P. Unnikrishnan
| P. Unnikrishnan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
July 9, 1966 Palakkad, Kerala, India |
| Genres | Indian classical music |
| Occupation(s) | Playback Singer, Classical Singer & Judge (Idea Star Singer, Airtel super singer 2008) |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Website |
www |
P. Unnikrishnan (born 9 July 1966) is a Carnatic vocalist and a national award winning playback singer.
Early life and background
Unnikrishnan was born to K. Radhakrishnan and Dr. Harini Radhakrishnan in Palakkad, Kerala.[1] The family home, Kesari Kuteeram, was a well known landmark of Madras city, with great grandfather Dr. K. N. Kesari being an eminent Ayurvedic physician and the promoter of the popular Telugu women's magazine Gruhalakshmi .
He went to Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chennai, in 1983. He graduated from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, and received his B.Com degree from the Madras University. He earned a General Law and Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.
He worked as an executive in Parry s Confectionery Ltd. from 1987 to 1994 and quit his job to become a professional singer.
Singing career
Unnikrishnan was initiated into Carnatic Music at age of 12 by Seshadri, Unnikrishnan. He was inspired by Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan.[2] He attended a special workshop for six months on "Veena Dhanammal Bhani" under Sangeetha Kalanidhi T.Brinda and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwa Nathan.[3]
He is a national award winning playback singer for his debut film songs "Ennavale Adi Ennavale" and "Uyirum Neeye". These songs were composed by A. R. Rahman, with whom Unni Krishnan gave most of his memorable songs. He was one of the permanent judges in the reality television show AIRTEL Super Singer on Vijay TV in both the seasons (2006, 2008 & 2010-2011) and 2008 Idea Star Singer on Asianet.
Unnikrishnan is also becoming known for his experimental work. In 2008, he presented a novel jazz concert in Thiruvananthapuram with the Eli Yamin Jazz Quartet and pianist Anil Srinivasan.
He prefers singing classical songs over pop music.
“Carnatic music has grown to a great extent. The taste of the audience has changed with time. Youngsters have developed a taste for the music form and the number of people flocking to these concerts has increased by leaps and bounds. There is novelty in the genre.”
“The nuances of Carnatic music may be difficult for a layman to understand but music lovers today are willing to put in the effort to enjoy the music. I have seen youngsters talking about this form of music with enthusiasm. People take time off their busy schedules to come and listen to us artistes. So, it’s our responsibility to ensure that they enjoy the music. Even in reality shows, we ask the contestants to develop a taste for Carnatic music so that they can perform better in light music”.[4]
Personal life
Parrakkal Unnikrishnan is married to Priya, a Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam dancer and a native of Kozhikode, Kerala. They were married on November 1994 and have a son named Vasudev Krishna and a daughter named Uthara. Vasudev Krishna was born on 27 May 1997 and Uthara was born on 11 June 2004. Uthara won National award for playback singing for her debut song "Azhagu" in the movie "Saivam". He is passionate about cricket and is a member of the Madras Cricket Club and Life Member of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.[5]
Partial Playback Singing Discography
| Year | Song Title | Film Name | Language | Music Director | Co-Singers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Ennavale Adi Ennavale | Kadhalan | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Solo |
| Uyirum Neeye | Pavithra | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Solo | |
| Thenmearku Paruvakkatru | Karuthamma | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | K. S. Chitra | |
| 1995 | Meenamma Adikalaiyulum | Aasai | Tamil | Deva | Anuradha Sriram |
| Pulveli Pulveli (Humming) | K. S. Chitra | ||||
| "Maharajan Odu Rani" | Sathi Leelavathi | Tamil | Ilaiyaraja | K. S. Chitra | |
