{{Short description|Indian playback singer}} {{Redirect|Chithra||Chitra (disambiguation){{!}}Chitra}} {{Use Indian English|date=January 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox person | name = K. S. Chithra | image = Melody Queen of Indian Cinema Dr. K S Chithra (cropped).jpg | caption = Chithra in 2022 | birth_name = Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1963|07|27}} | birth_place = [[Trivandrum]], [[Kerala]], [[India]] | alma_mater = [[University of Kerala]] | occupation = {{hlist|Singer|music producer|Judge}} | spouse = {{Marriage|Vijayashankar|1987}} | children = 1 | years_active = 1979–present | module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes | background = solo_singer | genre = {{flat list| * [[Indian classical music]] * [[playback singer|Playback singing]] * [[Filmi]] }} | instrument = [[Vocals]] | label = [https://www.facebook.com/Audiotracs Audiotracs] }} | honours = ''[[List of awards and nominations received by K. S. Chithra|See list]]'' | website = {{URL|www.kschithra.com}} }}
'''Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra''' (born 27 July 1963) is an Indian [[playback singer]] and [[Carnatic music]]ian.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=27 July 2023 |title=KS Chithra turns 60: Transcending language barriers through music |url=https://thefederal.com/entertainment/ks-chithra-turns-60-transcending-language-barriers-through-music |access-date=16 January 2026 |website=The Federal |language=en}}</ref> In a career spanning around five [[Decade|decades]], she has recorded over 25,000 songs<ref name="outlookindia.com">{{Cite web |title=From KS Chithra To Chinmayi Sripada: Top Five Female Playback Singers In South |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/the-melody-down-south-top-five-female-playback-singers-in-south-industries-news-121655 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209082534/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/the-melody-down-south-top-five-female-playback-singers-in-south-industries-news-121655 |archive-date=9 February 2022 |access-date=9 February 2022 |website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=9 February 2022 }}</ref><ref name="gulfnews.com">{{Cite web |title=South Indian singer KS Chithra to perform live in Dubai |url= https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/south-indian-singer-ks-chithra-to-perform-live-in-dubai-1.83173373|access-date=24 October 2021 |website=[[Gulf News]]|date= 24 October 2021}}</ref> in various [[Languages of India|Indian languages]] such as [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], [[Hindi]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Rajasthani languages|Rajasthani]], [[Awadhi language |Awadhi]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]], [[Badaga language|Badaga]], [[Braj language| Braj]], [[Banjara]], [[Urdu]], [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Manipuri language|Manipuri]] and [[Sanskrit]],<ref name="auto3">{{Cite news |last=Pradeep |first=K. |date=22 August 2019 |title=Celebrating 40 years of singer KS Chithra, the queen of melody |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/ks-chithra-walks-through-her-40-years-in-the-music-industry/article29221662.ece |url-status=live |access-date=13 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717230014/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/ks-chithra-walks-through-her-40-years-in-the-music-industry/article29221662.ece |archive-date=17 July 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="outlookindia.com">{{Cite web |title=From KS Chithra To Chinmayi Sripada: Top Five Female Playback Singers In South |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/the-melody-down-south-top-five-female-playback-singers-in-south-industries-news-121655 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209082534/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/the-melody-down-south-top-five-female-playback-singers-in-south-industries-news-121655 |archive-date=9 February 2022 |access-date=9 February 2022 |website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=9 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=K.S Chithra Odia Songs |url=https://gaana.com/artist/chitra/odia-songs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909175234/https://gaana.com/artist/chitra/odia-songs |archive-date=9 September 2021 |access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=K.S Chitra Odia Song-Mani Nageswari(1995) |url=https://odiakhati.com/category/837/Mani_Nageswari_(1995).html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909175235/https://odiakhati.com/category/837/Mani_Nageswari_(1995).html |archive-date=9 September 2021 |access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref> as well as foreign languages such as [[Malay language|Malay]], [[Latin]], [[Arabic]], [[Sinhala language|Sinhalese]], [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]].<ref name="The Hindu">{{Cite news|last=Article |date=5 March 2016 |title=Chithra in concert and workshop |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/chithra-in-concert-and-workshop/article8315215.ece |url-status=live |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215075330/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/chithra-in-concert-and-workshop/article8315215.ece |archive-date=15 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="ipanewspack.com">{{cite web |title= kschithra is melody queen of south India recording more than 25000 songs |date= 21 April 2021|url= https://ipanewspack.com/k-s-chithra-is-melody-queen-of-south-india-recording-more-than-25000-songs/|access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref>
Chithra, renowned for her vocal talent, is widely recognised as the ''Golden Voice'' of [[India]], a title bestowed upon her by the [[Royal Albert Hall]], [[London]] in 2001.<ref name="timeline">{{cite magazine |title=KS Chithra- The Nightingale Of South India's 47 Years Of Melodious Journey |url= https://timelinedaily.com/entertainment/ks-chitra-the-nightingale-of-south-india-47-years-of-melodious-journey|magazine=timeline|access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="asianetnewsable">{{cite web |title=Happy Birthday, K.S. Chithra: 'Melody Queen' of Indian cinema speaks to Asianet News |url= https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/happy-birthday-k-s-chithra-melody-queen-of-indian-cinema-speaks-to-asianet-news-anr-ryg4tr|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="Golden Voice Chitra Hits">{{Cite web |title=Golden Voice Chitra Hits |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/golden-voice-chitra/1417461004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618092637/https://music.apple.com/us/album/golden-voice-chitra/1417461004 |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023}}</ref> [[The Times Group]] has honoured her as the ''Melody Queen'' of [[Indian Cinema]] in 2016,<ref name="outlookindia.com"/><ref name="Melody Queen K.S. Chitra Hits - EP">{{Cite web |title=Melody Queen K.S. Chitra Hits - EP |url=https://music.apple.com/kw/album/melody-queen-k-s-chitra-hits-ep/1507577527 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618092638/https://music.apple.com/kw/album/melody-queen-k-s-chitra-hits-ep/1507577527 |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023}}</ref><ref name="Melody Queen K.S. Chitra Hits">{{Cite web |title=Melody Queen K.S. Chitra Hits |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/1FQianc7N98I3YLS4rb4tp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618092638/https://open.spotify.com/album/1FQianc7N98I3YLS4rb4tp |archive-date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 June 2023 |website=[[Spotify]]}}</ref><ref name="asianetnewsable"/> reflecting her immense contribution to the industry. She is also celebrated as the ''Little Nightingale'' of [[Indian Cinema]],<ref>{{cite web |title="You are Born to Sing" K S Chithra Satsang from Prasanthi Nilayam |url= https://www.sssmediacentre.org/watch/662c5eeab16fde16be49dafc/|access-date=27 April 2024}}</ref> ''Nightingale'' of [[South India]],<ref name="India Today">{{cite web |title= Singer KS Chithra honoured with Padma Bhushan |date= 26 January 2021|url= https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/singer-ks-chithra-honoured-with-padma-bhushan-1762739-2021-01-26|access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref><ref name="timeline"/> and in different regions, she is known by various affectionate titles: ''Piya Basanti'' in [[North India]],<ref name="India Today"/> ''Vanambadi'' in [[Kerala]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy birthday to the Vanambadi of Malayalam: KS Chithra@57 |website= [[The Times of India]] |date= 27 July 2020 |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/happy-birthday-to-the-vanambadi-of-malayalam-ks-chithra57/amp_etphotostory/77196133.cms |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> ''Chinna Kuyil'' in [[Tamil Nadu]],<ref>{{cite web |title= K S Chithra: Velvety voice that lingers |date= November 2023|url= https://oneindiaonepeople.com/k-s-chithra-velvety-voice-that-lingers/|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite web |title= Republic Day: Singer KS Chithra honoured with Padma Bhushan |date= 26 January 2021 |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/republic-day-singer-ks-chithra-honoured-with-padma-bhushan-101611638300822.html |access-date=26 January 2021}}</ref> ''Kannada Kogile'' in [[Karnataka]]<ref name="ipanewspack.com"/> and ''Sangeeta Saraswathi'' in [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]] states.<ref name="India Today"/> She is also known for her history of collaboration with music composers like [[A. R. Rahman]], [[Ilaiyaraja]], [[M. M. Keeravani]], [[Hamsalekha]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhumika K. |date=29 March 2016 |title=Music has helped me live |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Music-has-helped-me-live/article14181621.ece |url-status=live |access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515050559/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Music-has-helped-me-live/article14181621.ece/amp/#aoh=16210546752876&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s |archive-date=15 May 2021}}</ref> and with the playback singers [[K. J. Yesudas]] and [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] over the years.
Chithra is a recipient of 6 [[National Film Awards]], 10 [[Filmfare Awards South]]<ref name="Filmfare_Aug2024">{{cite magazine |title=Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Malayalam) 2024 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/full-list-of-winners-of-the-69th-sobha-filmfare-awards-south-malayalam-2024_-67629.html |magazine=Filmfare |date=4 August 2024 |access-date=4 August 2024}}</ref> and 43 [[State Government]] awards from 8 [[States and union territories of India|states of India]] including 18 from [[Kerala]], 12 from [[Andhra Pradesh]], 5 from [[Tamil Nadu]], 4 from [[Karnataka]], and 1 each from [[Odisha]], [[West Bengal]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web | title=K S Chithra and Uttam Singh to receive Lata Mangeshkar Award |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/music/story/uttam-singh-and-k-s-chithra-to-receive-lata-mangeshkar-award-2585370-2024-08-20 |access-date=20 August 2024 |website=[[India Today]] |date=20 August 2024 }}</ref> and [[Maharashtra]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=K. S. Chitra and Sadhana Sargam to be Awarded 'Kala Gaurav Puraskar' |url=https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/news/k-s-chitra-and-sadhana-sargam-to-be-awarded-kala-gaurav-puraskar |website=The Bridge Chronicle |date=10 November 2024 |access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> governments.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.news.manatelugumovies.net/2011/09/sunitachitrashankar-receive-lata.html |title=Sunita, Chitra, Shankar receive Lata Mangeshkar award |publisher=News.manatelugumovies.net |date=29 September 2011 |accessdate=22 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425020644/http://www.news.manatelugumovies.net/2011/09/sunitachitrashankar-receive-lata.html |archivedate=25 April 2012 }}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/K-S-Chithra-wins-Vanitharatnam-award/articleshow/36933552.cms|title=K S Chithra wins Vanitharatnam award|date=21 June 2014|work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref><ref name="Filmfare">{{Cite web |last=Filmfare |date=16 June 2018 |title=Winners of the 65th Jio Filmfare Awards (South) 2018 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28887.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620082346/https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28887.html |archive-date=20 June 2018 |access-date=14 July 2018 |publisher=Filmfare.com}}</ref> She was awarded India's third-highest civilian honours [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2021 and [[Padma Shri Awards (2000–2009)|Padma Shri]] in 2005 for her valuable contributions towards the Indian musical fraternity.<ref name="padmaawards">{{Cite web |title=Padma Awards 2021 announced |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1692337 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125161945/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1692337 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=26 January 2021 |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs}}</ref><ref name="The Times of India">{{Cite news |date=25 January 2021 |title=Shinzo Abe, Tarun Gogoi, Ram Vilas Paswan among Padma Award winners: Complete list |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shinzo-abe-tarun-gogoi-ram-vilas-paswan-among-padma-award-winners-complete-list/articleshow/80453596.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128190946/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shinzo-abe-tarun-gogoi-ram-vilas-paswan-among-padma-award-winners-complete-list/articleshow/80453596.cms |archive-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>
