M. L. Vasanthakumari -Singer ( Carnatic music – Indian Classical Music and Playback singing)

M.L. Vasanthakumari at a concert with Kanyakumari on violin. Kanyakumari accompanied her for 19 years

What I am today is only because of my three gurus — Sri Ivaturi Vijayeshwara Rao, Sangita Kalanidhi Sri M. Chandrashekharan sir and Sangita Kalanidhi M.L. Vasanthakumari amma. The knowledge that my gurus have imparted me is priceless. I bow down to each one of them. But I feel it was perhaps the will of God that I came under the tutelage of MLV akka. This association with her can be explained as that of a mother and child, guru and sishya, advisor and role model.

===============================================================================================

Friday 26, June 2026, 08:00.

Madras Lalithangi Vasanthakumari

MLV in late 1940s

Background information:

Born 3 July 1928

Madras, Madras Presidency, British India

Died 31 October 1990 (aged 62)

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Genres Carnatic music – Indian Classical Music and Playback singing

Occupation Singer

Years active 1942–1990

Labels His Master's Voice, EMI, RPG, AVM Audio, Inreco, Vani, Amutham Inc, Doordarshan, Super Audio, Geethanjali, Kosmic Music, Charsur Digital Workshop etc.

Introduction: 

Madras Lalithangi Vasanthakumari (3 July 1928 – 31 October 1990), known as M. L. Vasanthakumari and commonly referred to as MLV, was an Indian Carnatic musician and a playback singer in films across several South Asian languages.

Vasanthakumari and her contemporaries, D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi, are often referred to as the female trinity of Carnatic music. A disciple of G. N. Balasubramaniam, she was the youngest of the established musicians of that era and the youngest female to receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award. In 1967, the government of India honoured her with the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award.

Vasanthakumari's notable career as a playback singer for films popularized lesser-known ragas, and her Ragam Thanam Pallavis were regarded as cerebral. Additionally, she popularized the compositions of the Haridasas. Her disciples include her daughter Srividya, Sudha Raghunathan, Charumathi Ramachandran, and A. Kanyakumari.

Early life:

Vasanthakumari was born into a musical family. Her father, Kuthanur Ayya Swamy Iyer, and her mother, Lalithangi, were both musicians. When Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das died in 1925, Lalithangi composed a song as a tribute to his patriotism.

Vasanthakumari was educated in a convent school in Madras where she initially planned to pursue a career in medicine. However, her path took a turn when Carnatic musician G. N. Balasubramaniam, popularly known as GNB, became her guru. In Vasanthakumari's own words:

"My parents had rendered yeoman service to Carnatic music. They were instrumental in popularizing the compositions of Purandara Dasa in South India. Although they were not keen on my pursuing a career in music and instead provided me with a general education, the musical atmosphere at home gave me ample opportunity to practice vocal music. When G. N. Balasubramaniam heard me sing, he convinced my parents to allow him to tutor me. It is he who is responsible for the position I hold in the music world today."

Performing and recording career:

At the age of 12, M. L. Vasanthakumari debuted in 1940, accompanying her mother, Lalithangi in a recital. In 1942, she gave her first solo performance in Bengaluru and recorded her first 78-rpm disc. By 1950, she was regularly performing on stage.

Musical style:

Vasanthakumari's style was influenced by her mentor G. N. Balasubramaniam. Musicologist Indira Menon noted that Vasanthakumari adopted Balasubramaniam’s approach of introducing a raga with a quick sketch across two octaves, followed by a more detailed elaboration. Menon also observed that she used vocal ornamentation (brigas) selectively and exercised restraint in her performance.

Purandaradasa tradition:

Vasanthakumari's mother Lalithangi performed a repertoire of Purandaradasa kritis, many of which she taught to her daughter. Vasanthakumari later included these compositions in her performances, contributing to the wider dissemination of Purandara Dasa's Devaranamas. Her role has been compared to T. Brinda's role in popularizing Kshetrayya Padams and M. S. Subbalakshmi’s efforts with Annamacharya kritis.

