K. S. Chithra
K. S. Chithra | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Chithra in 2022 | |
| Born | Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra 27 July 1963 |
| Education | University of Kerala |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Spouse |
Vijayashankar (m. 1987) |
| Children | 1 |
| Honours | See list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Label | Audiotracs |
| Website | kschithra |
Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra (born 27 July 1963) is an Indian playback singer and Carnatic musician.[1] In a career spanning around five decades, she has recorded over 25,000 songs[2][3] in various Indian languages such as Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Bengali, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Awadhi, Marathi, Tulu, Badaga, Braj, Banjara, Urdu, Assamese, Gujarati, Manipuri and Sanskrit,[4][2][5][6] as well as foreign languages such as Malay, Latin, Arabic, Sinhalese, English and French.[7][8]
The Royal Albert Hall, London, has recognised her with the honorific title the Golden Voice of India.[9][10][11] The Times Group honoured her as the Melody Queen of Indian Cinema in 2016,[2][12][13][10] reflecting her contribution to the industry. She is also celebrated as the Little Nightingale of Indian Cinema,[14] Nightingale of South India,[15][9] and in different regions, she is known by various affectionate titles: Piya Basanti in North India,[15] Vanambadi in Kerala,[16] Chinna Kuyil in Tamil Nadu,[17][18] Kannada Kogile in Karnataka[8] and Sangeeta Saraswathi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states.[15] She is also known for her history of collaboration with music composers like A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraja, M. M. Keeravani, Hamsalekha,[19] and with the playback singers K. J. Yesudas and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam over the years.
Chithra is a recipient of 6 National Film Awards, 10 Filmfare Awards South[20] and 43 State Government awards from 8 states of India including 18 from Kerala, 12 from Andhra Pradesh, 5 from Tamil Nadu, 4 from Karnataka, and 1 each from Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh[21] and Maharashtra[22] governments.[23][24][25] She was awarded India's third-highest civilian honours Padma Bhushan in 2021 and Padma Shri in 2005 for her valuable contributions towards the Indian musical fraternity.[26][27]
She is honoured with the title First Ladies by the President of India in 2018 for being the first Indian woman to be honoured by British Parliament at House of Commons, United Kingdom in 2003.[28][29][30] In 2009, she became the first Indian artist to be honoured by Government of China while performing live at the Qinghai International river festival.[31][2] On 20 March 2025, She was formally honoured by the Parliament of South Australia in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Indian music.[32] She was honoured by the Texas House of Representatives, Government of Texas, United States of America, for her lasting contributions to music and the arts.[33] She was honoured in the United States with a Joint Legislative Resolution from the State of New Jersey and a Mayoral Proclamation from the Township of Edison for her outstanding contributions to music and philanthropy.[34] On 19 October 2025, the K. S. Chithra Day was proclaimed by the Shelby County Government in Memphis, Tennessee via a mayoral proclamation from the Office of the Mayor.[35] She was honoured by the Government of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her distinguished contributions to Indian music and her five-decade-long career.[36]
Early life
[edit]Chithra was born 27 July 1963[37] in the city of Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram) of the Kerala state. Her father, Krishnan Nair was a school teacher and a music enthusiast who taught basics of music to all his three children.[38] He died after a long battle with cancer on 18 July 1986. Her mother Shanthakumari was also a music teacher. She has an elder sister, K. S. Beena who is a former singer and younger brother K. S. Mahesh who is a musician.[39] Chithra completed her schooling at the Cotton Hill Government Girls High School in Thiruvananthapuram. She acknowledges that it was the teachers of the school who spotted her talent in music.[40]
Chithra received her training in Carnatic music from K. Omanakutty for seven years. She graduated in B.A. in music with first class and third rank from the University of Kerala.[41] She was selected for the National Talent Search Scholarship from the Government of India during the period 1978 - 1984.[42]
Playback singing
[edit]Malayalam cinema
[edit]