| 1996 | O Vennilaa | Kadhal Desam | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Solo |
| Thendrale Thendrale | Mano | ||||
| Sakhiye Neethan | Anthimanthaarai | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | SOLO | |
| Ya Ya Ya Yadava | Devaraagam | Malayalam | M. M. Keeravani | K. S. Chitra | |
| Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga | Kadhal Kottai | Tamil | Deva | K. S. Chitra | |
| Naalai Ulagam Illai Endral | Love Birds | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Sujatha Mohan | |
| 1997 | Narumughaye | Iruvar | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Bombay Jayashree |
| Manam Virumbudhe | Nerukku Ner | Tamil | Deva | Solo | |
| Soniyaa Soniyaa | Ratchagan | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Harini, Udit Narayan | |
| Veesum Kaatrukku | Ullaasam | Tamil | Karthik Raja | Bhavatharini | |
| Mayilu Mayilu Mayilamma | V.I.P | Tamil | Ranjith Barot | K. S. Chitra, Mano, Ranjini | |
| Innallu ye mabbullo daagunnavo | Ugadi | Telugu | S.V.Krishna Reddy | ||
| chusa-oka-maaru | Ugadi | Telugu | S.V.Krishna Reddy | Sunitha | |
| enthandamga-undo | Ugadi | Telugu | S.V.Krishna Reddy | Sunitha | |
| naa-paate-hoyna-hoyna | Ugadi | Telugu | S.V.Krishna Reddy | Prasanna | |
| daddy-katha-vinavaa-chebuthanu | Ugadi | Telugu | S.V.Krishna Reddy | Srilekha PParthasarathy | |
| 1998 | Selaiyile Veedu Kattava | Aval Varuvala | Tamil | S. A. Rajkumar | K. S. Chitra |
| Hai Rabba | Jeans | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Pallavi | |
| Poovukul | Sujatha Mohan | ||||
| Romance lo Rhythms | Tholi Prema | Telugu | Deva | Suresh Peters | |
| Kanave Kalayaadhe | Kannedhirey Thondrinal | Tamil | Deva | K. S. Chitra | |
| Taare Taare | Thuttha Muthha | Kannada | Hamsalekha | Solo | |
| 1999 | Thirakkadha Kattukulley | En Swasa Katre | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | K. S. Chitra |
| Roja Roja | Kadhalar Dhinam | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Solo | |
| Athikaalayil Sevalai | Nee Varuvai Ena | Tamil | S. A. Rajkumar | Sujatha Mohan | |
| O Senyorita | Poovellam Kettuppar | Tamil | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Solo | |
| Poova Poove (Male Version) | |||||
| Ippatikippudu | Premaku Velayara | Telugu | S. V. Krishna Reddy | Solo | |
| Marghazhi Thingal Allava | Sangamam | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | S. Janaki | |
| Maalaiyin Vedhanai | Sethu | Tamil | Ilayaraja | Solo | |
| Sikkadha Sittondru | Arun Mozhi | ||||
| Kulirudhu Kulirudhu | Taj Mahal | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Swarnalatha | |
| Innisai Paadivarum | Thulladha Manamum Thullum | Tamil | S. A. Rajkumar | Solo | |
| Nilavai Konduvaa | Vaali | Tamil | Deva | Anuradha Sriram | |
| April Madhathhil | Harini | ||||
| 2000 | Roja Poonthotam | Kannukkul Nilavu | Tamil | Ilayaraja | Anuradha Sriram |
| Enthan Kuyil | |||||
| Poo Virinchachu | Mugavaree | Tamil | Deva | Anuradha Sriram | |
| Oh Vennilaa | Kushi | Tamil | Deva | Anuradha Sriram | |
| Unnaikodu Ennai Tharuven | Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven | Tamil | S. A. Rajkumar | K. S. Chitra | |
| Vaada Vaada | Appu | Tamil | Deva | Shankar Mahadevan | |
| Idam Tharuvaaya | Pop Shalini | ||||
| Vasantha Masadalli | Vaali | Kannada | Rajesh Ramnath | Anuradha Sriram | |
| Enakkena Yerkanavey | Parthen Rasithen | Tamil | Bharathwaj | Harini | |
| Ovvoru Paadalilum | Ennavale | Tamil | S. A. Rajkumar | Solo | |
| Kaatre En Vasal | Rhythm | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Kavita Krishnamurthy | |
| Gaalena Vatikikoche | Veturi | Telugu | A. R. Rahman | Kavita Krishnamurthy | |
| 2001 | Ivan Yaaro | Minnale | Tamil | Harris Jayaraj | Harini |
| Pallanguzhiyin Vattam | Anandam | Tamil | S. A. Rajkumar | Harini | |
| Emaindo Emogani | Ninnu Choodalani | Telugu | S. A. Rajkumar | Harini | |
| Or Ayiram Yaanai | Nandha | Tamil | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Solo | |
| Oru Sundari Vandaalam | Azhagi | Tamil | Ilayaraja | Sadhana Sargam, Malgudi Subha, Arun Mozhi | |
| Un Samayal Araiyil | Dhill | Tamil | Vidhyasagar | Sujatha Mohan | |