She is honoured with the title ''First Ladies'' by the [[President of India]] in 2018 for being the first Indian woman to be honoured by [[British Parliament]] at [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], [[United Kingdom]] in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The President of India to felicitate exceptional women achievers at Rashtrapati Bhawan tomorrow | url= https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1517173 |access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="thenewsminute.com">{{Cite web |date=22 January 2018 |title=India's 'first ladies': Rousing stories of 20 women who were pioneers in their fields |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/indias-first-ladies-rousing-stories-20-women-who-were-pioneers-their-fields-75167 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109022903/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/indias-first-ladies-rousing-stories-20-women-who-were-pioneers-their-fields-75167 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=29 October 2020 |website=[[The News Minute]]}}</ref><ref name="etimes.in">{{Cite web |date=7 January 2022 |title=EXCLUSIVE! KS Chithra: I believe in the magic of music |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/exclusive-ks-chithra-i-believe-in-the-magic-of-music/articleshow/88755835.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531104339/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/exclusive-ks-chithra-i-believe-in-the-magic-of-music/articleshow/88755835.cms |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=[[Time of India]]}}</ref> In 2009, she became the first Indian artist to be honoured by [[Government of China]] while performing live at the [[Qinghai]] International river festival.<ref name="Passion Vista" /><ref name="outlookindia.com"/> On 20 March 2025, She was formally honoured by the [[Parliament of South Australia]] in recognition of her outstanding contributions to [[Indian music]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hansard Search – Parliament of South Australia |url=https://hansardsearch.parliament.sa.gov.au/search |website=Parliament of South Australia |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> She was honoured by the [[Texas House of Representatives]], [[Government of Texas]], [[United States of America]], for her lasting contributions to music and the arts.<ref>{{cite web |title=K. S. Chitra Musical Night: Dallas Frisco Fans Thrilled at Timeless Telugu Music Event |url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2025/nri/ks-chitra-musical-night-dallas-frisco-fans-thrilled-at-timeless-telugu-music-event-vvnp-1458291.html|website=Andhra Jyothy|publisher=Andhra Jyothy (NRI Edition)|date=2025|access-date=9 November 2025|language=en}}</ref> In 2025, she was honoured in the [[United States]] with a Joint Legislative Resolution from the [[State of New Jersey]] and a Mayoral Proclamation from the Township of Edison for her outstanding contributions to music and philanthropy.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Jersey honours K. S. Chithra with state and municipal proclamations |url=https://oktelugu.com/nri/chitra-ganalahari-tana-kalavedika-goodvibes-newjersey-success-582868.html |website=OkTelugu |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> On 19 October 2025, the K. S. Chithra Day was proclaimed by the Shelby County Government in [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] via a mayoral proclamation from the Office of the Mayor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor’s Office – Shelby County, Tennessee |url=https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/78/Mayors-Office |website=Shelby County Government |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> She was honoured by the [[Government of Sharjah]], [[United Arab Emirates]], with a [[Lifetime Achievement Award]] in recognition of her distinguished contributions to [[Indian music]] and her five-decade-long career.<ref>{{cite web |title=K S Chithra to belt out fan favourites at Expo Centre Sharjah |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/k-s-chithra-2025-sharjah-show |website=Khaleej Times |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> Barring [[Lata Mangeshkar]], she also remains the second female playback singer from [[India]] to have performed at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London in 2001 and her Performance was applauded with much appreciation by a roomful of an international audience.<ref name="gulfnews.com">{{Cite web |title=South Indian singer KS Chithra to perform live in Dubai |url= https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/south-indian-singer-ks-chithra-to-perform-live-in-dubai-1.83173373|access-date=24 October 2021 |website=[[Gulf News]]|date= 24 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="Passion Vista"/> Her song "[[Bombay (soundtrack)|Kannalane/Kehna Hi Kya]]" from the film ''[[Bombay (1995 film)|Bombay]]'' (1995) was included in United Kingdom ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'s}} "1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear Before You Die" list.<ref name="Part one: Love">{{Cite web |title=Part one: Love |url= https://www.theguardian.com/music/table/2009/mar/14/love-1000-songs-everyone-must-hear|access-date=14 March 2009 |website=[[The Guardian]]|date= 14 March 2009}}</ref>
==Early life== Chithra was born 27 July 1963<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kameshwari |first=A |date=27 July 2020 |title=KS Chithra turns 57: Mohanlal, Priyadarshan, Aju Varghese and others wish ace singer |language=en |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/singer-ks-chithra-57th-birthday-wishes-6525548/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527103702/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/singer-ks-chithra-57th-birthday-wishes-6525548/ |archive-date=27 May 2022}}</ref> in the city of [[Trivandrum]] (now Thiruvananthapuram) of the [[Kerala]] state. Her father, Krishnan Nair was a school teacher and a music enthusiast who taught basics of music to all his three children.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soman |first=Deepa |date=23 January 2001 |title=Nightingale of the south |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/k-s-chithra-shares-some-lovely-words-about-her-father/articleshow/77033214.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref> He died after a long battle with cancer on 18 July 1986. Her mother Shanthakumari was also a music teacher. She has an elder sister, K. S. Beena who is a former singer and younger brother K. S. Mahesh who is a musician.<ref>{{cite news |title='Chithralayam', Malayalees pride K S Chithra turns 60 |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1113716&u=chithralayam-malayalees-pride-k-s-chithra-turns-60-1113716 |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=Keralakaumudi Daily |date=23 July 2023}}</ref> Chithra completed her schooling at the Cotton Hill Government Girls High School in Thiruvananthapuram. She acknowledges that it was the teachers of the school who spotted her talent in music.<ref>{{cite news |title=K S Chithra gets a unique birthday surprise |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/k-s-chithra-birthday-surprise-5279435/ |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=27 July 2018}}</ref> Chithra received her training in [[Carnatic music]] from [[K. Omanakutty]] for seven years. She graduated in [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A. in music]] with first class and third rank from the [[University of Kerala]].<ref name="herself" /> She was selected for the [[National Talent Search Examination|National Talent Search Scholarship]] from the [[Government of India]] during the period 1978 - 1984.<ref name="night">{{Cite news |last=Nair |first=Sulekha |date=23 January 2001 |title=Nightingale of the south |work=Express India |url=http://www.expressindia.com/fe/daily/20010123/fsm21016.html |url-status=dead |access-date=11 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011030043/http://www.expressindia.com/fe/daily/20010123/fsm21016.html |archive-date=11 October 2012}}</ref>
==Playback singing==
