K. S. Chithra
Born: 27 July 1963 (age 62)
Place: Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Education: University of Kerala
Title: Singer, Music producer, Judge
Years active: 1979–present
Genres: Indian classical music,Playback singing
Instrument: Vocals
Opening: A Note That Stays Longer Than the Song
In the stillness of a recording studio, before the orchestra settles into place, there is a moment where breath becomes intention. K. S. Chithra leans slightly toward the microphone, her voice entering not with force but with precision, calibrated, unhurried, and unmistakably controlled. The opening phrase does not seek attention; it establishes space. And then, almost imperceptibly, the emotion begins to gather, line by line, vowel by vowel, until the listener finds themselves carried into a feeling that seems both intimate and distant. It is an outstanding paradox, a voice that rarely overwhelms yet consistently transforms. Across languages, decades, and musical idioms, Chithra has built not just a body of work, but a method, one that treats singing as a balance between discipline and surrender.
Training Before Recognition
K. S. Chithra was born on July 27, 1963, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, into a family where music was not incidental but embedded in daily life. Her father, Krishnan Nair, was a musician and teacher, and her early exposure to music came not through formal ambition but through immersion.
She trained in Carnatic music from a young age, later studying at the Government College of Music in Thiruvananthapuram. This classical grounding would become central to her technique, not as a stylistic constraint but as a structural foundation.
Carnatic training emphasizes precision in pitch, control over gamakas (ornamentations), and a disciplined approach to raga interpretation. These elements would later translate into her playback singing, particularly in her ability to navigate complex melodic lines without losing clarity.
Her entry into playback singing came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, at a time when Malayalam cinema already had established voices like S. Janaki and P. Susheela. Breaking into this space required not just talent but differentiation.
Chithra’s early recordings revealed a voice that was lighter, more fluid, and less overtly dramatic than some of her contemporaries. It was a voice that suggested possibility rather than dominance.
Rise Across Industries: Expanding the Map
Chithra’s rise cannot be understood without considering her collaborations with composers who shaped South Indian film music.
Her association with Ilaiyaraaja in the 1980s was particularly significant. Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions demanded precision and emotional nuance, often blending Western orchestration with Indian melodic structures. Chithra’s ability to adapt to this hybrid language allowed her to become one of his most reliable voices.
Songs from this period, across Malayalam and Tamil cinema, established her as a singer capable of handling both simplicity and complexity.
The 1990s introduced another pivotal collaboration with A. R. Rahman. Rahman’s music, with its layered textures and global influences, required a different kind of vocal presence. Chithra adapted again, adjusting phrasing, tone, and even breath patterns to fit a new sonic landscape.
Her work expanded across multiple languages, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and more. This linguistic adaptability was not merely technical. It required sensitivity to phonetics, cultural context, and emotional registers specific to each language.
By the mid-1990s, Chithra had become a pan-Indian presence, her voice recognizable yet flexible enough to belong to different cinematic worlds.
The Voice: Technique and Emotional Range
Chithra’s voice is often described in general terms, clarity, sweetness, purity. These descriptions, while not inaccurate, fail to capture its structural complexity.
- Pitch and Control
Her pitch accuracy is remarkably consistent, even in compositions that require subtle microtonal shifts. This is a direct extension of her Carnatic training, where precision is non-negotiable.
- Phrasing and Breath
One of her defining qualities is her control over phrasing. She often sustains long lines without audible strain, allowing phrases to resolve naturally rather than being segmented.
- Emotional Calibration
Unlike singers who externalize emotion through overt modulation, Chithra internalizes it. Her voice rarely rises into theatrical excess. Instead, it operates within a narrower dynamic range, creating intimacy rather than spectacle.
- Adaptability
She moves seamlessly between classical-based compositions, light film melodies, devotional music, lullabies and romantic songs. This adaptability is not superficial. It involves recalibrating tone, articulation, and even vocal weight depending on the context.
What distinguishes her from contemporaries is not just versatility, but consistency within that versatility.
