Born on July 27, 1963, in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala , into a family of musicians, Chithra’s talent was recognized and nurtured from an early age by her father, the late Krishnan Nair. He was also her first guru (teacher). Chithra received her extensive training in Carnatic music from Dr. K. Omanakutty, after she was selected for the National Talent Search Scholarship from the Central Government from 1978 – 1984. She was introduced to Malayalam playback singing by M. G. Radhakrishnan in 1979.
She made her debut in the Tamil film industry in Chennai under the guidance of film music composer Ilaiyaraaja.nd from then on there was no looking back. Her expressive melodious voice got her plenty of offers and she was soon making a mark in Malayalam films to the extent that she has today monopolised Malayalam film music.Her knowledge of South Indian languages and Hindi enables her to render songs with originality and perfection. Her voice is versatile and she sings with a great feel.
Chithra has recorded thousands of film and non-film songs. During her career, numerous recognitions have come her way including six National Awards for best female playback singer. This is the largest number of national awards awarded to any female playback singer. She has won the awards for the following films:
1986 - Sindhu Bhairavi, Tamil film
1987 - Nakhaksthangal, Malayalam film
1989 - Vaishali, Malayalam film
1996 - Minsaara Kanavu, Tamil film
1997 - Virasat, Hindi film
2004 - Autograph, Tamil Film
She has also received 15 awards for the best female playback singer from Kerala State Government, 7 awards from Andhra Pradesh State Government, 4 awards from Tamil Nadu State Government and 2 awards from Karnataka State Government. She holds the unique honour of the first male or female playback singer to be recognised by all the four state governments in South India as the best playback singer
To this day, Chithra has recorded more than 15,000 film songs in 9 different languages and about 4000 non-film songs.
Chithra was also honoured with the Kalaimamani title from Tamil Nadu Government in 1997,
the K. J. Yesudas Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, Kalaiselvam title from the South Indian Nadigar Sangam in 2002, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Global Malayalee Council in London in 2003.
She has also received numerous mainstream awards like MTV Video Music Award, Screen – Videocon Award, Film Fans Association Awards, and Cinema Express Awards. She has in her credit, private albums in Hindi namely Piya Basanthi and Sunset Point. Her first ghazal album with Masterio Ghulam Ali and Asha Bhosle is ready for release. She recently released an album in dedication to Smt. Subbulakshmi named My Tribute. It is a collection of kirthis and bhajans dedicated to Subbulakshmi. Sony is planning to release a solo album soon owing to success of Piya Basanthi. Recognising her contribution to the music world, Smt. Chithra has been conferred the prestigious Padmashri title by the Government of India.
Chitra who has a strong base in classical music has an ability to pick up even the most difficult pitch with ease. Ms Chitra has many albums especially devotional music to her credit. She has also tried her hand in pop music and made an album with the 'Voodoo Rapper'. Her hugely successful albums include 'Piya Basanti'; her collaboration with sarangi exponent Ustad Sultan Khan, 'Sunset Point', where she worked with Gulzar and Bhupinder. She has had the opportunities to work with famous music directors like Salil Choudhary, Anu Malik, Nadeem-Shravan and world renowned music maestro A R Rahman. But she remains her simple down to earth self with the trademark pleasant smile. This immensely talented singer continues to impress her numerous fans with memorable songs.
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