=== Malayalam cinema === [[File:K.S.Chithra Jan 2015 05.jpg|thumb|right|Chithra performing at a concert in 2015]] K. S. Chithra was introduced to [[Malayalam]] playback by [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]] in 1979 who recorded her voice for films and private albums.<ref name="herself">{{Cite news |last=S.R. Ashok Kumar |date=21 July 2005 |title=One more feather in her cap |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/21/stories/2005072113740200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050722034447/http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/21/stories/2005072113740200.htm |archive-date=22 July 2005}}</ref> ''Attahasam'', ''Snehapoorvam''<ref>{{Citation |last=Harikumar |title=Snehapoorvam Meera |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318699/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |others=Adoor Bhasi, Bharat Gopy, Janardanan}}</ref> ''Meera'' and ''[[Njan Ekananu]]'' were the first few films in which she recorded her voice. She also performed live concerts with [[K. J. Yesudas]] in India and abroad.<ref name="herself" /> The song "Manjal Prasadavum" from the film ''[[Nakhakshathangal]]'' (1986) composed by [[Bombay Ravi]] got her the second [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer]]. For the same composer, she sang the song "Indupushpam Choodi Nilkum" for the film ''[[Vaisali (film)|Vaishali]]'' (1989) and won her third National Film Award. Her first [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer]] was for the song ''"Poomaname"'' from the film ''[[Nirakkoottu]]'' (1985) composed by [[Shyam (composer)|Shyam]]. Since then, she has earned wide recognition by singing popular songs under the compositions of [[Raveendran]], [[Shyam (composer)|Shyam]], [[S. P. Venkitesh]], [[Mohan Sithara]], [[Salil Chowdhury]], [[Kannur Rajan]], [[Ilaiyaraaja]], [[Johnson (composer)|Johnson]], [[Ouseppachan]], [[M. K. Arjunan]], [[A. T. Ummer]], [[Berny Ignatius]], [[M. B. Sreenivasan]], [[Mohan Sithara]], [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]], [[Ramesh Narayan]], [[Sharreth]], [[M. Jayachandran]] and [[Deepak Dev]].<ref name="herself" /> She is regarded as ''"Nightingale of Kerala (Vanambadi)"'' and recorded many successful songs in Malayalam. She recorded a number of songs for the composer [[S. P. Venkitesh]] and her maximum duet songs in Malayalam are with [[K. J. Yesudas]] and [[M. G. Sreekumar]]. As of 2017, she has won the Kerala State Awards for the record 16 times. Her latest song ''"Theerame"'' from the movie ''[[Malik (film)|Malik]]'' (2021) became another awesome hit in Malayalam Music Industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2019 |title=Of love and longing: 15 Malayalam songs that you must listen to now |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/love-and-longing-15-malayalam-songs-you-must-listen-now-102774 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922020835/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/love-and-longing-15-malayalam-songs-you-must-listen-now-102774 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=The News Minute}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 April 2019 |title=K S Chithra celebrates 40 years of her musical journey |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/k-s-chithra-celebrates-40-years-of-her-musical-journey/articleshow/69097073.cms |url-status=live |access-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922022338/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/k-s-chithra-celebrates-40-years-of-her-musical-journey/articleshow/69097073.cms |archive-date=22 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebrities wish KS Chithra on her big day |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/celebrities-wish-ks-chithra-on-her-big-day-1.3008325 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624171733/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/celebrities-wish-ks-chithra-on-her-big-day-1.3008325 |archive-date=24 June 2019 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=Mathrubhumi |date=27 July 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why singer Chithra feels a void? |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2019/04/16/singer-ks-chithra-remembering-daughter-nandana.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922020836/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2019/04/16/singer-ks-chithra-remembering-daughter-nandana.html |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=22 September 2022 |website=OnManorama}}</ref>
=== Telugu cinema === [[File:S P Balasubrahmanyam K S Chithra.jpg|thumb|left|Chithra performing with [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]]] Chithra's first Telugu song was "Paadalenu Pallavaina" from the dubbed version of Tamil film [[Sindhu Bhairavi (film)|''Sindhu Bhairavi'']] (1985) composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]], later sang a humming in a song sung by [[K. J. Yesudas]] composed by [[K. V. Mahadevan]] for the picture Pralayam (1985). Her first song in a Telugu film is "Gelupu Maade" from ''Vijrumbhana'' (1986), composed by [[K. Chakravarthy]]. Later went on to sing songs to many Telugu composers like [[Satyam (composer)|Sathyam]], [[Raj-Koti]], Ilaiyaraja, K. V. Mahadevan & K. Chakravarthy for the years 1986–88, but she gained initial recognition/break-through for compositions by Ilaiyaraja like "Jallanta Kavvinta" from [[Geethanjali (1989 film)|''Geethanjali'']] (1989) & "Ninnukori Varnam" from Gharshana( 1988) and then went onto sing several songs to many composers in Telugu. It was from then onwards that she became a notable singer in Telugu and went on to record every other song in each album being the solo card female singer for almost all the films in the 90s. It was the moment where she established herself as a well recognised singer and strengthening her position in Telugu films by almost taking the place of [[S. Janaki]] from 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=P. V. D. S |title=సరిగమ స్వరాల కోయిల...చిత్ర |url=https://www.sitara.net/patala-pallaki/gaayakulu/k-s-chithra-krishnan-nair/13736 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127070710/https://www.sitara.net/patala-pallaki/gaayakulu/k-s-chithra-krishnan-nair/13736 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=27 September 2020 |website=[[Eenadu|Sitara]] |language=te}}</ref> Chithra received her first [[Nandi Awards|Nandi Award]], presented by [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]] for "Kalika Chilakala Koliki" from ''[[Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu]]'' (1991). She won a total of 11 Nandi Awards as [[Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]] for various Telugu songs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964 - 2008) |trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964 - 2008) |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223135739/http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2015 |access-date=27 September 2020 |publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]}}(in [[Telugu language|Telugu]])</ref> As the years passed by Chithra was recognised as a legendary singer in Telugu whose era or legacy was considered to be the golden era standing next to [[P. Susheela]] and [[S. Janaki]]. As of today Chithra is considered as one of the finest singers of the Telugu film industry whose charisma is remarkable. She sang maximum songs in Telugu to [[M. M. Keeravani]] and also worked with almost every notable composer from then to till date.
