menaka and P.R.Mangalam acted in that movie.

In 1948 she sang 'paaduka poonkuyile' for the Malayalam movie Nirmala. Balan made in 1938 was. the first Malayalam "talkie" with sound track. Mr.T.R Sundaram produced this film for Modern theatres, Salem, with S. Nottani as the director. The film starred Mr.K. K. Aroor, Mr. Alleppy Vincent, Smt. M. K. Kamalam. Mr. Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai wrote the screen play. The film ‘Balan’ produced by T. R.Sundaram was a melodrama with more Tamil influence than Malayalam.

In 1948, 'Nirmala was produced by P.J.Cherian and directed by P.V.Krishna Iyer.. ‘Nirmala’ (1948) was the first film to explore the possibility of music and songs in Malayalam cinema. The lyrics penned by the legendary Malayalam poet G.. Shankara Kurup set to Music by P.S.Diwakar became popular. From then on, the songs became an essential ingredient of Malayalam cinema.

Telugu Movies

In 1949 Leela made her debut in Telugu Cinema singing in 3 films Manadesam, Keelu Gurram and Gunasundarikatha.

The legendary singer and music director Ghantasala (with whom Leela has sung the most number of songs) introduced Leela in Manadesam. Manadesam is remembered as Telugu megastar Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao's debut as a police inspector. He was paid 250 rupees as advance for remuneration.

The film was based on Vipradas, a Bengali novel. It was the first film made in Telugu, based on a Bengali novel. The film was produced by MRA films.(named after Meka Rajyalakshmi Anuradha, daughter of the Telugu actress, singer and producer of yester years Mrs.C.Krishnaveni and Mirzapuram Raja). Ghantasala Venkateswararao who was making strides as a singer was introduced to Krishnaveni; she was very much pleased with his voice and saw the potentials in him as a composer. Ghantasala was booked as the Music director for three of their productions – Manadesam, Keelu Gurram and Lakshmamma.

In Manadesam, Krishnaveni wanted to introduce all types of traditional songs of Andhra Pradesh, "Dhampudu paatalu, veedhi naatakaalu, bommalaatalu, jaanapada geethalu, burra kathalu etc", patriotic songs, devotional songs, etc. Ghantasala scored music very well. M.S.Ramarao sang for the hero C.H.Narayanarao.

Keelu Gurram [1949] starring Nageswara Rao Akkineni, Anjali Devi and directed by Raja of Mirzapur was a superhit.

Vauhini pictures Gunasundarikatha was produced by B.N.Reddy and directed by K.V.Reddy.The film was released on 29 Dec 1949. The film was an adaptation of Shakespere’s drama King Lear.Screenplay was by K.V.Reddy and Kamalaakara KameswaraRao. The film starred Sriranjani as Gunasundari, Vallabhajosyula SivaRam as Prince, the comedian Kasturi SivaRao, as cursed Prince, K. Malati and P. Santa Kumari as Gunasundari's wicked sisters. Dialogues and Lyrics by Pingali Nagendra Rao. Leela sang the songs for the heroine Sriranjani.

Songs of the film kalakala aa kOkilEmO, challani doravElE chandamaamaa, Sree tulasi jaya tulasi, ammaa mahalaxmi dayasEyavamma became hits .

The Fifties: Golden Age of Telugu Cinema

In the 1950s Leela was busy singing in all the South Indian languages.Her songs in films like Patala Bhairavi, Missamma, Pelli chesi choodu, Appu chesi pappu kudu, Gundamma katha are the greatest melodies and remembered even today after many decades.

Vijaya productions was one of the major production companies in the 1950’s. Most of their films were bilingual made both in Telugu and Tamil. Some of the films were later made in Hindi. B.Nagireddy was looking after his family business in Madras. His brother B.N.Reddy was a pioneer in Telugu cinema who has directed landmark films like Gruhalakshmi (starring Nagaiah and Kannamba) under Rohini pictures. He started Vauhini pictures and produced Vandemataram with Nagaiah and Kanchanamala, Sumangali (Nagaiah and Kumari), Devata ,Bakta potana ,Yogi vemana, Gunasuntharikatha and so..on. Nagireddy was naturally drawn to the world of movie making. He met Chakrapani, the dialogue writer of Swargaseema. (They also started the Chandamama magazine in 1947 in Telugu and Tamil. Now it comes out in 13 languages). Nagireddy and Chakrapani started the Vijaya banner. Their first production was Shaukaru with N.T.Ramarao, Janaki (later known as Sowcar Janaki) and S.V.Rangarao. Shaukaru did not fare well at the box office. It was a revolutionary social drama touching upon the feudal system of rags and riches. The newcomers NTR and Sowcar Janaki did well. The film had great melodies by Ghantasala and Leela. But the film failed commercialy.

