Legendary Malayalam playback singer K S Chitra turned 62 on July 27, and warm wishes poured in from across the music world. Renowned artistes including singers Sujatha Mohan, Sithara Krishnakumar, and lyricist Rajeev Alunkal extended heartfelt birthday messages to the iconic singer, affectionately known as ‘Chinnakkuyil’.

"Happy birthday to our darling 'chinna kuyil', to my dearest friend K S Chitra Stay healthy and stay blessed always dear." wrote Sujatha Mohan in a Facebook post, sharing a picture with Chitra.

Sithara Krishnakumar took to social media to post: “It’s the birthday of the one and only Chitra chechi.....a voice that shaped our dreams, and a soul even more beautiful than her music. I consider it one of life’s purest blessings to know her, not just as the legend we all adore, but as the warm, loving, gentle guardian she truly is. Happy birthday,chechi...

Ummmaaaaaaa!!!!!”

 

Sharing a photograph with the singer, lyricist Rajeev Alunkal wrote: “Happy birthday to my beloved Chitra chechi.”

 

Born on 27 July 1963, K S Chitra has sung over 30,000 songs across multiple languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, Tulu, Punjabi, Rajasthani, English, Latin, and Arabic.

Her musical journey began under the guidance of her father, Krishnan Nair. She later trained in Carnatic music under Dr K Omanakutty. Chitra entered the light music scene under the mentorship of M G Radhakrishnan, gradually paving her way into film music. Her playback debut was in 1979, and in 1982 she sang 'Muthassikkathayile' composed by Kavalam Narayana Panicker and M G Radhakrishnan, for the film directed by G Aravindan.

Her breakthrough came in 1983 with the song 'Aalorungi Arangorungi' from the film 'Ente Mamattikkuttiyammaykk', marking the first major hit in her illustrious career.

At just under 18, Chitra entered a space dominated by legendary voices like S Janaki, P Suseela, and Vani Jayaram. Yet, her voice swiftly captured the hearts of Malayalam audiences, and soon, she was in high demand across other languages too. During the 1990s, she became an essential collaborator for leading music directors such as A R Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, Vidyasagar, and Johnson Master.

While she was known as 'Vaanampaadi ' in Malayalam and 'Chinnakkuyil' in Tamil, Chitra was celebrated by many names: 'Gandharvagayika', 'Kannada Kokila', 'Priya Basanti', and the 'Melody Queen'. Her contribution to Indian music has been recognised with more than 30 state awards, 6 National Film Awards, a record for a female playback singer, and numerous other accolades.

She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2005 and the Padma Bhushan in 2021 for her invaluable contributions to Indian music.