KS Chithra turns 62: A legacy written in timeless melodies

No matter how many generations pass, K. S. Chithra remains an irreplaceable legend in Malayalam music. As she turns 62, she stands as a symbol of talent, dedication and humility.
With her warm tone and effortless grace, Chithra became the definitive female voice of Malayalam cinema. Her voice is one every Malayali instinctively recognises, almost like the comforting sound of a mother. It transcends age and time, and it will continue to do so for years to come.

Born on July 27, 1963, in Thiruvananthapuram to Krishnan Nair and Shanthakumari, Chithra took her first musical lessons from her father. She later trained in Carnatic music under K. Omanakutty. It was composer M. G. Radhakrishnan who opened the doors of film music to her, setting the stage for a remarkable journey.

Chithra’s entry into cinema came in 1979 when she sang in the chorus for Aravindan’s film ‘Kummatty’. Her first solo was ‘Chellam Chellam’ from the film ‘Attahaasam’. But the song that truly put her on the map was ‘Rajani Parayu’, written by Sathyan Anthikkad and composed by M. G. Radhakrishnan.

Her collaborations with Ilaiyaraaja took her voice far beyond Malayalam cinema, establishing her as a beloved presence across South India. Over the years, she has sung in several languages, leaving a lasting mark wherever her voice reached.

Chithra’s artistry has been recognised with six National Awards and sixteen Kerala State Awards. In 2005, she received the Padma Shri, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2021.
Even after five decades, K. S. Chithra remains an inseparable part of our daily lives through her songs. At 62, her voice and her smile are as radiant as ever. The era of Chithra continues, her melodies timeless and evergreen.