Sindhu Bhairavi:

Vasanthakumari helped popularize Narayana Teertha's Kalyana Gopalam and Purandaradasa's Venkatachala Nilayam in Sindhubhairavi raga. Hindustani maestro Bade Ghulam Ali Khan praised her for her music. Sudha Raghunathan, also a prominent Carnatic singer, once said, "MLV Amma told me that it was Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab who taught her the nuances of Sindhu Bhairavi in the Hindustani style."

Playback singing:

By 1946, Vasanthakumari also became a playback singer.[4] Her first successful performance was in the 1951 film Manamagal, where she sang Ellam Inbamayam in ragamalika and Subramania Bharathiyar's composition Chinnanchiru Kiliyae Kannamma. In the 1960 film Raja Desingu, she sang another ragamalika, Paarkadal Alaimele, which was well-received and later became popular in Bharatanatyam recitals. She would later sing these songs towards the end of her Carnatic music concerts, and several musicians include them in their repertoire today.

Vasanthakumari also sang Ayya Saami in the 1951 film, Or Iravu. This song was based on the song Gore Gore O Banke Chhore from the film 1950 Samaadhi, which was in turn based on the Latin American song Chico Chico from Puerto Rico, featured in the film Cuban Pete. In the 1952 film Thai Ullam, she sang Konjum Purave, which was based on the Hindi song Thandi Havayen. Other songs included Adisayam Vanathu Arivumayam, Senthamarai Kannanae, Vanna Tamizh, and Adum Arul Jothi in the films Vikramaadhithan, Vaira Maalai, Kaveriyin Kanavan and Meenda Sorgam. Each of these songs contained the Kalyani raga and were well-received.

Vasanthakumari sang the Dashaavataara songs for Bhookailas like Munneeta Pavalinchu, while Kumari Kamala danced in a classical style.[13] Vasanthakumari would continue to sing in films until 1970.

Accompanists:

Mridangam maestro Palghat Mani Iyer made an exception to his decision to not accompany a female performer and later accompanied Vasanthakumari for concerts. Other accompanists include Mannargudi Easwaran, Srimushnam V. Raja Rao, Seerkazhi J. Skandaprasad, Thiruvarur Bakthavathsalam, R. Ramesh, Karaikudi Krishnamurthy, G. Harishankar (Kanjira), Dwaram Mangathayaru (Violin), Kanyakumari (Violin).

Family:

Vasanthakumari married Kalaimamani Vikatam R. Krishnamurthy in 1951. They had a son, Krishnamurthy Sankararaman, and a daughter, Srividya. Her daughter, Srividya, would later be an actress in Tamil and Malayalam films.

Disciples:

Saraswathi Srinivasan (b. 1936) was the first disciple of Vasanthakumari. After her marriage, the duo performed in concerts together.

Que sera sera, whatever will be will be! That was her philosophy. “Challenges do come by the day; you need to overcome all that and win. No challenge is bigger than the calling you have within you to overcome the challenge” — This was her maxim in life.

I have been listening to her music over the past few days on a loop, from Ritigowlai and Sumanesaranjini to Sindhubhairavi and watching her portrait intently and now, I feel equipped enough to let the pen do the talking.

Awards:

Year Award Awarded by:

1967 Padma Bhushan Third-highest civilian award granted by the government of India

1970 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Sangeet Natak Akademi, India

1976 Doctoral degree for her work about Purandaradasa's contributions to music Mysore University

1977 Sangeetha Kalanidhi (Highest accolade in the field of Carnatic music) Music Academy, Madras

1977 Isai Perarignar Tamil Isai Sangam, Madras

1987 Sangeetha Kalasikhamani Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai

Death:

In 1990 Vasanthakumari died of cancer at the age of 62.