K. S. Chithra was introduced to Malayalam playback by M. G. Radhakrishnan in 1979 who recorded her voice for films and private albums.[41] Attahasam, Snehapoorvam[43] Meera and Njan Ekananu were the first few films in which she recorded her voice. She also performed live concerts with K. J. Yesudas in India and abroad.[41] The song "Manjal Prasadavum" from the film Nakhakshathangal (1986) composed by Bombay Ravi got her the second National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer. For the same composer, she sang the song "Indupushpam Choodi Nilkum" for the film Vaishali (1989) and won her third National Film Award. Her first Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer was for the song "Poomaname" from the film Nirakkoottu (1985) composed by Shyam. Since then, she has earned wide recognition by singing popular songs under the compositions of Raveendran, Shyam, S. P. Venkitesh, Mohan Sithara, Salil Chowdhury, Kannur Rajan, Ilaiyaraaja, Johnson, Ouseppachan, M. K. Arjunan, A. T. Ummer, Berny Ignatius, M. B. Sreenivasan, Mohan Sithara, Vidyasagar, Ramesh Narayan, Sharreth, M. Jayachandran and Deepak Dev.[41] She is regarded as "Nightingale of Kerala (Vanambadi)" and recorded many successful songs in Malayalam. She recorded a number of songs for the composer S. P. Venkitesh and her maximum duet songs in Malayalam are with K. J. Yesudas and M. G. Sreekumar. As of 2017, she has won the Kerala State Awards for the record 16 times. Her latest song "Theerame" from the movie Malik (2021) became another hit in Malayalam Music Industry.[44][45][46][47]
Telugu cinema
[edit]
Chithra's first Telugu song was "Paadalenu Pallavaina" from the dubbed version of Tamil film Sindhu Bhairavi (1985) composed by Ilaiyaraaja, later sang a humming in a song sung by K. J. Yesudas composed by K. V. Mahadevan for the picture Pralayam (1985). Her first song in a Telugu film is "Gelupu Maade" from Vijrumbhana (1986), composed by K. Chakravarthy. Later went on to sing songs to many Telugu composers like Sathyam, Raj-Koti, Ilaiyaraja, K. V. Mahadevan & K. Chakravarthy for the years 1986–88, but she gained initial recognition/break-through for compositions by Ilaiyaraja like "Jallanta Kavvinta" from Geethanjali (1989) & "Ninnukori Varnam" from Gharshana( 1988) and then went onto sing several songs to many composers in Telugu and became a notable singer in the 90s.[48] Chithra received her first Nandi Award, presented by Government of Andhra Pradesh for "Kalika Chilakala Koliki" from Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu (1991). She won a total of 11 Nandi Awards as Best Female Playback Singer for various Telugu songs.[49]
Hindi cinema
[edit]Chithra was introduced to Hindi film music in 1985; she recorded her first Hindi song composed by S. P. Venkitesh, which was not commercially released. For the 1991 Hindi film Love, composers Anand–Milind, called upon her to sing duets song along with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and since then, Chithra has recorded for around 200 Bollywood songs.[50]
Apart from film songs, Chithra recorded for many private albums of which Piya Basanti and Sunset Point became hugely popular and went on to win several laurels including the MTV Music Video Awards. The popularity of the former album made her known among the Northern part of Indians identify her as "Piya Basanti" Chitra.[51]
Other Indian languages
[edit]Television
[edit]
International concert performances
[edit]
K. S. Chithra's international concert appearances include the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2001,[57][58] the Sydney Opera House in 2012,[59] and the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, D.C., in 1995.[60] In Singapore, she has made multiple appearances at the Esplanade Concert Hall, including in 2017,[61][62] and The Star, Singapore, including in 2022.[63] In 2025, she sang with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur, in what the orchestra described as the venue's first live Indian orchestral concert.[64][65]
Other venues include OVO Arena Wembley in London in 2026,[66] the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in 2016,[67] 3Arena in Dublin in 2026,[68][69] Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen in 2026,[70] and EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, in 2016.[71] She has also appeared at Auckland's Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in 2026,[72] the Sydney Coliseum Theatre in 2023,[73] The Trusts Arena in Auckland in 2026,[74] and O2 Academy Glasgow in 2024.[75]
Her international appearances also include the Qinghai International Water and Life Music Journey concert in China in 2009, which featured the China National Symphony Orchestra.[76] In November 2019, Chithra became the first Indian artist invited by Saudi authorities to perform an official concert in the kingdom, appearing before more than 20,000 spectators.[77] In Dubai, she appeared at the Dubai World Trade Centre in 2021[78] and at the Green Dubai World Forum at Atlantis, The Palm in 2008.[79] among other international venues.
