Kavita Krishnamurti Biography, Age, Early Life, Career and More
Kavita Krishnamurti, one of India’s most accomplished and respected playback singers, has had a profound impact on the Indian music industry. Known for her exceptional vocal range and versatility, she has sung in various Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali, among others. With a career spanning over four decades, Kavita Krishnamurti has delivered numerous iconic songs that continue to resonate with listeners today.
Personal Details of Kavita Krishnamurti
| Full Name | Sharada Krishnamurthy (Stage Name: Kavita Krishnamurti) |
| Date of Birth | January 25, 1958 |
| Place of Birth | New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Playback Singer |
| Active Years | 1971 – Present |
| Languages Sung | Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi |
| Spouse | Dr. L. Subramaniam (Violin Maestro) |
| Children | 4 (Stepchildren) |
Early Life and Background
Kavita Krishnamurti was born as Sharada Krishnamurthy on January 25, 1958, in New Delhi, India, into a Tamil Iyer family. From a very young age, she showed immense interest and talent in music, which led her to pursue formal training in classical music. Kavita’s talent was recognized early on, and she was trained in Hindustani classical music under the tutelage of legendary vocalist Balram Puri.
Her early exposure to music was not limited to Indian classical genres. Kavita had a deep appreciation for Bollywood music, which later helped shape her illustrious career in playback singing. Her first notable break came when she won a gold medal in a music competition hosted by the legendary singer Manna Dey, which eventually paved the way for her to enter the world of playback singing.
Entry into Playback Singing
Kavita Krishnamurti made her playback singing debut in 1976 with the film Kadambari, where she sang a duet with legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Despite her early debut, her rise to prominence took some time, as she had to compete with some of the biggest names in the industry. However, her breakthrough came in the 1980s when she began collaborating with top music directors like Laxmikant-Pyarelal, R. D. Burman, and A. R. Rahman.
Her song “Tumse Milkar Na Jaane Kyun” from the movie Pyaar Jhukta Nahin (1985) became a massive hit and marked the beginning of her rise to stardom. Following this success, Kavita Krishnamurti quickly established herself as a versatile singer who could render classical, semi-classical, and contemporary songs with equal ease.
Rise to Fame in the 1990s
The 1990s proved to be a golden era for Kavita Krishnamurti as she delivered some of her most iconic songs during this decade. She became the voice behind numerous Bollywood actresses, and her ability to bring emotion and depth to her songs made her a favorite among music directors and audiences alike.
Some of her most memorable songs include:
- “Hawa Hawai” from Mr. India (1987)
- “Aaj Main Upar” from Khamoshi: The Musical (1996)
- “Dola Re Dola” from Devdas (2002)
- “Nimbooda Nimbooda” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
- “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya” from Yaraana (1995)
Her song “Dola Re Dola” from Devdas is considered one of the finest dance numbers in Bollywood history, and her powerful voice, paired with the grand visuals, made it an unforgettable musical masterpiece.
Personal Life and Marriage
In 1999, Kavita Krishnamurti married the legendary violinist and music composer Dr. L. Subramaniam. Through this union, she became part of a musical legacy, and the couple has often collaborated on musical projects that blend Indian classical and world music traditions. Kavita also became the stepmother to Dr. Subramaniam’s four children, and together, they have created a warm and nurturing family environment focused on music and culture.
Despite her extensive work in Bollywood, Kavita’s marriage to Dr. L. Subramaniam also led her to explore classical music further, and she has since performed in various fusion music projects alongside her husband.
Awards and Recognition
Kavita Krishnamurti’s contribution to the Indian music industry has earned her numerous accolades and awards. She has won four prestigious Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, making her one of the most celebrated playback singers of her time. Some of her most notable awards include:
- Padma Shri (2005) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award for her contribution to the arts.
- Filmfare Awards for songs such as “Nimbooda Nimbooda” and “Dola Re Dola.”
- National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer (2000) for the song “Dheere Dheere Aap Mere” from Aanchal.
Her awards and recognition reflect her standing as one of the most gifted singers in the Indian music industry.
Legacy and Influence
Kavita Krishnamurti’s legacy as a playback singer continues to inspire aspiring singers and musicians. Her ability to adapt to various musical styles and her dedication to the craft of playback singing have earned her a place in the pantheon of Indian music legends. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the greatest composers in Indian cinema, and her songs continue to be loved by audiences of all ages.
Apart from playback singing, Kavita is also involved in various philanthropic activities, particularly those aimed at promoting music education. She regularly participates in music festivals and concerts worldwide, often collaborating with other artists to bring Indian music to global audiences.
Conclusion
Kavita Krishnamurti’s journey from a classically trained vocalist to one of the most iconic playback singers in Indian cinema is nothing short of extraordinary. With a career filled with accolades, timeless songs, and immense contribution to the Indian music scene, she remains a cherished artist whose voice has touched the hearts of millions.