Vasanthakumari on a 2018 stamp of India

Collaborations with music composers:

Vasanthakumari worked with C. R. Subbaraman, S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, G. Ramanathan, S. Dakshinamurthi, K. V. Mahadevan, Vedha, V. Nagayya, Pendyala Nageshwara Rao, T. Chalapathi Rao, Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, S. Rajeswara Rao, R. Sudarsanam, R. Govardhanam, T. R. Pappa, S. V. Venkatraman, Kunnakudi Venkatrama Iyer, G. Aswathama, T. A. Kalyanam, M. S. Gnanamani, C. N. Pandurangan, C. S. Jayaraman, G. Govindarajulu Naidu, T. G. Lingappa, K. G. Moorthy, Ghantasala, Master Venu, G. Aswathama, V. Dakshinamoorthy, G. Devarajan, K. Raghavan and Shankar–Jaikishan.

Collaborations with playback singers:

Vasanthakumari sang duets mostly with Thiruchi Loganathan, Seerkazhi Govindarajan and A. M. Rajah. Others are M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, V. N. Sundaram, T. R. Mahalingam, T. A. Mothi, C. R. Subburaman, C. S. Jayaraman, Ghantasala, G. K. Venkatesh, T. M. Soundararajan, P. B. Sreenivas, K. S. George, V. Dakshinamoorthy, and K. J. Yesudas.

She also sang duets with female singers, most notably with P. Leela and N. L. Ganasaraswathi. Others are A. P. Komala, T. S. Bagavathi, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, Jikki, T. V. Rathnam, Radha Jayalakshmi, P. A. Periyanayaki, P. Bhanumathi, K. Jamuna Rani and A. G. Rathnamala.

Year Film Language Song Music Co-singer:

1948 Krishna Bakthi Tamil Raadhaa Samedhaa Krishnaa S. V. Venkatraman and Kunnakudi Venkatrama Iyer

Endha Vedugo O Raagavaa

1948 Raja Mukthi Tamil Kulakkodi Thazhaikka C. R. Subburaman

Aaraaro Nee Aaraaro

Ingum Angum Engum Inbame M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar

Enna Aanandham M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar

Sandhoshamaai Anbar Varuvaaradi P. Bhanumathi

1949 Kanniyin Kaadhali Tamil Puvi Raajaa S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and C. R. Subburaman Thiruchi Loganathan

Kalaivaaniye Nee

Kaaranam Theriyammal

1949 Mayavathi Tamil Maane En Prema Raani G. Ramanathan T. R. Mahalingam

Vaaraai En Inba Vaazhve

Aahaa Thanimai Tharum Inbam

Alli Malaraayirundhen

Varuvano Madhivadhanan

Jeyame En Vaazhvile

1949 Nallathambi Tamil Gaanalolan Madhanagopaalan S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and C. R. Subburaman

