K S Chithra’s musical malayalam journey
K.S. Chithra, the celebrated maestro of Malayalam music, made her mark in the industry through her 60th film, splashing the canvas with vibrant colors.*
Her musical journey commenced in 1979 when she lent her voice to the film “Atahasham,” propelling her into the limelight. K.S. Chithra’s mellifluous rendition of “Chellam Chellam…” from that very movie captivated the hearts of film music enthusiasts worldwide. However, it was Padmarajan’s “Novemberinte Nashtam” that introduced her as a playback singer, mesmerizing audiences with her soulful delivery of the enchanting track “Arikilo Akaleyo…”.
Her breakthrough as a solo artist arrived with the song “Rajani Parayoo…” in “Ekan,” composed by Satyan Anthikkad, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. The chart-topping “Aaloru Ungal” from the film “Mamattikuttiyam” solidified her position as a prominent playback singer in the Malayalam music sphere and earned her the coveted National Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1986 for “Paadariyathoru Pattu Padiya” from “Sindhubhairavi.”
K.S. Chithra’s brilliance transcended boundaries, garnering recognition through 15 Kerala State Film Awards and accolades from the governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha. In 2005, she was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri, and in 2021, the esteemed Padma Bhushan honored her exceptional contributions to the world of Malayalam music.
Hailing from a musically inclined family, she was born on July 27, 1963, in Thiruvananthapuram to Karamana Krishnan Nair, a distinguished musician and educator, and Shantha Kumari, a dedicated schoolteacher. Under her father’s guidance, K.S. Chithra imbibed the essence of music, later honing her skills in Carnatic music under the tutelage of Dr. K. Omanakutty. Her husband, Vijayashankar, an engineer, supports her on her artistic journey.
K.S. Chithra’s harmonious melodies continue to resonate with audiences, and her unwavering dedication to music has garnered widespread admiration, making her an iconic figure in the realm of Malayalam music.
