Legends Of India

K. S. Chithra, credited as Chitra, is six time National film awards winning 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, Assamese and Bengali films.



Professional career

Born on July 27, 1963, in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, 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 M. G. Radhakrishnan in 1979. She made her debut in the Tamil film industry in Chennai under the guidance of film music composer Ilaiyaraaja.Her knowledge of South Indian languages and Hindi enables her to render songs with originality and perfection.

Awards

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[citation needed]. 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 - Vaishali, 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 Pradesh State Government, 4 awards from Tamil Nadu State Government and 2 awards from Karnataka State Government. She holds the unique honour of the first female playback singer to be recognised by all the four state governments in South India as the best playback singer.

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