Kerala, Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra is a prominent Indian playback singer and Carnatic musician, widely recognized for her exceptional vocal prowess. With a career that spans over 47 years, she has recorded more than 25,000 songs in numerous Indian and foreign languages, earning her the titles of the Golden Voice of India and the Melody Queen of Indian Cinema. Chithra has garnered several prestigious awards, including six National Film Awards and the Padma Bhushan in 2021. She made her debut in Malayalam cinema in 1979 and later expanded her work to Telugu and Hindi films, collaborating with legendary composers like A. R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja. In addition to her musical endeavors, Chithra is committed to philanthropy, having founded Sneha Nandana to support retired musicians. She is married to engineer Vijayashankar and continues to influence the music industry through her ongoing performances and contributions.