Non-film recordings and collaborations
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]Chithra recorded her first studio album with Voodoo Rapper for the album called Ragga Raaga in 1993.[80] She recorded the albums in Hindi, Piya Basanti (2000) and Sunset Point. She associated with Ustad Sultan Khan for Piya Basanti which was certified Gold.[81] Sunset Point had eight songs written and narrated by Gulzar and sung by Chithra and Bhupinder.[82] In 2006, she released an album in dedication to M. S. Subbulakshmi named My Tribute. It is a collection of Kritis and bhajans dedicated to Subbulakshmi.[83] In 2009 she released Nightingale: A Salute to Lataji, a musical tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on her 80th birthday.[84] She also recorded many Malayalam albums for K. J. Yesudas, M. Jayachandran and Sharreth compositions. She also planned a ghazal album with Ghulam Ali and Asha Bhosle.[83]
International projects
[edit]- Collaborated with singer Jawad Al Ali on his album Amar Ul Hob (also titled Amr El Hob), released in 2009.[85]
- Recorded a song for the jazz pianist Herbie Hancock[86]
Critical reception
[edit]International media
[edit]Chithra has received critical acclaim from international media outlets across several countries. The BBC Asian Network has described her as "the legendary singer whose music has shaped generations."[87] The Guardian has noted that her vocals display "extravagant vocal gymnastics" and "set a new standard."[88] Eastern Eye called her "one of the best playback singers Indian cinema has ever produced," praising her "mellifluous" and "sensuous" voice.[89] Rolling Stone referred to her as "the prolific and feted" playback singer who continues to "weave her magic."[90]
In the Gulf region, Gulf News described her as "a true legend" with a "mesmerising voice" and "impressive command over her vocal skills" in a review of her 2021 Dubai concert.[91] Khaleej Times has described her voice as "supremely sweet and melodic,"[92] while the Oman Observer has referred to her as "the renowned playback singer with a melodious voice."[93]
In Southeast Asia, Singapore broadcaster Mediacorp has called her "a musical titan" with a "mellifluous voice," praising her "soul-stirring renditions" and "enchanting vocals."[94] In Malaysia, Malay Mail described her as "one of India's most versatile singers,"[95] and the national news agency BERNAMA called her "India's leading playback singer."[96] In China, she was counted among the world's "top-tier artists" invited to perform at the 2009 Qinghai International River Festival.[97]
National media
[edit]Indian national media have widely praised Chithra's voice and career. The Indian Express praised her "ethereal vocals" and described her as a "radiant star" of playback singing.[98] The Times of India has called her "a living legend with a melodious voice,"[99] and separately noted that her "melodious and soothing voice" has made her "an icon in the truest sense."[100] India Today has described her voice as one of India's "golden voices."[101] Filmfare has said that "K. S. Chithra's voice is the perfect accompaniment."[102]
Legacy
[edit]Chithra has been praised by numerous musicians and collaborators throughout her career. Academy Award– and Grammy-winning jazz legend Herbie Hancock described her as "a singer with a warm, round tone."[103] Maestro Ilaiyaraaja has said, "Give her anything and she can sing it," praising her voice, pronunciation and quick grasp of music.[104] Academy Award– and Grammy-winning composer A. R. Rahman has praised Chithra's humility and musical achievements, telling her, "Chithraji, you are a rockstar".[105] He credited her with carrying forward the legacy of earlier musical greats, saying, "She is the only person who handled it so beautifully in the South."[106] Rahman also remarked that, during her prime, she could record up to 20 songs in a day. According to The News Minute, he waited for her return from an overseas trip to record "Malargal Ketten" for O Kadhal Kanmani (2015), believing that no other singer could do justice to the song.[107] Indian cinema legend Kamal Haasan has praised her pronunciation, grasp and mastery of languages, saying "in every language, she rules."[108] Indian cinema icon Mohanlal has called her "the favourite singer of generations."[109]