Peak Years and Pan-Indian Dominance: Sustaining Excellence
From the late 1980s through the early 2000s, Chithra’s career reached its most visible and influential phase.
She has won six National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, a recognition that reflects both range and consistency. These awards span multiple languages, underscoring her pan-Indian presence.
During this period, her voice became integral to the soundscape of South Indian cinema. Songs like “Paadariyen Padippariyen,” “Kannaalanae,” and numerous Malayalam compositions defined emotional moments in films.
Her dominance was not based on exclusivity. Unlike some eras where a single voice overshadowed others, Chithra coexisted with other prominent singers while maintaining a distinct identity.
Her consistency is particularly notable. Over decades, her voice retained its tonal quality, avoiding the strain or decline that often accompanies long careers.
Collaborations and Musical Ecosystem: The Singer Within the System
Playback singing in Indian cinema is inherently collaborative.
Chithra’s work with composers, lyricists, and sound engineers reflects an understanding of this ecosystem. She is not a singer who imposes herself on a composition. Instead, she aligns with its requirements.
Her collaborations with Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman are often highlighted, but her work with numerous other composers across industries demonstrates her adaptability.
She also worked extensively with lyricists, ensuring that diction and emotional emphasis aligned with the text. This attention to language is particularly important in multilingual careers, where mispronunciation or tonal mismatch can disrupt the listening experience.
In this sense, Chithra’s role extends beyond performance. She becomes an interpreter of composition, bridging the intentions of composer and lyricist with the expectations of the audience.
Silence Beyond the Stage
Chithra’s public persona has always been understated.
She has maintained a distance from the spectacle often associated with celebrity, focusing instead on her work. This restraint extends to her personal life.
The loss of her daughter in 2011 was a profound personal tragedy, one that she has addressed with quiet dignity. Rather than withdrawing completely, she gradually returned to music, her performances carrying a depth that reflects lived experience without overt expression.
This aspect of her life is not central to her artistic identity, but it informs it. It adds a layer of gravity to her work, a recognition that emotion in music is not abstract but rooted in lived reality.
A Voice Across Generations
Chithra’s influence extends across generations of singers.
Her approach to technique and emotional restraint has shaped how playback singing is understood in South Indian cinema. Younger singers often cite her as a model for balancing classical training with film music demands.
Her work in devotional music has also contributed to her cultural reach, connecting with audiences beyond cinema.
For the Indian diaspora, particularly Malayali communities abroad, her voice carries a sense of continuity, linking memory, language, and identity.
Her legacy is not confined to specific songs or awards. It exists in the way her voice has become part of everyday listening, weddings, religious gatherings, film memories, and personal moments.
Chithra in the Present and Future: Continuity in Change
In recent years, the landscape of playback singing has changed significantly. Digital production, new voices, and shifting audience preferences have altered the industry.
Chithra continues to perform, record selectively, and engage with music on her own terms. Her presence today is less about dominance and more about continuity.
She represents a lineage of playback singing that values training, discipline, and emotional clarity.
As Indian film music continues to evolve, her work serves as a reference point, not for imitation, but for understanding what sustained excellence looks like.
The Discipline That Outlasts Time
K. S. Chithra’s career resists easy summarization.
It is not defined by a single era, composer, or genre. Instead, it is built on accumulation, of songs, of collaborations, of moments where voice meets meaning with precision.
What makes her enduring is not just her talent, but her method. She approaches singing as a craft that requires constant calibration, between technique and feeling, between structure and spontaneity.
In an industry shaped by change, her voice remains steady, not unchanged, but consistently aligned with its own principles.
It is an outstanding legacy, not because it seeks permanence, but because it continues to adapt, quietly, rigorously, and without losing its center.
