Sirkazhi Govindarajan

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Sirkazhi Govindarajan
playback singing), Indian classical music
Occupation(s)Singer, actor
Instrument(s)Vocalist
Years active1952–1988

Sirkazhi Govindarajan (19 January 1933 – 24 March 1988) was an Indian

Carnatic vocalist
and a leading playback singer of Indian cinema.

Early life

Govindarajan, was born on 19 January 1933 at Sirkazhi (a small town in present day Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu; famed birthplace of Sambandar, one of the 63 Nayanars of the Saiva faith) to Siva Chidambaram and Avayambal Ammal. At the age of eight, Govindarajan began to perform at the Tirupurasundari Temple on the occasion of the Gnana Paal Festival.[2]

Musical education

He graduated from the Tamil Isai College in Chennai (Madras) in 1949 with the degree 'Isaimani'.[3] He also graduated with the Degree of 'Sangeetha Vidwan'. At the same time, he started rigorous training (Gurukulavasam) under his Guru Thiruppampuram Swaminatha Pillai, who was then a Professor at the Central College of Carnatic Music, Madras. Under his tutelage and in-depth study, he gained knowledge of the nuances and intricacies of Indian Music, especially, Classical Carnatic Music. During this period (1951–1952) he won many competitions, conducted by the Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) and the Rasika Ranjani Sabha.

Collaboration

Music composers

Baburaj

Playback singers

He has sung with other male singers such as

Tiruchi Loganathan, A. L. Raghavan, K. J. Yesudas
and S. V. Ponnusamy.

He also sang duets with many female singer such as

, M. R. Vijaya, Sarala and Rohini.

He sang duets with singing actors such as N. S. Krishnan, T. R. Mahalingam, P. Bhanumathi, S. Varalakshmi and Manorama.

Filmography

Year Movie Role
1967 Kandhan Karunai
Nakkeerar
1969 Vaa Raja Vaa Police Officer
1970 Thirumalai Thenkumari Bhagavathar shivachidambaram
1972 Agathiyar Agathiyar
1972
Dheivam
Cameo Appearance
1973 Rajaraja Cholan Nambiyandar Nambi
1975 Thiruvarul Cameo Appearance
1976 Dasavatharam Naradhar
1982 Thaai Mookaambikai Cameo Appearance

Discography

Govindarajan had sung for many leading actors like M. G. Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan, N. T. Rama Rao, S. S. Rajendran, and R. Muthuraman.

Awards and honours

He was the recipient of three gold medals (first place) in the austere and hallowed halls of Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha (Music Academy) from Karaikudi Sambasiva Iyer. "Sangeetha Vidwan" Sirkali won all first places in the three categories: Apoorva Krithis of Sri Thyagaraja swamigal, Ragam-Thalam-Pallavi, and Tamil Classical Songs.[2]

He was conferred the Padma Shri award by the Government of India. The Central College of Carnatic Music was the next institution for his musical enrichment.

Govindarajan had also done playback singing in

Honoris Causa
) on him in 1983.

Source: [5][non-primary source needed]

Personal life

Govindarajan was married to Sulochana. Their son Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram is also a Carnatic singer.[8]

Death

Govindarajan died on 24 March 1988 in Madras (now Chennai) due to of a massive heart attack. He was aged 55.

References

  1. ^ Chaama, Sridhar (29 June 2001). "Simple, soul-stirring music". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 18 January 2015.
  2. ^ a b Sirkali Home Page
  3. ^ Majordasan (1999). "Potpourri of titbits about cinema - Sirkazhi Govindarajan (page 1)". Kalyanamalai Magazine. Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  4. ^ Govindarajan Profile[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ ""Tamil Isai Mannar" Sirkali Honors and Awards". sirkali.org. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  6. ^ Krishnamachari, Suganthy (19 December 2013). "Temple bell timbre". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  7. ^ "Padma Awards, Previous Awardees". dashboard-padmaawards.gov.in. Ministry of Home Affairs (govt. of India). 19 December 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2021. (Seerkhazhi S. Govindarajan)
  8. ^ T. Ramakrishnan (7 December 2001). "An Aussie honour for Indian vocalist". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 December 2009. Retrieved 2 August 2009.

External links