=== Hindi cinema ===
{{Main|List of Hindi songs recorded by K. S. Chithra}}
Chithra was introduced to Hindi film music in 1985; she recorded her first Hindi song composed by [[S. P. Venkitesh]], which was not commercially released. For the 1991 Hindi film ''[[Love (1991 Indian film)|Love]]'', composers [[Anand–Milind]], called upon her to sing duets song along with [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]] and since then, Chithra has recorded for around 200 Bollywood songs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KS Chithra's best Hindi numbers |url=https://www.cinestaan.com/listicles/2016/jul/27/1514/ks-chithra-s-best-hindi-numbers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530144858/https://www.cinestaan.com/listicles/2016/jul/27/1514/ks-chithra-s-best-hindi-numbers |archive-date=30 May 2019 |access-date=24 November 2020 |website=Cinestaan.com}}</ref>
Apart from film songs, Chithra recorded for many private albums of which ''[[Piya Basanti]]'' and ''Sunset Point'' became hugely popular and went on to win several laurels including the MTV Music Video Awards. The popularity of the former album made her known among the Northern part of Indians identify her as "Piya Basanti" Chitra.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Revisiting Piya Basanti |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/revisiting-piya-basanti/987487/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503090208/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/revisiting-piya-basanti/987487 |archive-date=3 May 2019 |access-date=24 November 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
=== Other Indian languages === {{Main|List of songs recorded by K. S. Chithra}}
== Television == {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Name of Television Show !Role !Network !Language !Country |- |2006-2007 |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer (season 1)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |rowspan="19" |{{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=35px}} [[India]] |- |2007 |''[[Super Singer Junior|Super Singer Junior (season 1)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- | 2008||''Apple Mega Star''||[[Judge]]||[[Jeevan TV]]||[[Malayalam]] |- |2009-2010 |''[[Super Singer Junior (season 2)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2009-2010 |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer (season 4)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |- |2010-2011 |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer (season 5)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |- |2011-2012 |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer (season 6)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |- |2011-2012 |''[[Super Singer Junior (season 3)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2012 |''[[Ningalkkum Aakaam Kodeeshwaran|Ningalkkum Aakaam Kodeeshwaran (season 1)]]'' |Contestant |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |- |2013||''Indian Voice Junior''||[[Judge]]||[[Mazhavil Manorama]]||[[Malayalam]] |- |2014 |''[[Super Singer Junior|Super Singer Junior (season 4)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2014-2015 |''[[Star Maa]] Super Singer 8'' <ref>{{Cite web |title= Maa TV Super Singer Season 8 starting from 18th August|url=https://www.medianews4u.com/maa-tv-super-singer-season-8-starting-today/| access-date=18 August 2014 |website= MN4U Bureau|date=18 August 2014 }}</ref> |[[Judge]] |[[Star Maa]] |[[Telugu language|Telugu]] |- |2015||''Indian Music League''||[[Judge]]||[[Flowers TV]]||[[Malayalam]] |- |2016-2017 |''[[Super Singer Junior|Super Singer Junior (season 5)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2016||Super Star junior 5||Judge||[[Amrita TV]]||[[Malayalam]] |- |2018-2019 |''[[Super Singer Junior|Super Singer Junior (season 6)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2018 |''[[Padutha theeyaga]]'' |Guest [[Judge]] |[[ETV Network|ETV]] |[[Telugu language|Telugu]] |- |2019-2020||''Paadam Namuk Paadam''||[[Judge]]||[[Mazhavil Manorama]]||[[Malayalam]] |- |2020 |''[[Super Singer Junior|Super Singer Junior (season 7)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2020 |''Yaar Antha Star (season 7)'' |[[Judge]] |[[Vasantham (TV channel)|Vasantham]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |{{flagicon image|Flag of Singapore.svg|size=35px}} [[Singapore]] |- |2020-2022 |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer (season 8)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |rowspan="7" |{{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=35px}} [[India]] |- |2021-2022 |''[[Super Singer Junior|Super Singer Junior (season 8)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2022 |''[[Star Maa]] Super Singer junior (Season 2)'' {{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} |[[Judge]] |[[Star Maa]] |[[Telugu language|Telugu]] |- |2022-2023 |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer Junior (season 3)]]'' |Guest Jury |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |- |2023 |''Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs (Season 19)'' <ref>{{Cite news |title= Renowned singer K S Chithra to grace Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/renowned-singer-k-s-chitra-to-grace-sa-re-ga-ma-pa-lil-champs/articleshow/97393325.cms| access-date=28 January 2023 |website= [[Time of India]]|date= 28 January 2023}}</ref> |Guest [[Judge]] |[[Zee Kannada]] |[[Kannada language|Kannada]] |- |2023 |''[[Super Singer Junior (season 9)]]'' |[[Judge]] |[[Star Vijay]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |- |2023-2024 |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer (season 9)]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/exclusive-k-s-chithra-on-star-singer-ive-never-seen-such-incredible-talents-in-a-single-show-before/articleshow/114252210.cms|title=Exclusive! K S Chithra on Star Singer: I've never seen such incredible talents in a single show before|work=The Times Of India}}</ref> |[[Judge]] |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |- |2023 – present |''Yaar Antha Star (season 8)'' |[[Judge]] |[[Vasantham (TV channel)|Vasantham]] |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] |{{flagicon image|Flag of Singapore.svg|size=35px}} [[Singapore]] |- |2024 |''[[Super Singer 10]]'' |Guest | rowspan="2" |[[Star