1949 Nam Naadu Tamil Mosam Pogadhe Nee G. Govindarajulu Naidu and Purushotham

Enthan Mana Ullaasam

Enadhu Ennam Veene

Vedhanai Ilaa Logam

Maname Enna Pedhamai

1949 Pavalakodi Tamil Kandeepan Maithunaa C. R. Subburaman

Naane Vendinen

Ini Nammodellaam

Unathu Pugazh Paaduven

1949 Vazhkai Tamil Gopaalanodu Naan Aaduvene R. Sudarsanam

1950 Beedala Patlu Telugu Yauvaname Aahaa Yauvaname S. M. Subbaiah Naidu

Sarasaku Raade Aane

1950 Ezhai Padum Padu Tamil Yauvaname Aahaa Yauvaname S. M. Subbaiah Naidu

Kannan Mana Nilaiye

Vaanamudhe Ondraai Thiruchi Loganathan and P. A. Periyanayaki

1950 Manthiri Kumari Tamil Isai Kalaiye Inidhaana G. Ramanathan

Kaadhal Baliyaagi

Manam Pola Vaazhvu Peruvome Jikki

Aahaahaahaa Vaazhvile

Ennum Pozhuthil Inbam

1950 Parijatham Tamil Niyaayam Alladi Bhaamaa S. V. Venkatraman and C. R. Subburaman

Piraana Naathanae

Anbinil Yaavume.... Thulasi Jegan Maathaa

Pugazhnthu Pugazhnthu Uraikka

Vantharul Endruraippai

1950 Prasanna Malayalam Kalaanikethe Keralamaathe M. S. Gnanamani

Gaanamohana Hare

Jaathivairam Neethirahitham

Thakarukayo Sakalamen

1950 Vijayakumari Tamil Geethaanandham Perinbam C. R. Subburaman P. Leela

1951 Manamagal Tamil Chinnanciru Kiliye Kannammaa C. R. Subburaman V. N. Sundaram

Ellaam Inbamayam P. Leela

Aayirathu Tholaayirathu P. Leela

Paaviyinum Padu Paavi V. N. Sundaram

Iru Kaadhalar Magizhndhe C. R. Subburaman

1951 Mayamalai Tamil P. Adinarayana Rao

1951 Navvite Navaratnalu Telugu Marubal Kavadhe Meera Aswathama Gudimetla and G. Ramanathan

Uyyaala Loogena O Manasam

Telirekhalu Virise Thurupudisa

Saanthiye Ledhaa Naaku

Sri Rajarajesvari Sritajanavandita

1951 Or Iravu Tamil Ayyaa Saami Avoji Saami R. Sudarsanam

Boologam Thanai Kaana Varuveer T. S. Bagavathi

1951 Pelli Kooturu Telugu Veera Jaajula Valape C. R. Subburaman C. R. Subburaman

Anta Premamayam P. Leela

1950 Ki 60 Ki Ento Teda A. P. Komala

Paapula Loka Dupaapi C. R. Subburaman

C. R. Subburaman

1951 Rajambal Tamil Vaazhvu Uyara Vendum M. S. Gnanamani

Ahaa Haa Manaiviyaaven

Theeraadha Thunbam Thaanaa

1951 Saudamini Tamil Anbe En Sivame Aandarulvaaye S. V. Venkatraman

Maara Sundara Maadhu Ivale

1951 Soudamini Telugu Elukkona Ra S. V. Venkatraman

1951 Tilottama Telugu P. Adinarayana Rao

1952 Andhaman Kaidhi Tamil Kaani Nilam Vendum Paraasakthi G. Govindarajulu Naidu C. S. Jayaraman

1952 En Thangai Tamil Dheena Dhayaabari Thaaye C. N. Pandurangan

1952 Kanchana Tamil Maye Thvam Yaahi S. M. Subbaiah Naidu

Shivakameshwari Chintaye

1952 Kanchana Tamil Maye Thvam Yaahi S. M. Subbaiah Naidu

Shivakameshwari Chintaye

1952 Kanjana Malayalam Maye Thvam Yaahi S. M. Subbaiah Naidu

Shivakameshwari Chintaye

1952 Moondru Pillaigal Tamil Antha Raama Sowndharyam P. S. Anantharaman and M. D. Parthasarathy A. P. Komala

1952 Mr. Sampat Hindi Manchi Dinamu Nede B. S. Kalla and Emani Sankara Sastry

1952 Mugguru Kodukkulu Telugu Aaraaghu Ra Muni K. G. Moorthy N. L. Ganasaraswathi

1952 Panam Tamil Ezhai Nin Kovilai Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy G. K. Venkatesh

Kudumbatthin Vilakku

1952 Parasakthi Tamil Vaazhga Vaazhgave Vaazhgave R. Sudarsanam

1952 Penn Manam Tamil Kanavilum Maraven Kunnakudi Venkatarama Iyer