Academy Award–winning composer M. M. Keeravani said he is "very fond of her voice," comparing her accuracy to a tape recorder and noting that such talent "appears only once in two or three decades."[110] Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle has said, "Chithra jo hai, woh sabse achchha gaati hai" ("Chithra sings the best").[111] Legendary playback singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam said, "Kerala is blessed to have singers like Chitra."[112] Legendary vocalist K. J. Yesudas has referred to her as "my daughter."[113] Renowned singer Hariharan has said she "starts where everyone finishes," before going another two or three octaves higher.[114]
Celebrated playback singer Shreya Ghoshal has called her "the singer I always look up to, my biggest idol".[115] Legendary playback singer S. Janaki reportedly said, "From now on, my daughter will sing for me."[116] Legendary playback singer P. Susheela said, "Chithra sings my songs better than me."[117] Veteran Bollywood composer Anu Malik said, "I think Chitra is at par with Lataji and Ashaji," referring to Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.[118] Celebrated playback singer Kavita Krishnamurti has called her "an outstanding singer from my generation," praising her trained, "crystal-clear" voice.[119] Grammy-winning singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan has said she inspired him both as a singer and as a person, among other fellow composers and singers who have credited her influence and support.[120]
Veteran Carnatic vocalist and Chithra's guru K. Omanakutty recalled being "astounded" hearing her sing as a child and being certain she would "reach great heights."[121] Indian-American singer Vidya Vox has named Chithra among the artists who inspired her, calling a collaboration with her "a dream."[122]
Philanthropy and social activities
[edit]Chithra, along with a Kerala-based satellite channel, Asianet Cable Vision (ACV), jointly launched a fundraising organisation, Sneha Nandana, to raise funds for the welfare of retired musicians who have lost their careers due to changes in the music industry.[citation needed] She launched this organisation on the occasion of her completion of three decades in the music playback industry. She said that the fund would provide help and montly pension to the musicians with financial impediments and those suffering from health problems.[citation needed] A cultural event called Chithra Pournami was held on 15 February 2011 at Thiruvananthapuram to celebrate the 30th year of her career and also to launch this organisation.[123]
Awards, honours, and recognition
[edit]She is honoured with the title First Ladies by the President of India in 2018 for being the first Indian woman to be honoured by British Parliament at House of Commons, United Kingdom in 2003.[29][30] In 2024, she was again honoured by the British Parliament, United Kingdom, with the title The Greatest Indian Singer of All Times.[9] In 2009, She became the first Indian artist to be honoured by Government of China while performing live at the Qinghai International river festival.[31][2] On 20 March 2025, She was formally honoured by the Parliament of South Australia in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Indian music.[124] She was honoured by the Texas House of Representatives, Government of Texas, United States of America, for her lasting contributions to music and the arts.[125] In 2025, she was honoured in the United States with a Joint Legislative Resolution from the State of New Jersey and a Mayoral Proclamation from the Township of Edison for her outstanding contributions to music and philanthropy.[126] On 19 October 2025, the K. S. Chithra Day was proclaimed by the Shelby County Government in Memphis, Tennessee via a mayoral proclamation from the Office of the Mayor.[127] She was honoured by the Government of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her distinguished contributions to Indian music and her five-decade-long career.[128] Chithra is a recipient of 6 National Film Awards, 10 Filmfare Awards South[20] and 43 State Government awards from 8 states of India including 18 from Kerala, 12 from United Andhra Pradesh, 5 from Tamil Nadu, 4 from Karnataka, and 1 each from Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra governments [23][24][21][25] She was awarded India's third-highest civilian honours Padma Bhushan in 2021 and Padma Shri in 2005 for her valuable contributions towards the Indian musical fraternity.[26][27]
