Geeton ka Sangrah
Popular:
Hum Badi Door Chale Aaye Hain (हम बड़ी दूर चले आए हैं)
— Shraddha Pandit
Added:
Manzil Na Koi (मंजिल ना हो)
— Jaspinder Narula
New:
Nazdeek Savera Hai (नज़दीक सवेरा है)
— Kumar Sanu
Popular:
Naraaz Savera Hai (नाराज़ सवेरा हैं)
— Kumar Sanu
Added:
Mujhe Raat Din (मुझे रात दिन)
— Sonu Nigam
Classic:
Dil Ka Qaraar (दिल का करार)
— Shraddha Pandit
Trending:
Padh Likh Ke Bada Ho Ke (पढ़ लिख के बड़ा हो के)
— Alka Yagnik
Added:
Maa Ne Kaha Mujhase Sadaa (माँ ने कहा मुझसे सदा)
— M.M. Keeravani
Added:
Raat Sari Bekarari Me Gujari (रात सारी बेक़रारी में गुजारी)
— Alka Yagnik
Classic:
Hum Yaha Tum Yaha (हम यहाँ तुम यहाँ) (Female Version)
— Alka Yagnik
K. S. Chithra Songs Lyrics
K. S. Chithra, popularly known as Chithra and fondly called the “Nightingale of South India” and “Chinna Kuyil,” is one of India's most celebrated playback singers. She is known for her melodious voice, versatility, and mastery of Indian classical, devotional, folk, and film music. She has sung extensively in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, and other languages.
Born on 27 July 1963 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Chithra comes from a musical family. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has recorded thousands of songs and received some of India's highest honors for her contribution to music.
About K. S. Chithra
K. S. Chithra was born as Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra on 27 July 1963 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Her father, Krishnan Nair, was her first music teacher and played an important role in developing her musical abilities from childhood.
Chithra received formal training in Carnatic classical music under Dr. K. Omanakutty. She was also selected for the Central Government's National Talent Search Scholarship, which she received from 1978 to 1984. She later completed her studies in music at the University of Kerala.
Her entry into playback singing came through Malayalam composer M. G. Radhakrishnan, who introduced her to the Malayalam film industry. She began recording professionally in the late 1970s and gradually became one of the most sought-after playback singers in South Indian cinema.
Chithra subsequently expanded her career into Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, and other languages. Her ability to adapt her voice to different musical traditions and languages became one of the defining features of her career.
Musical Career
K. S. Chithra has worked with many of India's leading music composers and singers. Her repertoire includes film songs, Indian classical music, devotional songs, folk music, ghazals, and Indian pop music.
Some of her memorable Hindi film songs include:
- Tu Hi Tu — Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
- Payalein Chunmun Chunmun — Virasat
- Raat Ka Nasha — Asoka
- Kehna Hi Kya — Bombay
- Mere Hathon Mein Nau Nau Chudiyan — Chandni
- Aye Dil Laya Hai Bahaar — Kya Kehna
- Bole Chudiyan — Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
- Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar Doon — various performances and recordings
Her work in South Indian cinema includes numerous iconic songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Her voice has become particularly associated with some of the most memorable melodies in South Indian film music.
Awards & Recognition
K. S. Chithra is among the most decorated female playback singers in Indian music. She has won six National Film Awards, the highest number won by a female singer according to the cited biographical sources. She has also received numerous Filmfare Awards South and state-level music awards.
Her major national honors include:
- Padma Shri — 2005
- Padma Bhushan — 2021
- First Ladies recognition — 2018
- Six National Film Awards
- Numerous state government awards and Filmfare Awards South
In 2018, she was recognized among the “First Ladies” for being the first Indian woman singer to be honored by the House of Commons of the British Parliament.
Contribution to Indian Music
Chithra's contribution extends far beyond playback singing. Her extensive work in multiple Indian languages has helped connect different regional musical traditions with mainstream Indian cinema.
She has also performed devotional and spiritual music and is known for her strong foundation in Carnatic music. Her voice is recognized for its clarity, emotional expression, controlled technique, and ability to adapt to both classical and contemporary compositions.
Birth Details
Full Name: Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra
Popular Name: K. S. Chithra / Chithra
Nicknames: Chinna Kuyil, Nightingale of South India
Date of Birth: 27 July 1963
Birth Place: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Profession: Playback Singer, Classical Singer
Music Genres: Indian Film Music, Carnatic Music, Hindustani Classical, Devotional Music, Indian Pop
Years Active: 1979–Present