Awards, honours, and recognition
International honours
2003 – Honoured by the British Parliament at the House of Commons in United Kingdom- (First Indian woman to achieve this feat)
2001 – GOLDEN VOICE OF INDIA – Royal Albert Hall, London
2001 – MTV Video Music Award – International Viewer’s Choice at Metropolitan Opera House, New York, United States (only singer from South India to achieve this feet)
2009 – Honoured by the Government of China at Qinghai International Festival – (only Indian to achieve this feat)
2018 – Honoured by Stephen M. Sweeney, President of New Jersey Senate and Craig Coughlin, the Speaker of New Jersey General Assembly, United States
2019 – Honoured by Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, sovereign ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah and is a member of the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, UAE for successfully completing 40 Years in Indian Film Industry
2024 – Honored by the British Parliament, United Kingdom, with the title The Greatest Indian Singer of All Times.
2025 – She was formally honoured by the Parliament of South Australia in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Indian music.
2025 – 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.
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.
2025 – On October 19, 2025, the K. S. Chithra Day was proclaimed by the Shelby County Government in Memphis, Tennessee via a mayoral proclamation from the Office of the Mayor.
2025 – 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.
National honours
2021 – Padma Bhushan – India’s third highest civilian honour
2005 – Padma Shri – India’s fourth highest civilian honour
2001 – National Excellence Award 2001 by Limca Book of Records
2018 – Rashtrapati Award for being the “First Ladies” in the field of music felicitated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development of Government of India
State government honours
1997 – Kalaimamani Award – Government of Tamil Nadu
2011 – Lata Mangeshkar Award – Government of Andhra Pradesh for Cultural Council
2013 – Sangeeta Samman Puraskar (P B Srinivas) Award by the Government of Karnataka
2014 – Vanita Ratnam Award (Kamala Surayya Award) by Government of Kerala for Social Welfare Department
2018 – Harivarasanam Award by the Government of Kerala
2023 – Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh
2024 – 15th Ram Kadam Art Glory Award (Kala Gaurav Puraskar), Maharastra
Indian honorifics
2011 – Honorary Doctorate – Sathyabama University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2018 – Honorary Doctorate – The International Tamil University United States
Kalaimamani
Kalaiselvam
Gana priya
Kala Ratna
Kala srestha
Sangeetha Ratnam
Swara Ratna
Sathkeerthi
Sangeetha Ganendhuchooda
Vanitha Ratnam
Stree Ratna
Lifetime achievement awards
2003 – Lifetime Achievement Award from Global Malayali council London
2003 – Swaralaya Yesudas Award Lifetime Achievement Award
2005 – SIKHARAM – 15 lifetime achievement award 2005 from India Today
2005 – Jeevan TV – P. Jayachandran Lifetime Achievement Award 2005
2007 – Aginhotri lifetime achievement award 2007 from Samorin of Calicut
2014 – Lifetime Achievement Award from Raindropss a youth-based social organization on the occasion of Women’s Day
2017 – V.C.Padmanabhan memorial award for lifetime achievement from manappuram finance Ltd.
2018 – Legend of the Year Award – RED FM MUSIC AWARDS 2018
2019 – Women achievers, News7 Tamil’s Thangatharagai Lifetime Achievement award for being as an inspiring women icon and for her outstanding achievements
2019 – Most Socially Committed Lifetime Achievement Award – Ishal Laila Awards 2019, Dubai
2019 – “Excellence in the field of Music Award” – JFW Women Achievers
2021 – “Mirchi Music’s Lifetime Achievement Award” for extraordinary contribution to South-Indian Film Music
National Film Awards
Chithra has won six National Awards for best female playback singer, the highest by any female playback singer.
