Kalpana Raghavendar, the renowned Indian playback singer, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Born on 8th May 1980 in Chennai...
Kalpana Raghavendar, the renowned Indian playback singer, has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Born on 8th May 1980 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, she is not just a singer but a multifaceted talent, excelling in various domains.
Let's delve into the captivating story of her life and career, exploring the enchanting melody she has woven.
Early Harmonic Tunes: A Glimpse into Raghavendar's Musical Roots
Musical Lineage: Kalpana Raghavendar was born into a family immersed in music.
Her father, T. S. Raghavendra, a prominent playback singer, actor, and composer, paved the way for her musical journey.
Her mother, Sulochana, is also a singer, and she shares her passion for music with a younger sister, Shekinah Shawn.
Carnatic Cadence: Immersing herself in the rich tradition of Carnatic music, Raghavendar honed her skills under the guidance of Madurai T.
Srinivasan.
This early exposure laid the foundation for her musical prowess.
Overview
| Born | May 8, 1980 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Genres | Playback singing, Carnatic music |
| Occupation | Singer |
Early Life and Background
| Family | Musical lineage, Father - T. S. Raghavendra, Mother - Sulochana, Younger Sister - Shekinah Shawn (Prasanna Raghavendar) |
|---|---|
| Musical Training | Carnatic music under Madurai T. Srinivasan, Holds a Master of Computer Applications degree, Pursuing a Master of Philosophy |
Career
| Debut | Playback singing at the age of five, Acting debut in the film "Punnagai Mannan" at age six |
|---|---|
| First Playback Song | "Mangalagouriki" from the Telugu film "Manoharam" (1999) under Mani Sharma |
| Collaborations | M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, A. R.
Rahman, K. V. Mahadevan, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra |
| Stage Performances | Nearly 3,000 stage shows worldwide, Lead performer in a tribute concert for guru Madurai T. Srinivasan (2013) |
Television
| Year | Show | Role | Channel | Language | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Star Singer | Contestant | Asianet | Malayalam | Star Singer 2010 winner |
| 2017 | Bigg Boss Telugu (Season 1) | Contestant | Star Maa | Telugu | 11th place, evicted on day 28 |
| 2018 | Super Singer Junior (Season 6) | Judge | Star Vijay | Tamil | |
| 2019 | Super Singer TV (Season 1) | Star Maa | Telugu | ||
| 2020 | Super Singer Junior (Season 7) | Star Vijay | Tamil | ||
| 2020 | Saregamapa Champions | Zee Telugu | Telugu | ||
| 2021 | Airtel Super Singer (Season 8) | Star Vijay | Tamil | Super Singer Junior (Season 8) | |
| 2022 | Star Singer (Season 8) | Asianet | Malayalam |
Discography
| Year | Song Title | Film Name | Language | Co-Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | "Poda Poda Punnaku" | En Rasavin Manasile | Tamil | |
| 1999 | "Mangalagouriki" | Manoharam | Telugu | |
| 2001 | "Premante Suluvu Kadhura" | Kushi | Telugu | |
| ...
(Complete discography not included for brevity) |
Awards
| Year | Award | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Nandi Award for Best Playback Singer Female | "Navamoorthulainatti" from "Intinta Annamayya" |
A Symphony of Accomplishments: Raghavendar's Illustrious Career
Dawn of Musical Odyssey: Raghavendar's musical journey commenced at the tender age of five.
Her foray into playback singing began in 1999 with the Telugu film "Manoharam," marking the inception of a prolific career.
Versatility in Vocals: Collaborating with legendary composers and singers like M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and K. S.
Chithra, Raghavendar's repertoire showcases a perse array of musical styles.
Her stage presence, evident in nearly 3,000 worldwide performances, distinguishes her as not just a playback singer but a captivating stage performer.
Television Stardom: Raghavendar's Presence Beyond Music
A Star on the Small Screen: Raghavendar's presence transcends the music realm.
Her victory in the south Indian singing show "Star Singer" Season 5 in 2010 catapulted her into the limelight.
She further showcased her perse talents as a contestant in the inaugural season of "Bigg Boss Telugu" in 2017 and later assumed the role of a judge in "Super Singer Junior."
Discography: A Melodic Tapestry of Raghavendar's Contributions
Raghavendar's discography is a testament to her prolific output.
Collaborating across languages, she has lent her voice to numerous memorable tunes, creating a sonic legacy that resonates with audiences.
Awards and Accolades: Nandi Award Shines Bright
In 2018, Raghavendar was honored with the Nandi Award for Best Playback Singer Female for the song "Navamoorthulainatti" from the film "Intinta Annamayya."
Conclusion: Raghavendar's Musical Tapestry Unraveled
Kalpana Raghavendar's journey is more than a musical odyssey; it's a testament to her versatility and enduring impact.
From playback singing to television stardom, she continues to weave harmonies that resonate across generations.
As we celebrate her achievements, Raghavendar stands as a symbol of musical brilliance and unwavering passion.
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