Vazhvile Vaazhvile Madhavapeddi Satyam

Sugamedhu Vaazhvile Madhavapeddi Satyam

1952 Puratchi Veeran Tamil Kaaranam Theriyaamal Shankar–Jaikishan

1952 Shyamala Tamil Ambaa Aadhi Sakthi Jegadhaambaa G. Ramanathan, T. V. Raju and S. B. Dinakar Rao

1952 Thai Ullam Tamil Konjum Puraave G. Ramanathan

Vellai Thamarai Poovil

Kovil Muzhuthum Kanden

Kathayai Kelada

1952 Velaikari Magal Tamil Anbe Endhan Aaruyire Azhaadhe C. R. Subburaman and S. Dakshinamurthi

Mudinthathe En Vazhvu

Pagalellam Velai Seithe K. Devanarayanan

1953 Aasai Magan Tamil Kalaigal Migundha Engal V. Dakshinamoorthy P. Leela

Neeye Arul Velavane

1953 Aashadeepam Malayalam Janani Jayikka Neenal V. Dakshinamoorthy P. Leela

Sharanam Mayilvaahanaa

1953 Ammalakkalu Telugu Nee Kosam C. R. Subburaman Pithapuram Nageswara Rao

1953 Anbu Tamil Adavare Naattile T. R. Pappa A. M. Rajah

Isaippaadi

1953 En Veedu Tamil Konjum Mozhi Maindharkale V. Nagayya and A. Rama Rao T. A. Mothi

1953 Gumastha Tamil Aiyavin Penndattikku G. Ramanathan, V. Nagayya, and C. N. Pandurangan K. R. Chellamuthu

Dance Baby Dance

1953 Inspector Tamil Varuvaai Mana Mohanaa G. Ramanathan V. N. Sundaram

Madhana Singaara Neelaa

Moodiyirundha En Vizhiyinul

1953 Inspector Telugu Marupayena Mohana G. Ramanathan

Mara Sukumara

Moodapa Dhinana Muddulaveena

1953 Jatagam Tamil Velan Varuvaanodi R. Govardhanam

1953 Kangal Tamil Inba Veenaiyai Meettudhu S. V. Venkatraman

Kann Kanda Deivame

Annai Karamena Nammai

Varungkaala Thalaivan Neeye

1953 Kodarikam Telugu Illalu Illalu C. N. Pandurangan

Mahaa Ganapathi Gajaananaa

1953 Mamiyar Tamil Penn Ivale Miga C. N. Pandurangan

Mahaa Ganapathi Gajaananaa

1953 Manam Pola Mangalyam Tamil Solai Naduve Odi A. Rama Rao

1953 Manidhanum Mirugamum Tamil Inbakuyil Kuralinimai G. Govindarajulu Naidu A. M. Rajah

Imayamalai Chaaralile

1953 Manithan Tamil Kuyile Unakku G. Ramanathan

1953 Marumagal Tamil Nianikkira Maaadhiri Ellaam C. R. Subburaman T. R. Ramachandran

1953 Naa Illu Telugu Adigadigo Gagana Seema V. Nagayya and A. Rama Rao T. A. Mothi

Raara Maa Intidaka

1953 Naalvar Tamil Irul Soozhum Vaanil K. V. Mahadevan

Inbam Kolludhe

Vaana Veedhiyil Parandhiduvom Thiruchi Loganathan

1953 Naam Tamil C. S. Jayaraman

1953 Prapancham Telugu M. S. Gnanamani and T. Poornananda A. M. Rajah

Kalaye Navakalaye

1953 Ulagam Tamil Un Kaadhalaal En Anbellaam M. S. Gnanamani A. M. Rajah

En Jeevanile

1953 Vazha Pirandhaval Tamil Indhiya Naadu Nam Indhiya Naadu S. Rajeswara Rao and G. Ramanathan

1954 Ammaiyappan Tamil Kaadhal Thuraiye Pudhumai Kanave T. R. Pappa

Chinna Pudhu Malare

Sidhaindhadhe.... Manamogana Jeevan S. Varalakshmi

Poojaikku.... Pillaiyaare Thulli

Neelakadal Paaru Paappaa

Kaadhal Thuraiye Pudhumai Kanave

1954 Bedara Kannappa Kannada Daari Kaadu Naa Balu Nonde R. Sudarsanam

1954 Kanavu Tamil Kannaana Thaai Naadae G. Ramanathan and V. Dakshinamoorthy

Eliyorku Suga Vaazhvu Edhu

Engume Thai Pongal

1954 Kudumbam Tamil Pandigai Dhinamithadah Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1954 Menarikam Telugu Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1954 Pudhu Yugam Tamil Kalaiye Puviyaarai Kavarum G. Ramanathan

