Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, famously known as M.S. Subbulakshmi, was one of the greatest names in Indian Classical Music. Best known for her spiritually infused voice and devotion, she went beyond cultures and made Carnatic Music known across the globe. Honored as the ‘Nightingale of India’ in the world of Classical music, Subbulakshmi has always been breaking barriers during her lifetime which finally resulted in her being the first-ever artist to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna Award in India.
Who Was M.S. Subbulakshmi?
Subbulakshmi was born on September 16, 1916, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and was an outstanding Carnatic vocalist, bhakta singer, and actress. With her ability to control pitch in a mesmerizing way, diction that was immaculate, and a performance style that was emotive and spiritual, Subbulakshmi ensured that every single one of her performances was spiritual.
Gandhi once said, ‘It is my prayer that I might have the opportunity of hearing her speak a song.’ Apart from being a great vocalist, she was also a philanthropist.
M.S. Subbulakshmi's Early Life And Musical Journey
Born in a family that was heavily associated with music, Subbulakshmi underwent her early training under her mother Shanmukhavadivu who was an expert veena artist. She performed for the first time when she was only eleven years old, at the Rockfort Temple in Tiruchirappalli before she eventually debuted at the acclaimed Madras Music Academy.
Between the 1930s and 1940s, Subbulakshmi was also actively involved in the film industry where she acted in such legendary devotional movies as Meera in 1945.
How Did M.S. Subbulakshmi Becomes A Carnatic Music Icon?
She brought Carnatic music out of India by performing in some landmark events such as the Edinburgh International Festival in 1963 and the UN General Assembly in 1966.
She used her voice which was steeped in Carnatic music but sang in many languages of India like Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam to unite people from all parts of India.
She became the first Indian to be awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974, which is also called the Asian Nobel Prize.
Why Was M.S. Subbulakshmi Awarded The Bharat Ratna?
The singer M.S. Subbulakshmi received the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1998, marking herself as the first singer ever to have received this highest civilian award in India. This was due to her tremendous contributions over a period of seven decades towards Indian arts and culture, her global promotion of Carnatic music, and philanthropy through music.
M.S. Subbulakshmi's Most Famous Songs And Devotional Renditions
Her recordings still stand out as the best for daily morning prayers in countless Indian households.
Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham: The ultimate song for waking up each morning in the Tirumala Tirupati temple and households.
Vishnu Sahasranamam: The immaculate and divine chanting of the 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu.
Bhaja Govindam: The famous song composed by Adi Shankaracharya highlighting devotion and detachment.
Kurai Ondrum Illai: The famous Tamil song composed by C. Rajagopalachari, delivered perfectly by her.
Conclusion
The M.S. Subbulakshmi was more than a musician because her voice had the power to uplift millions in their quest for spiritual fulfillment. Her songs have been a source of inspiration for many musicians and fans.
Image credits: Instagram
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