Vijaya banner now decided to do a film for the masses. They chose a mythological subject for their second venture Pathala Bhairavi which was released on March 1951.The film was a huge success celebrating 100 days in 28 centers in Andra Pradesh. It was one of the four films selected from India for the International Film Festival in 1952.The film was directed by K.V.Reddy. Ghantasala composed evergreen melodies for the film. The film was inspired by the Arabian nights. N.T.R as Thota ramu, wants to marry the princess Indumathi (Malathi). S.V.Rangarao gave a sterling performance as Nepali manthiravathi who wants to sacrifice Ramu to the Godess Patala bhairavi. The rest of the film tells the adventures of Ramu. A great mythological film by K.V.Reddy. Savithri appears in one of the dance sequences.

Vijaya productions third venture in 1952 Pelli chesi choodu was the first in the line of their comedy films.The film directed by L.V.Prasad is a satire about dowry and the traditions of the marriage system. The film starred N.T.Ramarao, G.Varalakshmi, Savithri,S.V.Rangarao,Sooryakantham. This was Savithri’s third film. Savithri was the second heroine. Dialogues and Lyrics by Thanjai Ramaiyadas. The film has melodious songs composed by Ghantasala.
Missamma

Next came the 1955 classic comedy by Vijaya productions Missamma. Screenplay and direction by L.V.Prasad. Prasad adapted this from Jyotish Banerjee's classic Bengali comedy Manmoyee Girls School (1935). Prasad remade his own version in Hindi as Miss Mary (1957) starring Meena Kumari. Ananth Mane did a Marathi version of the story, Jhalki Mooth (1957). Recently the same film was recycled and released as 'Brindavanam' (Rajendra Prasad and Ramya ).Such is the magical power of this comedy!

Manmoyee Girls School was a hit comedy play staged by Star Theatres in 1932. The play deals with the problem of unemployment. Imagine the comic consequences that may arise when a man and a woman, who are all but strangers, pretend to be a married couple. Two young people are looking for employment as teachers in a school. However, the condition for employment is that only married couple will be taken. Desperate to get jobs, both of them decide to pretend to be married and succeed in getting jobs. Fate brings them together. Humorous circumstances inevitably follow as they are compelled to live as husband and wife for the sake of saving their jobs .This stage play is still popular in Calcutta.

This play was made into a film Manmoyee Girls School in 1935 by Jyotish Bannerjee. The film starred Tulsi Chakraborty, Radharani, Jahar Ganguly, Kanan Devi and Jyotsna Gupta. Kanan Devi gave a superb performance in the Bengali original much before Savithri and Meenakumari.

Savithri played the title role of Missiyamma to perfection. This film established her as a great actress and catapulated her to fame and she never looked back. Chakrapani initially selected P.Bhanumathi for the role of Mary. But when Bhanumathi reported late to the shooting ,Chakrapani made a dynamic decision to replace her with Savitri. And the rest is history. " May be it's the God's decision that Savitri should become the most popular star.I lost that film to Savitri" says Bhanumathi.

A.Nageswararao gave a superb performance in the role of the future son-inlaw, the detective Raju(Thangavelu in Tamil and Kishorekumar in Hindi). The film Missamma brought the two greatest stars of Telugu cinema NTR and ANR together early in their careers. Gemini ganesan was as charming as ever in Tamil Missiyamma. The songs by S.Rajeswara rao combined with the legendary voices of A.M.Raja, P.Leela and P.Susheela have become immortal, casting a magical spell over the listeners. The classic comedy Missiyamma never loses its charm .

Maya Bazaar

Vijaya productions sixth film made in the 1957, Maya Bazaar (directed by K.V.Reddy) is a true classic.It still stands the test of time .S.V.Rangarao as Ghatothkaja was lovable. He earned unprecedented name and fame, particularly for the song "kalyana samaiyal satham (vivaha bhojanammu)" in the film.

The story revolves around the characters in The Mahabharata. Balarama promises his sister Subhadra that her son Abhimanyu (son of Arjuna)will be married to his daughter Sasi rekha . This is endorsed by Sri Krishna. Abhimanyu and Sasi rekha are just kids when this promise is made and they eventually grow up separately in Indra prasta and Dwaraka.