Vijay]] | rowspan="2" |[[Tamil language|Tamil]] | rowspan="4" |{{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=35px}} [[India]] |- |2024-2025 |[[Super Singer Junior season 10]] |[[Judge]] |- |2025-present |''[[Star Singer|Star Singer (season 10)]]''<ref>{{cite news |title=പൂക്കുടയുമായി സൈക്കിളിൽ ഭാവനയുടെ എൻട്രി; നിറചിരിയോടെ സ്വാഗതം ചെയ്ത് മഞ്ജു വാര്യർ |url=https://malayalam.indianexpress.com/entertainment/asianet-star-singer-season-10-grand-launch-2025-manju-warrier-bhavana-8865359 |work=Indian Express |date=18 March 2025 |language=ml |access-date=19 March 2025}}</ref> |[[Judge]] |[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] |[[Malayalam]] |- |2026-present |[[Super Singer Junior|Super Singer Junior season 11]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Super Singer Junior Season 11 anthem unveiled; D. Imman and K. S. Chithra lend magical touch |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/super-singer-junior-season-11-anthem-unveiled-d-imman-and-k-s-chithra-lend-magical-touch/articleshow/130888024.cms |work=The Times of India|date=7 May 2026 |language=en |access-date=8 May 2026}}</ref> |[[Judge]] | [[Star Vijay]] | [[Tamil language|Tamil]] |}
==Performances==
===Work and association with music directors===
Chithra has sung over 25,000 songs.<ref name="auto3" />
===Concerts=== [[File:KSChithra.jpg|thumb|right|Chithra performing at a concert]] Apart from playback singing, she also appeared among the panel of judges in the singing [[reality television]] shows at [[Kerala]] (''[[Idea Star Singer]]'' and ''Josco Indian Voice''),<ref>[http://www.josco-indianvoice.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423145208/http://www.josco-indianvoice.com/|date=23 April 2014}}</ref> at [[Tamil Nadu]] (''[[Airtel Super Singer Junior]]''),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airtel Super Singer Junior 2 |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/city360/events/20092603042654/airtel-super-singer-junior-2.col |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131072409/http://www.chennaionline.com/city360/events/20092603042654/airtel-super-singer-junior-2.col |archive-date=31 January 2010 |access-date=3 February 2010}}</ref> where she also won the award for Best Female Judge and at [[Andhra Pradesh]] ([[MAA TV]]) ''Super Singer''. Apart from this judgement panel she has appeared in music-shows like Swarabhishekam, Super Masti, Jhumandi Nadam. She is a regular singer in [[Ilayaraja]]'s, [[A.R. Rahman]]'s and [[S.P. Balasubrahmanyam]]'s concerts.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} She has performed all over the world in [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam|SPB]]'s concerts along with [[S. P. Sailaja]], [[S. P. Charan]]. She has been a regular singer participating in all the concerts of SPB50-The World Tour, she has performed almost all around the world with [[S. P. B. Charan]], [[S. P. Sailaja]], [[Sunitha Upadrashta]] [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]] & [[Shweta Mohan]].{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}
She had performed at the Royal Albert Hall<ref name="kschitra.info">{{Cite web |title=K S Chithra |url=http://www.kschitra.info/?page_id=164 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712051024/http://www.kschitra.info/?page_id=164 |archive-date=12 July 2013 |website=Facebook}}</ref> and House of Commons{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} in London. On 6 June 2009, she performed in Qinghai International Musical Journey on Water and Life concert with a rendition of "Tunga Tarange Gange" alongside other singers from nations located around various major rivers such as the [[Ganges]], [[Volga]], [[Rhine]], [[Danube]], [[Mississippi River|Mississippi]], and [[Amazon River|Amazon]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009青海国际水与生命音乐之旅--世界防治荒漠化和干旱日主题音乐会_艺术中国 |url=http://art.china.cn/huodong/qhsysm/node_514800.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527174033/http://art.china.cn/huodong/qhsysm/node_514800.htm |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=art.china.cn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=青海国际水与生命音乐之旅 2008, 2009合集 2 DVD_孔夫子旧书网 |url=http://book.kongfz.com/item_pic.do?shopId=242215&itemId=1444555608&imgId=5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527174630/http://book.kongfz.com/item_pic.do?shopId=242215&itemId=1444555608&imgId=5 |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=book.kongfz.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=印度歌唱家K.S.奇西拉夫人演唱《奔流到恒河》_现场图片_艺术中国 |url=http://art.china.cn/huodong/qhsysm/2009-06/15/content_2963446.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527175342/http://art.china.cn/huodong/qhsysm/2009-06/15/content_2963446.htm |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=art.china.cn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=青海国际水与生命音乐之旅——2009世界防治荒漠化与干旱日主题音乐会举行_新闻中心_新浪网 |url=http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2009-06-16/063315795534s.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527172744/http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2009-06-16/063315795534s.shtml |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=news.sina.com.cn}}</ref>
In 2024, K. S. Chithra headlined the [[Chithra Varnam]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Chithra Varnam 2024 |url=https://www.iccofutah.org/chithravarnam2024 |website=ICC of Utah |access-date=18 October 2024 |language=en}}</ref> concert on 11 May at the Chabot Performing Arts Center, Hayward, California. Organised by Kalalaya sponsored by Nambiar Builders, the event featured her signature melodies across multiple Indian languages, with support from musicians such as [[Sharreth]] and [[K. K. Nishad]]. The concert celebrated Mother's Day, adding a sentimental note to the evening.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brace Yourself for Chithra Varnam 2024: A Mesmerizing Musical Journey in the Bay Area – Sulekha Blogs |url=https://events.sulekha.com/buzz/blog/brace-yourself-for-chithra-varnam-2024-a-mesmerizing-musical-journey-in-the-bay-area |work=Sulekha |access-date=18 October 2024}}</ref>
