Srinivas is a renowned Indian playback singer and music composer known for his work in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi film music. He has recorded thousands of songs during his career and has worked with several leading composers, including A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, Deva and Vidyasagar.
He gained major recognition through his association with A. R. Rahman and became particularly popular for his melodious and expressive singing style. His notable songs include “Maana Madurai” from Minsara Kanavu, “Minsara Poove” from Padayappa and “Kaisi Hai Yeh Rut” from the Hindi film Dil Chahta Hai.
Srinivas has also worked as a composer for films, albums, television serials, devotional projects and jingles. He received the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government in 2005 and several state-level music awards for his singing.Srinivas was born on 7 November 1959 in Ambasamudram, Tamil Nadu. He grew up in Thiruvananthapuram and developed an interest in music from an early age. He received training in Carnatic music from his aunt and guru, Padma Narayanan, and was also influenced by Hindi film music and ghazals.
Before entering the professional music industry, Srinivas studied chemical engineering and worked for around ten years as a chemical engineer and marketing professional. His passion for music eventually led him to pursue a full-time career as a singer.
His playback career became prominent during the 1990s. He made a strong mark in Tamil cinema and subsequently sang in several other Indian languages. His collaboration with A. R. Rahman produced many memorable songs, including “Maana Madurai” from Minsara Kanavu. He has been credited with singing more than 3,000 songs across different languages and musical projects.
Srinivas received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for songs including “Minsara Poove” from Padayappa and “Maargazhiyil” from Onbadhu Roobai Nottu. He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Male Singer for “Bhasuri” from Rathri Mazha.
In addition to playback singing, Srinivas has appeared as a judge on television music reality shows, including Super Singer and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa programs.