Kavita Krishnamurthy is a name that echoes through the corridors of Indian music history. A celebrated Bollywood singer, playback artist, and classical vocalist, she has mesmerized generations with her soulful voice. With a career spanning over four decades, Kavita has sung in more than 16 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi.
Her journey from a young girl in New Delhi to a Padma Shri awardee is filled with dedication, talent, and timeless melodies. In this blog post, we explore her biography, personal life, career, and achievements. We also highlight her best songs, controversies, and lesser-known facts that make her a true legend in the world of entertainment.
Early Life and Upbringing
Kavita Krishnamurthy was born as Sharada Krishnamurthy on 25 January 1958 in New Delhi, India. She grew up in a culturally rich South Indian family that valued music and education. Her father, T.S. Krishnamurthy, worked in the education sector, while her mother, Kalyani Krishnamurthy, encouraged her musical interests.
Kavita began learning music at the age of eight. She trained in Hindustani classical music under Balram Puri and later under Vasant Thakar. She also studied at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
- Born in New Delhi, 1958
- Trained in Hindustani classical music
- Won several inter-college music competitions
- Inspired by Lata Mangeshkar and M.S. Subbulakshmi
- Balanced academics and music with ease
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sharada Krishnamurthy |
| Nickname | Kavita |
| Alternative Names(s) | Kavita Subramaniam |
| Date of Birth | 25 January 1958 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 66 years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | New Delhi, India |
| Hometown | New Delhi |
| Current Address | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Education Qualification | B.A. Economics, St. Xavier’s College |
| Hobbies and Interests | Singing, Reading, Traveling |
| Languages Known | Hindi, English, Tamil |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Average build |
| Body Measurements | 36-32-34 |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’5″, 165 cm |
| Weight in lbs, kg | 132 lbs, 60 kg |
| Chest | 36 inches |
| Waist | 32 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hairstyle | Medium length |
| Distinctive Features | Graceful presence |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Kavita married Dr. L. Subramaniam, a world-renowned violinist and composer, in 1999. The couple lives in Bengaluru, where they run the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SAPA). Kavita is also a stepmother to Subramaniam’s four children from his previous marriage.
Despite her fame, Kavita leads a private and grounded life. She often speaks about the importance of family, music, and spirituality in her interviews.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Husband | L. Subramaniam |
| Father | T.S. Krishnamurthy |
| Mother | Kalyani Krishnamurthy |
| Children | Stepchildren (4) |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | N/A |
| Significant Relationships | L. Subramaniam |
Rise to Stardom
Kavita’s playback career began in the late 1970s. Her first major break came with the Kannada film Ondanondu Kaaladaga in 1978. In Bollywood, she gained recognition with the song “Tumse Milkar Na Jaane Kyun” from Pyaar Jhukta Nahin (1985).
Her big breakthrough came in the 1990s with hits like “Hawa Hawai” (Mr. India), “Pyaar Hua Chupke Se” (1942: A Love Story), and “Aaj Main Upar” (Khamoshi). Her voice became a favorite for top actresses like Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, and Manisha Koirala.
Kavita Krishnamurthy – Selfie
Kavita Krishnamurthy – Debut Album – Sur Sangam
Kavita Krishnamurthy – Successful Album / Blockbuster Album – Hawa Hawai
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Kavita Krishnamurthy has recorded over 25,000 songs in multiple languages. She has worked with legendary composers like R.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, A.R. Rahman, and Ilaiyaraaja. Her versatility spans classical, ghazals, pop, and filmi genres.
She received the Padma Shri in 2005, one of India’s highest civilian honors. She has also won four Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.
- Over 25,000 songs recorded
- Padma Shri recipient (2005)
- Four-time Filmfare Award winner
- Performed globally in over 30 countries
- Honored with a Doctorate by Jain University (2015)
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Playback Singer |
| Debut Album | Sur Sangam |
| Notable Songs | Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, Aaj Main Upar, Pyar Hua Chupke Se, Hawa Hawai, Dola Re |
| Recent Albums – New Albums | Fusion Raga, Classical Echoes |
| Upcoming Albums | Eternal Voice, Ghazal Nights |
| Popular Movies | Yaraana, Khamoshi, Devdas, Mr. India |
| Awards and Achievements | Padma Shri, Filmfare Awards, Doctorate Honor |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | Saregama, Times Music, Doordarshan |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Music Education, Cultural Outreach, Women Empowerment |
| Professional Associations | L. Subramaniam Global Music Festival, Indian Music Guild |
| Training and Education | B.A. Economics, Classical Music Training |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Blockbuster Success – Hit Albums | Sur Sangam, Bollywood Classics |
| Critical Acclaim Album | Classical Echoes |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $100K–$1M |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $10K–$20K |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $15K–$25K |
| Sponsorship Deals | Saregama, Times Music, Doordarshan |
| Business Ventures | Music Academy, Live Concerts |
| Investments | Real Estate, Royalties |
| Real Estate Holdings | Bengaluru Home, Studio Property |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Designer Sarees, Jewelry, Awards |
| Cars Collection | Honda City, Toyota Innova |
Favorite Things, Likes, and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Amitabh Bachchan |
| Favorite Actress | Rekha |
| Favorite Film | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| Favorite Music Bands | Fusion Ensemble, Classical Quartet |
| Favorite Sport | Badminton |
| Favorite Books | Music Biographies |
| Favorite Colour | Blue |
| Favorite Food | South Indian |
| Things s/he like | Classical Music, Reading, Travel |
| Things s/he dislike | Loud Noise, Disharmony |
Top 5 Best Songs – Kavita Krishnamurthy
| Song Name | Year of Release | Album/Movie Name |
|---|---|---|
| Hawa Hawai | 1987 | Mr. India |
| Pyaar Hua Chupke Se | 1994 | 1942: A Love Story |
| Aaj Main Upar | 1996 | Khamoshi: The Musical |
| Dola Re Dola | 2002 | Devdas |
| Mera Piya Ghar Aaya | 1995 | Yaraana |
Controversies – Kavita Krishnamurthy
- Voice Replacement Rumors: Faced speculation about being replaced by newer singers in the 2000s.
- Award Show Snubs: Fans criticized award shows for overlooking her in later years.
- Playback Credit Disputes: Some reports claimed she was not credited for certain regional songs.
- Fusion Music Criticism: Traditionalists questioned her shift to fusion and world music.
- Stage Show Cancellations: A few concerts were canceled due to scheduling conflicts and health issues.
Interesting Facts – Kavita Krishnamurthy
- Born as Sharada Krishnamurthy, later adopted the stage name Kavita.
- Trained in both Hindustani and Western classical music.
- Has sung in over 16 Indian and international languages.
- Performed with Western orchestras and global artists.
- Runs a music academy with her husband in Bengaluru.
- Known for her flawless diction and emotional depth in songs.
Kavita Krishnamurthy is not just a playback singer. She is a musical institution. Her voice has defined the golden era of Bollywood music and continues to inspire new generations of singers. From romantic ballads to classical ragas, she has done it all with grace and excellence.
