
09/08/2025
Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithrapopularly known as **K. S. Chithra**, is one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, often referred to as the *Nightingale of South India*. Born on **July 27, 1963**, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, she displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age. Trained in Carnatic music under her father and later under K. Omanakutty, Chithra’s career took off in the early 1980s when she began singing for Malayalam films. Her melodious voice and emotive singing quickly made her a household name in Kerala and beyond.
Over the decades, Chithra has recorded **over 25,000 songs** in various Indian languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and Oriya. Her versatility allows her to effortlessly adapt to different genres—from soulful classical numbers to peppy film tracks. She has collaborated with leading composers like Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, M. Jayachandran, and Vidyasagar, contributing to some of the most memorable songs in Indian cinema. Her Tamil hit “Paadariyen” from *Sindhu Bhairavi* and the Malayalam classic “Manjal Prasadavum” are just two examples of her wide-ranging repertoire.
K. S. Chithra’s contributions have earned her **six National Film Awards**, **eight Filmfare Awards South**, and **35 state film awards** from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. She is also the recipient of the **Padma Shri** (2005) and **Padma Bhushan** (2021) for her outstanding contribution to Indian music. In addition to film songs, she has released numerous devotional and pop albums, further expanding her musical influence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Chithra is admired for her humility and dedication to music. She has been involved in philanthropic work, particularly through the **Aiswarya Trust**, established in memory of her late daughter, to help differently-abled children and those in need. With a career spanning over four decades, K. S. Chithra remains a timeless voice whose songs continue to inspire and comfort listeners across generations.