Barring Lata Mangeshkar, she also remains the second female playback singer from India to have performed at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London in 2001 and her Performance was applauded with much appreciation by a roomful of an international audience.[3][31] Her song "Kannalane/Kehna Hi Kya" from the film Bombay (1995) was included in United Kingdom The Guardian's "1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear Before You Die" list.[129]
Personal life
[edit]Chithra is married to Vijayashankar, an engineer and businessman.[130] They had a daughter who was born with Down syndrome, and drowned in a pool in Dubai in 2011 when Chithra was about to perform at an A. R. Rahman concert.[131][132]
References
[edit]- ↑ "KS Chithra turns 60: Transcending language barriers through music". The Federal. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "From KS Chithra To Chinmayi Sripada: Top Five Female Playback Singers In South". Outlook. 9 February 2022. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
- 1 2 "South Indian singer KS Chithra to perform live in Dubai". Gulf News. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ↑ Pradeep, K. (22 August 2019). "Celebrating 40 years of singer KS Chithra, the queen of melody". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
- ↑ "K.S Chithra Odia Songs". Archived from the original on 9 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ↑ "K.S Chitra Odia Song-Mani Nageswari(1995)". Archived from the original on 9 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ↑ Article (5 March 2016). "Chithra in concert and workshop". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
- 1 2 "kschithra is melody queen of south India recording more than 25000 songs". 21 April 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- 1 2 3 "KS Chithra- The Nightingale Of South India's 47 Years Of Melodious Journey". timeline. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- 1 2 "Happy Birthday, K.S. Chithra: 'Melody Queen' of Indian cinema speaks to Asianet News". Retrieved 27 July 2023.
- ↑ "Golden Voice Chitra Hits". Archived from the original on 18 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
- ↑ "Melody Queen K.S. Chitra Hits - EP". Archived from the original on 18 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
- ↑ "Melody Queen K.S. Chitra Hits". Spotify. Archived from the original on 18 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
- ↑ ""You are Born to Sing" K S Chithra Satsang from Prasanthi Nilayam". Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- 1 2 3 "Singer KS Chithra honoured with Padma Bhushan". 26 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
- ↑ "Happy birthday to the Vanambadi of Malayalam: KS Chithra@57". The Times of India. 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
- ↑ "K S Chithra: Velvety voice that lingers". November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
- ↑ "Republic Day: Singer KS Chithra honoured with Padma Bhushan". 26 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
- ↑ Bhumika K. (29 March 2016). "Music has helped me live". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
- 1 2 "Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) 2024". Filmfare. 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- 1 2 "K S Chithra and Uttam Singh to receive Lata Mangeshkar Award". India Today. 20 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ↑ "K. S. Chitra and Sadhana Sargam to be Awarded 'Kala Gaurav Puraskar'". The Bridge Chronicle. 10 November 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- 1 2 "Sunita, Chitra, Shankar receive Lata Mangeshkar award". News.manatelugumovies.net. 29 September 2011. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- 1 2 "K S Chithra wins Vanitharatnam award". Times of India. 21 June 2014.
- 1 2 Filmfare (16 June 2018). "Winners of the 65th Jio Filmfare Awards (South) 2018". Filmfare.com. Archived from the original on 20 June 2018. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
- 1 2 "Padma Awards 2021 announced". Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
- 1 2 "Shinzo Abe, Tarun Gogoi, Ram Vilas Paswan among Padma Award winners: Complete list". The Times of India. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
- ↑ "The President of India to felicitate exceptional women achievers at Rashtrapati Bhawan tomorrow". Retrieved 19 January 2018.