Pandavas lose their kingdom in the game of dice and are condemned to a 13 year exile by the Kauravas. Subhadra along with Abhimanyu seeks asylum with her brothers, Balarama and Sri Krishna. As the final conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas draws near, Lord Balarama breaks his vow to marry his daughter to Abhimanyu and instead offers her to Laxmanakumaran, the cowardly son of Duryodhana. Subhadra takes her son to Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima and Hidimbi.

As usual, Krishna is the Supreme Arranger .Gatotkacha with the help of Sri Krishna kidnaps Sasi rekha and transports her to his ashram where she is united with Abhimanyu. Gatotkacha, with his maya disguises himself as Sasirekha and replaces her in Dwaraka after asking his henchmen Chinnamaya to build a welcome palace for the Kauravas who are set to arrive with the wedding procession. Chinnamaya along with Lambu and Jambu designs and builds a welcome palace with his maya and that is the MAYA BAZAAR- The market of Illusion! The various events that take place in the MAYA BAZAAR are remarkable.

Full of special effects, camera tricks by the famous camera man Marcus Bartley, this movie produced 50 years ago is a visual feast!

In one of the interviews Leela recalled that while recording the songs of `Maya Bazar, the composer took 28 takes of a song and they used the fifth take.

She worked as a music director for a film called ‘Chinnari Pappulu’ (Telugu) in 1968. The film was produced exclusively by women.
The Sixties: Lavakusa

This list of Leela’s achievements as singer will not be complete without mentioning the film Lavakusa.

In 1963 Lalitha Sivajothi films (A.Sankarreddy) produced the film Lavakusa in Telugu.The movie created records by running for more than a year. Music was by K.V.Mahadevan and Ghantasala. The film was directed by C.Pulliah and his son C.S.Rao. Pullaiah directed an earlier version of Lavakusa in 1938.

Lava and Kusa are born in the ashram of Valmik Maharishi and are brought up there. Valmiki Maharishi tells them the story of Srirama and Sitha. Lava and Kusa do not know about the true identity of their parents. In the ashram in front of Valmiki , Seetha and other rishis Lava and Kusa start singing the first part of of the Raamakatha, "raamakathanu vinarayya"

Now to spread the message of Rama, Lava and Kusa get Sitha’s blessings and go to Ayodhya and sing the second part in the streets of Ayodhya in front of the people "vinudu vinudu raamaayana gaadha"

A maid who works in Kauslyamatha’s palace takes Lava and Kusa to the palace where they sing the final part of the raamakatha "Sreeraamuni charitamunu telipedammamma". Sri Ramachandramurthy is inside with the golden statue of Sitha (made for the Aswametha yagnjam). Hearing the song Rama comes to the hall . Lava and Kusa complete the song reciting the sanskrit sloka!
Leela will be remembered forever for this immortal song!

Devotional Songs

Srimad Narayaneeyam is an immortal sublime hymn on Lord Guruvayoorappan, composed by Melpathur Narayana Bhattatiri (1560-1666 A.D.) one of the celebrated Sanskrit poets in Kerala Even though the Narayaneeyam was completed as early as 1586 A.D., it appeared in print only after more than 250 years.

Narayaneeyam is the story of Lord Narayana. It is a work consisting of 1036 slokas or verses, divided into 100 dasakams or chapters, each dasakam consisting of approximately 10 slokas. , It is a condensed version of Srimad Bhagavata Mahapuranam, which consists of 18,000 slokas authored by Veda Vyasa. It is said that the work has the blessings of Lord Krishna or Guruvayoorappan, the presiding Deity of Guruvayoor.

Narayaneeyam narrates a series of episodes from the Bhagavata Purana, choosing the most pious of the lot. The incarnations of Vishnu are traced with piety, Bhattathiri transforms the episodes into solemn prayers, pouring out his soul in total supplication before the Lord. The final dasaka, Kesadipaada Varnanam, embodies top-to-toe picture of little Krishna in all grace and glory .

Both as a poem and as a devotional hymn, Narayaneeyam occupies a very high place in Sanskrit literature.