1954 Ratha Kanneer Tamil Kadhavai Saathadi C. S. Jayaraman

Aalaiyin Sangge Nee Oothaayo

1954 Ratha Paasam Tamil Nilaiyaana Inbam Manavaalan Anbe M. K. Athmanathan and A. V. Natarajan

1954 Kalahasti Mahatyam Telugu Choochi Choochi R. Sudarsanam

Chaalu Chaalu Naa Mohana

1954 Thookku Thookki Tamil Vaaranam Aayiram Soozha Valam Seidhu G. Ramanathan P. Leela

1954 Thuli Visham Tamil Nandraaga Vaazha Vendum K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai

1954 Vaira Malai Tamil Vanjamidho Vaanchaiyidho Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Thiruchi Loganathan

Koovaamal Koovum Kogilam Thiruchi Loganathan

Unnai Ennum Podhe

Senthamarai Kannane

1955 Adarsha Sathi Telugu Parameshane Shiraverida R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam

1955 Kalvanin Kadhali Tamil Tamil Thirunaadu Thannai Petra G. Govindarajulu Naidu N. L. Ganasaraswathi

1955 Kaveri Tamil Manjal Veyyil Maalaiyile G. Ramanathan C. S. Jayaraman

1955 Kaveri Tamil Manadhinile Naan Konda Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy

1955 Koteeswaran Tamil Ennudalum Ullak Kaadhalum Unakke S. V. Venkatraman

1955 Maheswari Tamil Andha NaaLum Endha Naalo G. Ramanathan

1955 Ulagam Palavitham Tamil Adimaiyendre Ennathe Penne N. S. Balakrishnan

1955 Valliyin Selvan Tamil Kannin Maniye Vaa Parur S. Anantharaman

Vilaiyaadum Dheivamadi T. V. Rathnam

1955 Vijaya Gauri Telugu Andala Sandadilo G. Ramanathan A. M. Rajah

1954 Vedan Kannappa Tamil Thedi Thedi Naan Manam Nondhen R. Sudarsanam

1956 Amara Deepam Tamil Enge Maraindhanayo T. Chalapathi Rao and G. Ramanathan

1956 Chori Chori Hindi Theem Theem Shankar–Jaikishan

1956 Kaalam Maari Pochu Tamil Ennamadhellaam Neeye Niraindhu Master Venu

1956 Kannin Manigal Tamil Nalla Veenai Idhe Mannile S. V. Venkatraman

Velli Nilavinile

Aaraaro Aasai Kanmaniye

Anbin Dheepamidhe

1956 Koodappirappu Malayalam Alarsharaparithaapam K. Raghavan

Manivarnane Innu Njan

1956 Kula Dheivam Tamil Thaaye Yasodha Undhan R. Sudarsanam

1956 Madurai Veeran Tamil Aadal Kaaneero G. Ramanathan

Senthamizhaa Ezhundhu

1956 Naga Devathai Tamil Ghantasala

1956 Nagula Chavithi Telugu Marubal Kavadhe Meera Ghantasala

1956 Ondre Kulam Tamil Anda Pagiranda Akilandeswari S. V. Venkatraman and M. V. Ranga Rao

Thiruvarul Purivaai Jaganmaathaa

1956 Sahasra Veerudu Telugu Aatal Kanalero Maa Aatal Kanalero G. Ramanathan

Andhamula Rashi Neevoyi

1956 Punniyavathi Tamil Kani Voorum Amudhaana Idhayam V. Dakshinamoorthy

1956 Raja Rani Tamil Vaanga Vaanga ... Indriravu Miga Nandriravu T. R. Pappa S. V. Ponnusamy

Manippuraa Pudhu Manippuraa

Inba Nan Naalidhe

1956 Thaaikkuppin Thaaram Tamil Naadu Sezhithida NaaLum Uzhaithida K. V. Mahadevan

1957 Bhale Ammayilu Telugu Gopaala Jaagela Raa S. Rajeswara Rao and S. Hanumantha Rao P. Leela