===Studio albums=== Chithra recorded her first studio album with Voodoo Rapper for the album called ''Ragga Raaga'' in 1993.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Katiyar |first=Arun |date=15 October 1993 |title=Indian rap: It's silly and it's trite, but we all dig it, right? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/story/19931015-indian-rap-it-silly-and-it-trite-but-we-all-dig-it-right-811632-1993-10-14https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/story/19931015-indian-rap-it-silly-and-it-trite-but-we-all-dig-it-right-811632-1993-10-14 |magazine=[[India Today]] |access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref> She recorded the albums in Hindi, ''[[Piya Basanti]]'' (2000) and ''Sunset Point''. She associated with [[Ustad Sultan Khan]] for ''Piya Basanti'' which was certified [[Music recording sales certification|Gold]].<ref name="Musically Yours">{{Cite news |last=Subha J Rao |date=28 October 2004 |title=Musically yours |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/10/28/stories/2004102800810100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050223010713/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/10/28/stories/2004102800810100.htm |archive-date=23 February 2005}}</ref> ''Sunset Point'' had eight songs written and narrated by [[Gulzar]] and sung by Chithra and Bhupinder.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulzar's Sunset Point |url=http://www.gulzaronline.com/gulsunset.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614035834/http://www.gulzaronline.com/gulsunset.htm |archive-date=14 June 2013 |access-date=28 June 2013 |publisher=Gulzaronline.com}}</ref> In 2006, she released an album in dedication to [[M. S. Subbulakshmi]] named ''My Tribute''. It is a collection of ''[[Kritis]]'' and ''[[bhajans]]'' dedicated to Subbulakshmi.<ref name="My Tribute">{{Cite news |last=K. Jeshi |date=8 December 2006 |title=Song all the way |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/08/stories/2006120800010200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210053546/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/08/stories/2006120800010200.htm |archive-date=10 December 2006}}</ref> In 2009 she released ''Nightingale: A Salute to Lataji'', a musical tribute to [[Lata Mangeshkar]] on her 80th birthday.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 July 2009 |title=CHORDS AND NOTES |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/07/02/stories/2009070251360400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204005408/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/07/02/stories/2009070251360400.htm |archive-date=4 February 2014}}</ref> She also recorded many Malayalam albums for [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[M. Jayachandran]] and [[Sharreth]] compositions. She also planned a [[ghazal]] album with [[Ghulam Ali (Ghazal singer)|Ghulam Ali]] and [[Asha Bhosle]].<ref name="My Tribute" />
===International projects=== * Recorded with the Arab singer Jawad Ali for his album ''Amar Ul Hob''<ref name="kschitra.info" /> * Recorded a song for the jazz pianist [[Herbie Hancock]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=John Kelman |date=21 June 2010 |title=Herbie Hancock: The Imagine Project |url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-imagine-project-herbie-hancock-herbie-hancock-music-review-by-john-kelman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527131557/https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-imagine-project-herbie-hancock-herbie-hancock-music-review-by-john-kelman |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=All About Jazz}}</ref>
==Public profile== ===Philanthropy=== Chithra, along with a Kerala-based satellite channel, Asianet Cable Vision (ACV), jointly launched a fundraising organisation, Sneha Nandana, to raise funds for the welfare of retired musicians who have lost their careers due to changes in the music industry.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} She launched this organisation on the occasion of her completion of three decades in the music playback industry. She said that the fund would provide help to the musicians with financial impediments and those suffering from health problems.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} A cultural event called Chithra Pournami was held on 15 February 2011 at [[Thiruvananthapuram]] to celebrate the 30th year of her career and also to launch this organisation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chitra launches fund for unemployed musicians |url=http://www.24dunia.com/english-news/shownews/0/Chitra-launches-fund-for-unemployed-musicians/8979679.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902220021/http://www.24dunia.com/english-news/shownews/0/Chitra-launches-fund-for-unemployed-musicians/8979679.html |archive-date=2 September 2011 |access-date=22 December 2011 |publisher=24dunia.com}}</ref>
===Awards, honours, and recognition=== {{See also|List of awards and nominations received by K. S. Chithra}} She is honoured with the title ''First Ladies'' by the [[President of India]] in 2018 for being the first Indian woman to be honoured by [[British Parliament]] at [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], [[United Kingdom]] in 2003.<ref name="thenewsminute.com"/><ref name="etimes.in"/> In 2024, she was again honoured by the British Parliament, United Kingdom, with the title ''The Greatest Indian Singer of All Times''.<ref name="timeline"/> In 2009, She became the first Indian artist to be honoured by [[Government of China]] while performing live at the [[Qinghai]] International river festival.<ref name="Passion Vista" /><ref name="outlookindia.com"/> On 20 March 2025, She was formally honoured by the [[Parliament of South Australia]] in recognition of her outstanding contributions to [[Indian music]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hansard Search – Parliament of South Australia |url=https://hansardsearch.parliament.sa.gov.au/search |website=Parliament of South Australia |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> She was honoured by the [[Texas House of Representatives]], [[Government of Texas]], [[United States of America]], for her lasting contributions to music and the arts.<ref>{{cite web |title=K. S. Chitra Musical Night: Dallas Frisco Fans Thrilled at Timeless Telugu Music Event |url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2025/nri/ks-chitra-musical-night-dallas-frisco-fans-thrilled-at-timeless-telugu-music-event-vvnp-1458291.html|website=Andhra Jyothy|publisher=Andhra Jyothy (NRI Edition)|date=2025|access-date=9 November 2025|language=en}}</ref> In 2025, she was honoured in the [[United States]] with a Joint Legislative Resolution from the [[State of New Jersey]] and a Mayoral Proclamation from the Township of Edison for her outstanding contributions to music and philanthropy.