1986 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Padariyen Padippariyen, Naan Oru Sindhu” (Sindhu Bhairavi, Tamil)
1987 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Manjal Prasadavum” (Nakhakshathangal, Malayalam)
1989 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Indupushpam Choodi Nilkum Raathri” (Vaishali, Malayalam)
1996 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Maana Madurai” (Minsaara Kanavu, Tamil)
1997 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Payalein Chun Mun” (Virasat, Hindi)
2004 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Ovvoru Pookalume” (Autograph, Tamil)
Filmfare Awards
1998: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – “Payaley Chunmun” (Virasat)
2004: Nominated— Best Female Playback Singer – “Koi Milgaya” (Koi… Mil Gaya)
Filmfare Awards South
She is a singer with 22 Filmfare Awards South Nominations, resulting in 10 wins for 3 different languages- highest by any singer (Shares the record with Shreya Ghoshal). She holds the record of winning Filmfare Awards South for record number of times in Malayalam & Telugu i.e.,6 & 3 times respectively. She has a record for being the oldest winning singer at the age of 61 years
2004: Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Nuvvostanante” (Varsham)
2006: Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Kalabham Tharam” (Vadakkumnadhan)[
2006: Best Female Playback Singer – Kannada – “Araluva Hoovugale” (My Autograph)
2008: Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Oduvil Oru” (Thirakkatha)
2009: Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Kunnathe Konnakyum” (Pazhassiraja)
2013: Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Seethammavaakitlo” (Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu)
2016: Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Ee Premaki” (Nenu Sailaja)
2017: Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Nadavathil” (Kambhoji)
2022: Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Theerame” (Malik)
2024: Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Muttathe Mulla” (Jawanum mullappoovum)
Nominations
2005: Nominated— Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Manasa Manasa” (Nireekshana)
2006: Nominated— Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Muvvala Navvakala” (Pournami)
2006: Nominated— Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Manasavacha” (Godavari)
2009: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Kannada – “Nadheem Dheem Tana” (Gaalipata)
2011: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Malakha Pole” (Mummy & Me)
2013: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Vishukkili Kanippoo Kondu Vaa” (Ivan Megharoopan)
2015: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Marhaba” (Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju) (shared the nomination with Aishwarya)
2016: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil – “Konji Pesida Venaam” (Sethupathi)
2021: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil – “Yennuyire” (Annathae)
2022: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Antha Ishtam” (Bheemla Nayak)
2023: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil – “veera raja veera” (Ponniyin Selvan: I)
2023: Nominated—Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Ee Mazhamukilo” (Jaladhara Pumpset since 1962)
IIFA Utsavam (Nominations)
2017: IIFA Utsavam for Best Female Singer – “Maye Maye” (Jessie)
Kerala State Film Awards
Chithra is the highest recipient of Kerala State Awards under the “Best Playback Singer Female” category & she has won it for 16 times with a record [citation needed] of winning them for 11 times in a row(1985–1995)
2016 – Best Play Back Singer – “Nadavathil Thurannilla” (Kambhoji)
2005 – Best Play Back Singer – “Mayangipoyi” (Nottam)
2002 – Best Play Back Singer – “Karmukil Varnante” (Nandanam)
2001 – Best Play Back Singer – “Mooli Mooli” (Theerthadanam)
1999 – Best Play Back Singer – “Pular Veyilum” (Angane Oru Avadhikkalathu)
1995 – Best Play Back Singer – “Sasikala Charthiya” (Devaraagam)
1994 – Best Play Back Singer – “Parvanenthu” (Parinayam)
1993 – Best Play Back Singer – “Ponmeghame” (Sopanam), “Rajahamsame” (Chamayam), “Sangeethame” (Gazal)
1992 – Best Play Back Singer – “Mounasarovaram” (Savidham)
1991 – Best Play Back Singer – “Thaaram” (Keli), “Swarakanyakamar” (Santhwanam)
1990 – Best Play Back Singer – “Kannil Nin Meyyil” (Innale), “Palappoove” (Njan Gandharvan)
1989 – Best Play Back Singer – “Kalarivilakku” (Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha), “Thankathoni” (Mazhavilkavadi)
1988 – Best Play Back Singer – “Indupushpam” (Vaishali)
1987 – Best Play Back Singer – “Eenam marannakatte” (Eenam Maranna Kattu), “Thalolam Paithal” (Ezhuthappurangal)
1986 – Best Play Back Singer – “Manjalprasadavum” (Nakhakshathangal)
1985 – Best Play Back Singer – “Oreswaram Ore Niram” (Ente Kaanakkuyil), “Poomaname” (Nirakkoottu), “Aayiram Kannumai” (Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu)
Andhra Pradesh State Film Awards
Chithra is the highest recipient of Andhra Pradesh State Awards under the “Best Playback Singer Female” category & she has won it for 11 times with a record [citation needed] of winning them for 4 times in a row i.e.,(1990–1993)
1990 – Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu Kaliki Chilakala Koliki
1991 – Rajeswari Kalyanam Endaro Mahanubhavulu
1992 – Sundarakanda Akasana Suryudu
1993 Mathru Devo Bhava Venuvai Vachhanu
1996 Maavichiguru Maata Ivvamma
1997 Bombay Priyudu Pranayama
1998 Anveshitha Anveshitha
1999 Swayamvaram Marala Thelupana
2004 Varsham Nuvvostanante Neddontana
2009 Kalavaramaye Madilo Pallavinchani
2014 Mukunda Gopikamma
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
Chithra has won the Tamil Nadu State Awards under the “Best Playback Singer Female” category for 4 times.