Narayaneeyam is the master piece of Melpathur and is the most widely read of all his works.The poet depicts the image of Lord Guruvayurappan, in exemplary terms - "Sammohanam Mohanal Kantham Kanthinidhanathopi, Madhuram Madhurya Dhuryadapi, Soundaryotharathopi Sundaratharam"

The ‘Parayana' of Narayaneeyam is believed to possess the wonderful power of healing afflictions, both mental and physical, of the devotees. The "Nithyaparayana” of Narayaneeyam will enable the devotees to attain " Ayurarogyasoukhyam”.

When Guruvayoor Dewaswom decided to bring out the album Narayaneeyam, names of several legendary musicians like MS, MLV were considered and finally the Dewaswom approved Leela to sing Narayaneeyam. “I got the chance to sing Guruvayarappan Narayaneeyam which I consider as an honour...”said Leela.

Narayaneeya Sapthaham ( the recitation of Narayaneeyam and explaining the meaning to the public) is conducted in Guruvayur temple by Devaswom on the Narayaneeya Dinam and by others as offerings. It is done for seven consecutive days from early morning till 6.10 pm in the evening. Narayaneeya Sapthaham has started in Guruvayur in the early 50's. It takes about 5 hours to read the slokas and about 45 hours for explaining the slokas.

The day on which Narayaneeyam was completed, 28th Vrichikam, is celebrated by the Devaswom as Narayaneeyam day. Discourses and debates on Narayaneeyam written by Melpathur take place. Special functions are held at Melpathur Illapparambu also.
Awards and recognition

Leela has been conferred many titles like, ‘Ganamani’, ‘Ganakokila’, ‘Kalarathnam’, ‘Ganavarshini’, etc. , She was conferred with the ‘Kalaimamani’ title in 1994 by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who in her speech said that though the award had come late, she was proud to be the one to bestow it on her. Leela received the first best playback singer award of the Kerala government in 1969.

In 2003, Leela was presented the Janmashtami Puraskaram instituted by Balasamskara Kendram for her efforts in spreading ‘Narayaneeyam’, ‘Jananappana’ and ‘Harinamakeerthanam’ .

Leela got married to a lawyer; but the marriage was not successful.In her later years, Leela was busy rendering classical concerts and light music programs. Leela was staying with her sister’s children in Defence colony, Parangimalai. Her world consisted of her music, her pooja room and memories of her father. V.K.Menon was the man behind the singer Leela. In many of the interviews Leela emotionally recalled “If I am standing in front of you and talking, it is because of my father; he was everything to me. The fame, wealth was all given to me by him. Without him,I am not what I am.”

Leela fulfilled her father’s dreams , enthralling her fans with her mellifluous voice.Her melodies will be remembered and heard forever .

Filmography

1. Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971) (playback singer)
2. Rahasyam (1967) (playback singer)
3. Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha (1966) (playback singer)
4. Pandava Vanavasam (1965) (playback singer)
5. Babruvahana (1964) (playback singer)
6. Tirupathamma Katha (1963) (playback singer)
7. Lava Kusa (1963/I) (playback singer)
8. Mahamantri Timmarasu (1962) (playback singer)
9. Gundamma Katha (1962) (playback singer)
10. Dakshayagnam (1962/I) (playback singer)
11. Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961) (playback singer)
12. Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam (1961) (playback singer)
13. Deepavali (1960) (playback singer)
14. Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani (1960) (playback singer)
15. Shantinivasam (1960) (playback singer)
16. Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam (1960) (playback singer)
17. Krishna Leelalu (1959) (playback singer)
18. Pelli Sandadi (1959) (playback singer)
19. Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1958) (playback singer)
20. Mangalya Balam (1958) (playback singer)
21. Suvarna Sundari (1957/I) (playback singer)
22. Maya Bazaar (1957/I) (playback singer)
23. Dongallo Dora (1957) (playback singer)
24. Maya Bazaar (1957/II) (playback singer)
25. Panduranga Mahatyam (1957) (playback singer)
26. Preme Daivam (1957) (playback singer)
27. Sarangadhara (1957) (playback singer)
28. Bhakta Markandeya (1956/I) (playback singer)
29. Bhale Ramudu (1956) (playback singer)
30. Jayam Manade (1956) (playback singer)
31. Jayasimha (1955) (playback singer)
32. Anarkali (1955) (playback singer)
33. Missamma (1955) (playback singer)
34. Vadina Gari Gajulu (1955) (playback singer)
35. Vaddante Dabbu (1954) (playback singer)
36. Bratuku Theruvu (1953) (playback singer)
37. Oka Talli Pillalu (1953) (playback singer)
38. Palletooru (1952) (playback singer)
39. Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952) (playback singer)
40. Patala Bhairavi (1951) (playback singer)
41. Navvite Navaratnalu (1951) (playback singer)
42. Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha (1950) (playback singer)
43. Gunasundari Katha (1949) (playback singer)