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Jersey honours K. S. Chithra with state and municipal proclamations |url=https://oktelugu.com/nri/chitra-ganalahari-tana-kalavedika-goodvibes-newjersey-success-582868.html |website=OkTelugu |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> On 19 October 2025, the K. S. Chithra Day was proclaimed by the Shelby County Government in [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] via a mayoral proclamation from the Office of the Mayor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayor’s Office – Shelby County, Tennessee |url=https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/78/Mayors-Office |website=Shelby County Government |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> She was honoured by the [[Government of Sharjah]], [[United Arab Emirates]], with a [[Lifetime Achievement Award]] in recognition of her distinguished contributions to [[Indian music]] and her five-decade-long career.<ref>{{cite web |title=K S Chithra to belt out fan favourites at Expo Centre Sharjah |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/k-s-chithra-2025-sharjah-show |website=Khaleej Times |access-date=4 November 2025}}</ref> Chithra is a recipient of 6 [[National Film Awards]], 10 [[Filmfare Awards South]]<ref name="Filmfare_Aug2024"/> and 43 [[State Government]] awards from 8 [[States and union territories of India|states of India]] including 18 from [[Kerala]], 12 from [[United Andhra Pradesh]], 5 from [[Tamil Nadu]], 4 from [[Karnataka]], and 1 each from [[Odisha]], [[West Bengal]], [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Maharashtra]] governments <ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="Filmfare"/> She was awarded India's third-highest civilian honours [[Padma Bhushan]] in 2021 and [[Padma Shri Awards (2000–2009)|Padma Shri]] in 2005 for her valuable contributions towards the Indian musical fraternity.<ref name="padmaawards"/><ref name="The Times of India"/>
Barring [[Lata Mangeshkar]], she also remains the second female playback singer from India to have performed at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London in 2001 and her Performance was applauded with much appreciation by a roomful of an international audience.<ref name="gulfnews.com"/><ref name="Passion Vista">{{Cite news |date=25 January 2022 |title=The Delightful Synonym of Symphony |work=Passion Vista |url=https://www.passionvista.com/dr-k-s-chithra/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520034430/https://www.passionvista.com/dr-k-s-chithra/ |archive-date=20 May 2022}}</ref> Her song "[[Bombay (soundtrack)|Kannalane/Kehna Hi Kya]]" from the film ''[[Bombay (1995 film)|Bombay]]'' (1995) was included in United Kingdom ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'s}} "1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear Before You Die" list.<ref name="Part one: Love"/>
==Personal life== Chithra is married to Vijayashankar, an engineer and businessman.<ref>{{Cite news |last=K. Pradeep |date=23 August 2019 |title=Celebrating 40 years of singer KS Chithra, the queen of melody |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/ks-chithra-walks-through-her-40-years-in-the-music-industry/article29221662.ece |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601144350/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/ks-chithra-walks-through-her-40-years-in-the-music-industry/article29221662.ece |archive-date=1 June 2022}}</ref> They had a daughter who was born with [[Down syndrome]], and drowned in a pool in [[Dubai]] in 2011 when Chithra was about to perform at an [[A. R. Rahman]] concert.<ref>[http://www.emirates247.com/news/ks-chitra-s-daughter-reportedly-drowned-in-emirates-hills-pool-2011-04-14-1.381037 "KS Chithra's daughter reportedly drowned and died in Emirates Hills pool"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906084901/https://www.emirates247.com/news/ks-chitra-s-daughter-reportedly-drowned-in-emirates-hills-pool-2011-04-14-1.381037 |date=6 September 2023 }}. Emirates247.com. 14 April 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 2011 |title=Singer Chithra's daughter drowns in dubai |work=[[Khaleej Times]] |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2011/April/theuae_April392.xml§ion=theuae |url-status=dead |access-date=14 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417065603/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data%2Ftheuae%2F2011%2FApril%2Ftheuae_April392.xml§ion=theuae |archive-date=17 April 2011}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category-inline}} * {{IMDb name|id=0433889}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Chithra, K. S.}} [[Category:1963 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Assamese-language playback singers]] [[Category:Singers from Kerala]] [[Category:Hindi-language playback singers]] [[Category:Indian women playback singers]] [[Category:Indian women classical singers]] [[Category:Kannada-language playback singers]] [[Category:Kerala State Film Award winners]] [[Category:Tamil-language playback singers]] [[Category:Malayalam-language playback singers]] [[Category:Singers from Thiruvananthapuram]] [[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]] [[Category:Telugu-language playback singers]] [[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]] [[Category:Karnataka State Film Award winners]] [[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]] [[Category:Nandi Award winners]] [[Category:Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award]] [[Category:Women Carnatic singers]] [[Category:Carnatic singers]] [[Category:Film musicians from Kerala]] [[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]] [[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]] [[Category:Women musicians from Kerala]] [[Category:Best Female Playback Singer National Film Award winners]] [[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]] [[Category:Sanskrit-language singers]] [[Category:Screen Awards winners]] [[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]