2004 – Autograph Ovvoru Pookalume
1995 – Bombay Kannalane
1990 – Vaigaasi Porandhaachu Chinna ponnu dhaan
Karnataka State Film Awards
1997 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Hele Kogile Impagalaa” (Nammoora Mandara Hoove)
2001 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Navileno Kunibeku” (Gattimela)
2005 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Kandamma Kandamma” (Maharaja)
Odisha State Film Awards
1993 – Odisha State Film Award for Best Singer – “Mo Kanhu Re” (Asha)
West Bengal State Film Awards
1995 – West Bengal State Film Award for Best Female Singer – “Aay Re Basanta Aay” (Nagpanchami)
Zee Cine Awards
2002 – Nominated—Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer – Female – “Raat Ka Nasha Abhi” – Asoka
2004 – Nominated—Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer – Female – “Kasam Ki Kasam” – Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon
Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GIMA)
2013 – Best Carnatic Classical Album – Vocal – Album “Vande Vasudevam” an album based on Annamacharya Krithis.
MTV Video Music Award
2001 – International Viewer’s Choice Awards MTV India (Hindi pop category) Album Piya Basanti.(The first singer from South India to get the MTV Award)
Star Screen Awards
1996 – Best Female Playback – “For various South Indian languages”
1997 – Best Female Playback – “For various South Indian languages”
1998 – Best Female Playback – “Payale Chummun” (Virasat)[citation needed]
2002 – Nominated—Best Female Playback – “Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya” – Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya
MTV Immies Awards
2003 – Best Play Back Singer – “Koi Mil Gaya” (Koi… Mil Gaya)
Producers Guild Film Awards
2004 – Nominated—Producers Guild Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer – “Koi Mil Gaya” (Koi… Mil Gaya)
South Indian International Movie Awards
2014 – Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – ”Seethamma Vakitlo” (Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu)
2015 – Nominated – Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Gopikamma” (Mukunda)
2017 – Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil – “Konji Pesida Venaam” (Sethupathi)
2017 – Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Kaadaniyum Kalchilambe” (Pulimurugan)
2018 – Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Nadaavathil” (Kamboji)
2022 – Nominated – Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam – “Theerame” (Malik)
2023 – Nominated – Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – “Antha Ishtam” (Bheemla Nayak)
Gulf Malayalam Music Awards (GMMA)
2005 – Best Female Playback Singer
2006 – Best Female Playback Singer
2008 – Best Female Playback Singer
Reporter TV Film Awards
2022 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Theerame Theerame” Malik)
Kerala Film Critics Association Awards
1984 – Best Female Playback Singer – Nokkethadoorathu Kannumnattu
1985 – Best Female Playback Singer – Various films
1986 – Best Female Playback Singer – Shyama, Thalavattam, Nakhashathangal
1987 – Best Female Playback Singer – Idanazhiyil oru kaalocha, Manivathoorile ayiram shivarathrikal
1994 – Best Female Playback Singer – Various Films
2016 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Ormakalil Oru Manjukaalam” “Mallanum Mathevanum”
2020 – Best Female Playback Singer – “Perfume”
Asiavision Awards
2013 – Best Female Playback – “Ilaveyil Viralukalayi” (Artist)
2015 – Best Female Playback Tamil- “Malargal Kaettaen” (OK Kanmani)
2016 – Best Female Playback – “Kaadaniyum Kalchilambe…” (Pulimurugan) and “Poovithalai…” (Thoppil Joppan
Mazhavil Mango Music Awards
2017 – Best Duet Song – “Kaadaniyum Kalchilambe” (Pulimurugan) – Malayalam shared with K.J. Yesudas
2018 – Best Playback Singer (Female) – “Mridhu Mandahasam” (Poomaram) – Malayalam
Other honours
1994 – Ugadi Purashkar by Madras Telugu Academy, Chennai
2002 – Title of “KALAISELVAM” From South Indian Film Artistes’ Association or South Indian Nadigar Sangam
2012 – “People of the Year” Honoured by Limca Book of Records
2013 – Special Honour for contribution to Malayalam Film Industry 100 years Indian Cinema Celebration at Chennai.