- 1 2 "India's 'first ladies': Rousing stories of 20 women who were pioneers in their fields". The News Minute. 22 January 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
- 1 2 "EXCLUSIVE! KS Chithra: I believe in the magic of music". Time of India. 7 January 2022. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- 1 2 3 "The Delightful Synonym of Symphony". Passion Vista. 25 January 2022. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
- ↑ "Hansard Search – Parliament of South Australia". Parliament of South Australia. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "K. S. Chitra Musical Night: Dallas Frisco Fans Thrilled at Timeless Telugu Music Event". Andhra Jyothy. Andhra Jyothy (NRI Edition). 2025. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
- ↑ "New Jersey honours K. S. Chithra with state and municipal proclamations". OkTelugu. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "Mayor's Office – Shelby County, Tennessee". Shelby County Government. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "K S Chithra to belt out fan favourites at Expo Centre Sharjah". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ Kameshwari, A (27 July 2020). "KS Chithra turns 57: Mohanlal, Priyadarshan, Aju Varghese and others wish ace singer". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ↑ Soman, Deepa (23 January 2001). "Nightingale of the south". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
- ↑ "'Chithralayam', Malayalees pride K S Chithra turns 60". Keralakaumudi Daily. 23 July 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ↑ "K S Chithra gets a unique birthday surprise". The Indian Express. 27 July 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 S.R. Ashok Kumar (21 July 2005). "One more feather in her cap". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 July 2005.
- ↑ Nair, Sulekha (23 January 2001). "Nightingale of the south". Express India. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2010.
- ↑ Harikumar, Snehapoorvam Meera, Adoor Bhasi, Bharat Gopy, Janardanan, retrieved 18 February 2025
- ↑ "Of love and longing: 15 Malayalam songs that you must listen to now". The News Minute. 31 May 2019. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
- ↑ "K S Chithra celebrates 40 years of her musical journey". The Times of India. 29 April 2019. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
- ↑ "Celebrities wish KS Chithra on her big day". Mathrubhumi. 27 July 2018. Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
- ↑ "Why singer Chithra feels a void?". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
- ↑ Prakash, P. V. D. S. "సరిగమ స్వరాల కోయిల...చిత్ర". Sitara (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
- ↑ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 February 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2020.(in Telugu)
- ↑ "KS Chithra's best Hindi numbers". Cinestaan.com. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
- ↑ "Revisiting Piya Basanti". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
- ↑ "Maa TV Super Singer Season 8 starting from 18th August". MN4U Bureau. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
- ↑ "Renowned singer K S Chithra to grace Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs". Time of India. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
- ↑ "Exclusive! K S Chithra on Star Singer: I've never seen such incredible talents in a single show before". The Times Of India.
- ↑ "പൂക്കുടയുമായി സൈക്കിളിൽ ഭാവനയുടെ എൻട്രി; നിറചിരിയോടെ സ്വാഗതം ചെയ്ത് മഞ്ജു വാര്യർ". Indian Express (in Malayalam). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
- ↑ "Super Singer Junior Season 11 anthem unveiled; D. Imman and K. S. Chithra lend magical touch". The Times of India. 7 May 2026. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
- ↑ "South Indian singer KS Chithra to perform live in Dubai". Gulf News.
- ↑ "The Delightful Synonym of Symphony". Passion Vista. 25 January 2022.
- ↑ "I feel blessed to be a part of this tour". The Indian Sun. 10 July 2014.
- ↑ Archives of AKMG (PDF) (Report). Association of Kerala Medical Graduates. pp. 88–89, 92.
- ↑ Onopaharam 2017 (PDF) (Report). Singapore Malayalee Association. 2017. pp. 20, 193.