| Un Perai Sonnale | Dumm Dumm Dumm | Tamil | Karthik Raja | Sadhana Sargam | |
| Hussusey Hussusey | Majunu | Tamil | Harris Jayaraj | Devan | |
| 2002 | Theendi Theendi | Bala | Tamil | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Sujatha Mohan |
| Theenda Theenda | Thulluvadho Ilamai | Tamil | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Bombay Jayashree | |
| Nee Navvula | Aadi | Telugu | Mani Sharma | Mallikarjun, Harini | |
| Vennelalo | Malli Malli Chudali | Telugu | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Bhavatharini | |
| Rayile | Five Star | Tamil | Parasuram | Solo | |
| Kannukkule Kaadhala | Thamizh | Tamil | Bharathwaj | Swarnalatha | |
| Sil Sil Silalaa | Unnai Ninaithu | Tamil | Sirpi | Sujatha Mohan | |
| 2003 | Nenjodu Kalandhidu | Kaadhal Kondein | Tamil | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Sujatha Mohan |
| Mainaave Mainaave | Thithikudhe | Tamil | Vidhyasagar | Sadhana Sargam | |
| Snehitude Unte | Nee Manasu Naaku Telusu | Telugu | A. R. Rahman | Chinmayi | |
| Edhuthillaa | Chokka Thangam | Tamil | Deva | Anuradha Sriram | |
| 2004 | Naam Vayathukku | 7G Rainbow Colony | Tamil | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Pop Shalini, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Ganga |
| Kaalayil Dhinamum | New | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | Sadhana Sargam | |
| Pedhave Palikina | Naani | Telugu | A. R. Rahman | Sadhana Sargam | |
| Vayasa Vayasa | Adhrushtam | Telugu | Mani Sharma | Sujatha Mohan | |
| Madhura Madhuratara | Arjun | Telugu | Mani Sharma | Harini | |
| Hottu Gottu | Ba Baaro Rasika | Kannada | Mahesh | K. S. Chitra | |
| 2005 | Saage Neeli Megham | Seenugadu Chiranjeevi Fan | Telugu | Siva Kaakani | Solo |
| Mazhai Mazhai | Ullam Ketkume | Tamil | Harris Jayaraj | Harini | |
| En Swaasame | Otta Nanayam | Malayalam | S. P. Venkitesh | Sujatha Mohan | |
| 2006 | Sudum Nilavu | Thambi | Tamil | Vidhyasagar | Harini |
| Manasa Vacha | Godavari | Telugu | K.M. Radha Krishnan | K.S.Chitra | |
| 2007 | Prati Dinam | Anumanaspadam | Telugu | Ilayaraja | Solo |
| 2008 | Saradaga Ee Samayam | Vinayakudu | Telugu | Sam Prasan | Solo |
| 2009 | Vaarayo Vaarayo | Aadhavan | Tamil | Harris Jayaraj | Chinmayi, Mega |
| Enduku Chentaki | Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam | Telugu | Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy | Solo | |
| 2010 | Manasaare | Taare | Kannada | C. R. Bobby | Kavita Krishnamurthy |
| Kangaley Kamalalayam | Bale Pandiya | Tamil | Devan Ekambaram | Mrinalini | |
| 2012 | Ayuvichi | O Manasa | Telugu | Sahaja Rao | Solo |
| 2013 | Nilavattam Nethiyile | Desingu Raja | Tamil | D. Imman | Harini |
| 2014 | Nenje Nenje | Yaan | Tamil | Harris Jayaraj | Chinmayi |
| Oorellaam Unnai Kandu | Nanbenda | Tamil | Harris Jayaraj | Bombay Jayashree |
In 2012, Unnikrishnan rendered a series of Devotional songs on Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappan, Lord Venkateswara, and Devi among others. The albums were produced by Gaananjali Recordings and were composed and released by Manachanallur Giridharan. The album titles include AYYAN MALAI ENGAL MALAI, OM NAVA SAKTHI JAYA JAYA SAKTHI, SABARIMALAI VA CHARANAM SOLLI VA, VINDHAIGAL PURINDHAI NEE EN VAZHVILE, and UCHI PILLAIYARE CHARANAM.[6] Notable among them is the Harivarasanam, part of the Ayyappa album and is the only other popular rendering after the famous K J Yesudas's.[7]
References
- ↑ "Unnikrishnan:Profile And Biography". Metromatinee.com. 1966-07-09. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
- ↑ "Touch of class". The Hindu. 2003-10-23. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
- ↑ "Friday Review Thiruvananthapuram / Focus : Heights of melody". The Hindu. 2006-06-30. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
- ↑ "Article Window". E paper.timesofindia.com. 2009-12-15. Retrieved 2011-11-07.
- ↑ Archived 17 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ "Ayyan Malai Engal Malai". iTunes.
- ↑ The popular Harivarasanam song by Unnikrishnan, next only to the famous K J Yesudas's number. 28 November 2012 – via YouTube.
External links
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