Swarnalatha (1973 – September 12, 2010) was a South Indian film playback singer. She has been singing since 1989 with many music directors. She has rendered songs in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu, Badaga.
She won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her rendition of the famous song "Porale Ponnuthayi" from the film Karuththamma. The song was composed by A.R.Rahman, with whom she has given lot of memorable songs.
Personal life and career
She was born in Athikkodu near Chittur, Palakkad, Kerala, to K. C. Cherukutty and Kalyani. Her father was a good harmonium player and singer. Her mother also had interest in music. Swarnalatha is trained also in harmonium and keyboard. Swarnalatha's family later moved to Shimoga, where she had her education.
In 1987, she shifted to Chennai, where she met M. S. Viswanathan, which was a break in her career. She was introduced to film industry by M.S.V. through a duet with K. J. Yesudas, "Chinnanchirukiliye Kannamma" from the film Neethikku Dhandanai. She was well promoted by Ilaiyaraaja and later by A. R. Rahman. Most of her memorable songs were with these composers. She has also recorded a few Hindi songs, the most notable one being "Hai Rama Yeh Kya Hua" from Rangeela.
She was one of the most versatile singers of her times, as she was able to sing melodies like "Maalayil Yaaro Manathodu Pesa" from Chatriyan or "Porale Ponnuthayi" from Karuthamma as well as Rahman's experimental songs like "Mukkabla" from Kadhalan or "Mottu Vittadha" from Pavithra.
Swarnalatha passed away on 12th sept 2010 at a private hospital in Chennai of lung infected complications. She was 37.
Awards and recognitions
1991 - Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Povomma Oorkolam" from Chinna Thambi
1994 - Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from Karuththamma
1994 - National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for "Porale Ponnuthayi" from Karuththamma
1994 - Kalaimamani Award
Malayalam film songs
Song - Movie
Kadamizhiyil -Thenkasipattanam
Manikkakkallal Menju Menanju-Varnapakittu
Nandalaala -Independence
Pottukuthedi Pudavachoodedi -Ravanaprabhu
Balla Balla -Punjabi House
Varthingal -Dreamz
Oru Thari Kasthoori -Highway