- ↑ "K.S. Chithra Live in Singapore". Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
- ↑ "2022 Isai Mazhai". Klook.
- ↑ "KS Chithra Live with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra". Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
- ↑ "From child prodigy to historic Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra concert, KS Chithra calls her journey 'purely destiny'". Malay Mail. 2025.
- ↑ "History in the Making: Lalettan Leads the First-Ever Kerala Mega Show at Wembley Arena". Kerala Link. 2026.
- ↑ "PIX: Ilayaraja performs in New Jersey". Rediff.com. 2016.
- ↑ "Mohanlal tickets". Ticketmaster Ireland.
- ↑ "Mohanlal Live in Ireland: 3Arena Concert Dublin". The Address Connolly.
- ↑ https://www.now-magazine.de/content/118101/cfcf5f8fec.html
- ↑ "K. S. Chitra concert history". Songkick.
- ↑ "Chithravarnam". Auckland Live.
- ↑ "K. S. Chithra Setlist at Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Sydney". setlist.fm.
- ↑ "Vaigittendha Parupadi – Onam Mega Show 2026". The Trusts Arena.
- ↑ "KS Chithra". What's On Glasgow.
- ↑ "世界的歌声 世界的极草" (in Chinese). Qinghai Spring. 2015.
- ↑ "'അഹ്ലൻ കേരള' തംരംഗമാവുന്നു; ജനസാഗരമുൾകൊള്ളാൻ വിശാലമായ വേദിയിലേക്ക്". Madhyamam (in Malayalam). 2019.
- ↑ "Concert review: KS Chitra pays a memorable ode to India's singing legends in Dubai". Gulf News. 2021.
- ↑ "Global conference, Green Dubai World Forum 2008 opens at the Atlantis, Dubai" (Press release). Pacific Controls. 2008.
- ↑ Katiyar, Arun (15 October 1993). "Indian rap: It's silly and it's trite, but we all dig it, right?". India Today. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
- ↑ Subha J Rao (28 October 2004). "Musically yours". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 February 2005.
- ↑ "Gulzar's Sunset Point". Gulzaronline.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2013.
- 1 2 K. Jeshi (8 December 2006). "Song all the way". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 December 2006.
- ↑ "CHORDS AND NOTES". The Hindu. 2 July 2009. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "Amr El Hob – Jawad Al Ali". Apple Music.
- ↑ John Kelman (21 June 2010). "Herbie Hancock: The Imagine Project". All About Jazz. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ↑ "K S Chithra". BBC Asian Network. BBC.
- ↑ "Part one: Love". The Guardian. 14 March 2009.
- ↑ Singh, Mohnish (27 July 2021). "Birthday Special: Evergreen Hindi songs by legendary singer Chitra". Eastern Eye.
- ↑ Tagat, Anurag (15 August 2021). "New Music: Bengaluru Post-Hardcore, New Delhi Hip-Hop, Malayalam Pop-Rock and More". Rolling Stone India.
- ↑ Radhakrishnan, Manjusha (25 December 2021). "Concert review: KS Chitra pays a memorable ode to India's singing legends in Dubai". Gulf News.
- ↑ Gokulan, Dhanusha (7 November 2021). "K.S. Chithra to perform in Dubai". Khaleej Times.
- ↑ "Muscat-based expat is best script writer, wins two Media City awards". Oman Observer. 26 January 2023.
- ↑ "Judges, Host & Mentor". Mediacorp — Yaar Antha Star.
- ↑ "From child prodigy to historic Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra concert, K.S. Chithra calls her journey 'purely destiny'". Malay Mail. 8 December 2025.
- ↑ "Penyanyi latar India, K.S.Chithra bakal adakan konsert di KL pada Sabtu". BERNAMA. 3 March 2023.
- ↑ "让青海感奋的亮点：文化影响力向国际化舞台延伸". Sina News. 15 January 2010.
- ↑ "KS Chithra: An ode to a Nightingale, the favourite choice of Malayalam musicians even after 4 decades". The Indian Express.