2014 – Lifetime Achievement Award from Raindropss a youth-based social organization on the occasion of Women’s Day
2014 – Felicitated by Limca Book of Records for “Empowering Women – Women Achievers of Kerala”
2014 – Vayalar Award by Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Foundation for contribution of Malayalam Music Industry
2015 – Felicitated by The Supreme Head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II at “SOMRO”15
2015 – Felicitated Thottuvaa “Dhanwanthari Puraskaram” by Justice Raman (Tranvancore Devaswom Ombudsman).
2016 – Angamaly NRI Association (ANRIA) “Swararathna Puraskaram” as lifetime achievement award for her outstanding performance and creative contributions in the field of music spanning last 36 years.
Other awards
Cinema Express Awards for 1986, 1987, 1988,1990,1991,1993,1994,1995,1998. She won it for 9 times
Film Fans Association Chennai Award – 20 times (This is the oldest film award in South India)
Gamma Indian Music Award, Malaysia for 1988,1989,1990,1996. Won it for 4 times
2001 – “For the sake of honour” award from Rotary International
2001 – Lux – Asianet Award for the best playback singer Kannada
2004 – “Vocational excellence” award from Rotary International
2005 – VIRTUSO Music Awards 2005
2006 – Lux – Asianet Award for the best playback singer Kannada
2008 – Devasthanam Award for GANAPRIYA Puraskaram by Peringottukara Devasthanam Temple Trust
2012 – Thikkurissy Award for Best Female Playback Singer – “Naattuvazhiyorathe” (Khaddama)
2013 – ETV Kannada Sangeet Samman (P. B. Sreenivas) Award
2013 – CERA BIG Malayalam Music Awards for Best Female Playback – “Ilaveyil Viralukalayi” (Artist) and “Ponnodu Poovay” (Thalsamayam Oru Penkutty)
2013 – CERA Big Malayalam Music Awards for Face of the Award – Honoured for completing three decades in the industry
2014 – Minimol Memorial Charitable Trust – Sathkeerthi Puraskaram
2014 – Mappila Kala Academy in memory of K Raghavan Master – Sangeetha Ratnam Puraskaram for her contribution to film industry
2014 – K.P. Radhakrishna Menon memorial Kala Ratna Award for her outstanding contributions to music.
2015 – K.P.S Menon Memorial Award 2015 by Chettoor Sankaran Nair Memorial Trust, Ottapalam.
2015 – Harmony International Award 2015 instituted by Marthoma Research Academy, Azhikode, Kodungallur.
Other achievements
She has also received numerous mainstream awards like MTV Immies, Screen – Videocon Award, Film Fans Association Awards, and Cinema Express Awards. Chithra was also awarded the ‘Vocational Excellence’ Award by the Rotary Club of Coimbatore.[84]
Her song “Kannalane (Kehna Hi Kya)” from the film Bombay (1995) was included in The Guardian’s “1000 Songs Everyone Must Hear” list.[85]
