Nivedita Ramakrishnan
Think of South India and one of the few bright bulbs that light up then would be the infamous Carnatic music that it has given birth to. Here are ten incredibly talented singers who're fully based in Carnatic music.
Their birthplace of Bombay (now Mumbai) has stuck to them like a trademark almost; whether folks know the sisters' names or not, they simply call them this. Their seniority in music is just a number, their talent is fresh and young as it always has been.
She is yet another household name. She is most versatile, humane and totally down-to-earth (I'd know that she didn't refuse to sing at a family wedding unlike how many top-profile singers would)
Her voice is always so warm, and with her bright smile at every performance, her music always reaches out to every individual in the audience. She's become a household name already!
I have seen people dissing this great singer because he's a Christian who sings Carnatic music, but I've also seen these very people regret that later and grow to love his music. Yesudas is a legend indeed and has even won the coveted Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan awards.
Yet another household name! From singing in traditional Carnatic concerts to singing for movie songs, there isn't an area in music that isn't covered by him.
Not a day goes by without my father playing this excellent musician's songs in the loudest volume setting. I'd want him to stop playing it as a little girl but having grown up over the years, I've come to truly understand the richness in his music.
I've grown up watching them a lot-- especially because I took a liking to a sister whose name I share. If one person singing Carnatic music is divine, then you should listen to these two sisters singing. You'll fall in love.
Here's another excellent singer who is recognized by her birthplace more than her actual name. I haven't really seen any music event on TV without her performing in it! She is distinctly known for having been a disciple of the Violin Maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman.
Hailing from a family of musicians, this truly eminent person has a created a legend out of himself. Just go through his page on Wikipedia, and then you'll find yourself surfing for his music.
My parents simply love Aruna Sairam. I ask my mum how much she knows about her, and pat comes the reply, 'Her music is great and she's very gentle.' Aruna Sairam has even received the honor of the Padma Shri from the Indian Government for her services in music!
Another teenager in university, having a penchant for Japanese, literature and all the small things in life that almost always go unnoticed.