- ↑ "All you need to know about K S Chithra, the living legend with a melodious voice". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Mohanlal, Sujatha and other Mollywood celebrities extend birthday wishes to legendary playback singer KS Chithra". The Times of India.
- ↑ "K S Chithra birthday". India Today Malayalam.
- ↑ "Best Playback Singer (Female) — Nominations". Filmfare Awards South 2018.
- ↑ Heckman, Don (27 June 2010). "Q & A: Herbie Hancock and "The Imagine Project"".
- ↑ Ilaiyaraaja on K. S. Chithra. Event occurs at 14:04.
- ↑ "ചിത്രാജീ, നിങ്ങൾ ഒരു റോക്ക്സ്റ്റാർ; എ ആർ റഹ്മാന്റെ പ്രശംസ" [Chithraji, you are a rockstar, says A. R. Rahman]. The Indian Express Malayalam (in Malayalam). 1 July 2021.
- ↑ "AR Rahman chooses 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' over 'Humma Humma', answers if he will work with Taylor Swift: 'Whatever she wants'". The Indian Express. 16 April 2024.
- ↑ "Four decades and counting: Tracing KS Chithra's prolific singing career". The News Minute. 19 August 2023.
- ↑ Kamal Haasan on K. S. Chithra.
- ↑ "Mohanlal, Sujatha and other Mollywood celebrities extend birthday wishes to legendary playback singer K S Chithra". The Times of India.
- ↑ M. M. Keeravani on K. S. Chithra.
- ↑ Asha Bhosle on K. S. Chithra. Event occurs at 19:10.
- ↑ "SP Balasubrahmaniam, Chithra, Stephen Devassy: touching feet". Onmanorama.
- ↑ "Hyderabad witness three singing legends in a first: K. J. Yesudas, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra". The New Indian Express.
- ↑ Hariharan on K. S. Chithra. Event occurs at 24:47.
- ↑ "Star Singer: Shreya Ghoshal feels overwhelmed by K. S. Chithra's special gift". The Times of India.
- ↑ "S. Janaki, Chithra: musical legacy". Manorama News. 11 July 2026.
- ↑ "P. Susheela about K. S. Chithra". Manorama Online.
- ↑ "Anu Malik interview". Rediff.
- ↑ "Bollywood singing has to come to an end at some point: Kavita Krishnamurti". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Shankar Mahadevan opens up about K. S. Chithra". Manorama Online. 25 August 2023.
- ↑ "Music, be it Carnatic or Hindustani, must come from the heart: veteran musician K. Omanakutty". The New Indian Express. 30 August 2026.
- ↑ "It feels like an amazing return to my roots: Vidya Vox". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Chitra launches fund for unemployed musicians". 24dunia.com. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ↑ "Hansard Search – Parliament of South Australia". Parliament of South Australia. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "K. S. Chitra Musical Night: Dallas Frisco Fans Thrilled at Timeless Telugu Music Event". Andhra Jyothy. Andhra Jyothy (NRI Edition). 2025. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
- ↑ "New Jersey honours K. S. Chithra with state and municipal proclamations". OkTelugu. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "Mayor's Office – Shelby County, Tennessee". Shelby County Government. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "K S Chithra to belt out fan favourites at Expo Centre Sharjah". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "Part one: Love". The Guardian. 14 March 2009. Retrieved 14 March 2009.
- ↑ K. Pradeep (23 August 2019). "Celebrating 40 years of singer KS Chithra, the queen of melody". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ↑ "KS Chithra's daughter reportedly drowned and died in Emirates Hills pool" Archived 6 September 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Emirates247.com. 14 April 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
- ↑ "Singer Chithra's daughter drowns in dubai". Khaleej Times. 14 April 2011. Archived from the original on 17 April 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
External links
[edit]
Media related to K. S. Chithra at Wikimedia Commons
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- 1963 births
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