JAMUNA RANI SINGER

Filmography

1. Kanne Manasulu (1966) (playback singer)
2. Satya Harishchandra (1965/II)
(playback singer)
3. Ramudu Bheemudu (1964) (playback singer)
4. Dakshayagnam (1962/I) (playback singer)
5. Sabash Raja (1961) (playback singer)
6. Krishna Leelalu (1959) (playback singer)
7. Mangalya Balam (1958) (playback singer)
8. Dongallo Dora (1957) (playback singer)
9. Penki Pellam (1956) (playback singer)
10. Santanam (1955) (playback singer)
11. Navvite Navaratnalu (1951) (playback singer)

Krishnaveni Jikki

Music Department:

• 1990s
• 1970s
• 1960s
• 1950s
• 1940s

1. Ninne Pelladatha (1996) (playback singer) (as Jikki)
   ... aka Jab Dil Kisi Pe Aata Hain (India: Hindi title)
2. Aditya 369 (1991) (playback singer)
3. Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu (1991) (playback singer)
   
   
4. Vattathukkul Chathuram (1978) (playback singer) (as Jikki)
5. Sampoorna Ramayanam (1971) (playback singer)
   ... aka The Complete Ramayana
6. Shrimanthudu (1971) (playback singer)
   
   
7. Tirupathamma Katha (1963) (playback singer)
8. Lava Kusa (1963/I) (playback singer)
9. Bhishma (1962) (playback singer)
10. Gulebakavali Katha (1962) (playback singer)
11. Siri Sampadalu (1962) (playback singer)
12. Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam (1961) (playback singer)
13. Batasari (1961) (playback singer)
14. Sabash Raja (1961) (playback singer)
15. Thirudathe (1961) (playback singer)
16. Pelli Kaanuka (1960) (playback singer)
17. Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani (1960) (playback singer)
18. Shantinivasam (1960) (playback singer)
19. Sri Venkateswara Mahatmyam (1960) (playback singer)
    
    
20. Krishna Leelalu (1959) (playback singer)
21. Raja Makutam (1959/I) (playback singer)
22. Chenchu Lakshmi (1958/I) (playback singer)
23. Mangalya Balam (1958) (playback singer)
24. Suvarna Sundari (1957/I) (playback singer)
25. Maya Bazaar (1957/I) (playback singer)
26. Bhale Bava (1957) (playback singer)
27. Maya Bazaar (1957/II) (playback singer)
28. Panduranga Mahatyam (1957) (playback singer)
29. Sarangadhara (1957) (playback singer)
30. Todi Kodallu (1957) (playback singer)
31. Chiranjeevulu (1956) (playback singer)
32. Bhale Ramudu (1956) (playback singer)
33. Jayam Manade (1956) (playback singer)
34. Kanakatara (1956) (playback singer)
35. Penki Pellam (1956) (playback singer)
36. Donga Ramudu (1955) (playback singer)
37. Rojulu Marayi (1955) (playback singer)
    ... aka Kalam Maripochu (India: Tamil title)
38. Anarkali (1955) (playback singer)
39. Ardhangi (1955) (playback singer)
40. Rechukka (1954) (playback singer)
41. Todu Dongalu (1954) (playback singer)
42. Aah (1953) (playback singer) (Telegu version)
    ... aka Avan (India: Tamil title: dubbed version)
    ... aka Premalekhalu (India: Telugu title: dubbed version)
43. Bratuku Theruvu (1953) (playback singer)
44. Devadasu (1953) (playback singer)
45. Pardesi (1953) (playback singer)
46. Pratigna (1953) (playback singer)
47. Dharmadevata (1952/I) (playback singer)
48. Palletooru (1952) (playback singer)
49. Patala Bhairavi (1951) (playback singer)
    ... aka The Godess from Below the Earth
50. Navvite Navaratnalu (1951) (playback singer)
51. Palletoori Pilla (1950) (playback singer)
    ... aka Village Girl (India: English title)
52. Shavukaru (1950) (playback singer)
53. Samsaram (1950) (playback singer)
    
    
54. Mana Desam (1949) (playback singer)
    

Actress:

Mana Desam (1949)