Theem Thaam Thirana (Thillana) T. V. Rathnam

1957 Chakravarthi Thirumagal Tamil Enthan Ullam Kollai Kolla G. Ramanathan

1957 Iru Sagodharigal Tamil Thaaye Un Seyalallavo S. Rajeswara Rao P. Leela

Theem Thaam Thirana (Thillana) T. V. Rathnam

1957 Karpukkarasi Tamil Kaniyo Paago Karkando G. Ramanathan P. B. Sreenivas

Vizhiyodu Vilaiyaadum P. Leela

1957 Manamagan Thevai Tamil Vanthaal Varattum Podi G. Ramanathan

1957 Maya Bajaar Tamil Chellamudan Devarkalum Nallaasi Ghantasala and S. Rajeswara Rao

1957 Mayabazar Kannada Srisuraru Thamadhalu Ghantasala and S. Rajeswara Rao

1957 Mayabazar Telugu Srikarulu Devathalu Ghantasala and S. Rajeswara Rao

1957 Nala Damayanthi Telugu Jaali Chpppavadelara B. Gopalam

1957 Rajaputhri Rahasyamu Telugu Sreeramu Meedhane Perasha G. Ramanathan

1957 Rani Lalithangi Tamil Kannaale Mannaadhi Mannarum G. Ramanathan

1957 Sati Anasuya Telugu Maa Roopa Nava Shobana Ghantasala

1957 Soubhagyavathi Tamil Matha Maragadha Shyaamaa Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1957 Soubhagyavathi Telugu Matha Maragadha Shyaamaa Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1957 Thalavanchani Veerudu Telugu Raa Raa Raa G. Ramanathan

1957 Vanangamudi Tamil Siramathil.... Vaa Vaa Vaa G. Ramanathan

1957 Varudu Kavali Telugu Nandasuthudu Andam Chandam G. Ramanathan

1958 Baktha Ravana Tamil Dheva Mahadheva R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam

1958 Bhookailas Telugu Dheva Mahadheva R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam

Munneeta Pavalinchu

1958 Bhookailas Kannada Dheva Mahadheva R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam

Ksheeraabdhi Varadhaama Naga Sayana

1958 Kanniyin Sabatham Tamil Attatthil Sirandhadhu Pitthalaattam T. G. Lingappa Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi

Solla Theriyaamal

1958 Mangalya Bhagyam Tamil Nenjathile Achcham Illaadhavar G. Ramanathan P. Leela

Anusooya Kadhaakaalatchebam Seerkazhi Govindarajan, A. P. Komala, K. Jamuna Rani and A. G. Rathnamala

Annaiye Paraasakthi

1958 Sati Anasuya Tamil Maa Roopa Nava Shobana Ghantasala

1958 Uthama Illalu Telugu Veyinola Koniyaru Rasakalpame G. Ramanathan and M. S. Raju P. Leela

1959 Chathurangamm Malayalam Kaatte Va Kadale G. Devarajan

Odakkuzhalum

Kaatte Va Kadale Va K. S. George

1959 Jayabheri Telugu Neeventa Nerajaa Navauraa Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1959 Kalaivaanan Tamil Kaadhal Silai Aadudhe Pendyala Nageswara Rao

1959 Kalyanikku Kalyanam Tamil Aanandham Indru Aarambam G. Ramanathan P. Leela

1959 Kaveriyin Kanavan Tamil Vannatamizh Sornakili K. V. Mahadevan

1959 Krishna Leelalu Telugu Thaalalenuraa Thaginadaanaraa S. Dakshinamurthi

1959 Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal Tamil Pathu Viral Modhiram R. Sudarsanam

Ranga Ranga Ranga Seerkazhi Govindarajan

Maithunare Maithunare A. P. Komala

Kanna Vaa Vaa

Inge Irupadhaa

Ilavu Kaaththa Kili Pol

1959 Manimekalai Tamil PazhangkAla Thamizharin Vaazhkai Murai G. Ramanathan N. L. Ganasaraswathi

1959 Minnal Veeran Tamil Manamirunthaal Vedha P. Leela

1959 Orey Vazhi Tamil Kalvi Kalvi Endru Paadu R. Govardhanam P. Leela

1959 Pennkulathin Ponvilakku Tamil Kadavul Padaikkavillai Master Venu P. Leela

1959 President Panchatcharam Tamil Oli Padaitha Kanninaayi G. Ramanathan Radha Jayalakshmi

1959 Thanga Padhumai Tamil Varugiraal Unnai Thedi Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi

1959 Vachina Kodalu Nachindi Telugu Pahimam Jayajaya S. Dakshinamurthi

Pahimam Saranantimamma Ghantasala and Jikki

1960 Mannathi Mannan Tamil Kalaiyodu Kalandhadhu Unmai Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy

Aadadha Manamum Undo T. M. Soundararajan

1960 Meenda Sorgam Tamil Aadum Arul Jothi T. Chalapathi Rao Seerkazhi Govindarajan

1960 Parthiban Kanavu Tamil Andhi Mayanguthadi Vedha

Vadiveru Thirisoolam Thondrum

Munnam Avanudaya Naamam Kettaal

1960 Petra Manam Tamil Sindhanai Seiyadaa S. Rajeswara Rao Sivaji Ganesan (dialogues)

1960 Raja Bakthi Tamil Karka Kasadara Katraapin G. Govindarajulu Naidu

1960 Raja Desingu Tamil Paakkadal Alai Mele G. Ramanathan

1960 Seetha Malayalam Kanne Nukaru Swargasukham V. Dakshinamoorthy

1960 Thilakam Tamil Kaathirundha Kannukku R. Sudarsanam

Manasukkulle Maraichu Vaikka Seerkazhi Govindarajan

Ezhaikkum Vaazhvukkum Seerkazhi Govindarajan and T. S. Bagavathi

1961 Desinguraju Katha Telugu Pala Kadali Meedha Pamarthi

1961 Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Mahatmyam Telugu Virahini Ninu Kore R. Sudarsanam Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi

1961 Kongunattu Thangam Tamil Irundhum Illaadhavare K. V. Mahadevan

1961 Krishna Kuchela Malayalam Varnippathengine K. Raghavan P. Leela

1961 Malliyam Mangalam Tamil Avarindri Naanillai Kanne T. A. Kalyanam

1961 Sthree Hrudayam Telugu Neeve Jagajyothi Nityanand Seerkazhi Govindarajan

1961 Ummini Thanka Malayalam Geethopadesham V. Dakshinamoorthy V. Dakshinamoorthy and P. Leela

1962 Ekaika Veerudu Telugu Nanukora Thagadidi Vinumaa S. P. Kodandapani

Hrdayamulu Pulakinnchavo Seerkazhi Govindarajan

1962 Vikramaadhithan Tamil Adhisayam Ivanadhu S. Rajeswara Rao

1963 Susheela Malayalam Thaalolam Thankam Thaalolam V. Dakshinamoorthy

1964 Veeranganai Tamil Angamellam Sornthu Vaada Vedha P. Leela and K. J. Yesudas

1965 Maganey Kel Tamil Kalai Manggai Uruvam Kandu Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Seerkazhi Govindarajan

1965 Pinchuhridhayam Malayalam Gaanavum Layavum Neeyalle V. Dakshinamoorthy P. Leela

1965 Shakunthala Malayalam Kaamavardhiniyaam K. Raghavan P. Leela

Kaalil Chilanka K. J. Yesudas

Guru Brahma

1966 Rangula Ratnam Telugu Chepa Rupamuna S. Rajeswara Rao and B. Gopalam A. P. Komala

1967 Sri Purandara Dasaru Kannada Aadidano Ranga C. N. Pandurangan

VIDEO Best Of M.L.Vasanthakumari Classical Vocal | Purandaradasa Keerthanas | Carnatic Classical Songs

*****

Charumathi-Ramachandran and Alamelu with MLV, Srividya and Shankar

The year was 1963. I was 12 years old, 2nd form, Rosary Matriculation School, Santhome. My mother, Alamelu, a talented singer and veena player, asked me, “Do you remember when Lalithangi and Ayyasamy Iyer used to bring Vasanthi straight from school, in her school uniform, and make her sing sweetly for us; and Appa used to encourage her even then?’’ I stared at her and said softly — “I was not born then.”

====================================================================================================