Dr. Nithyasree Mahadevan, a prominent Carnatic vocalist, carries forward a rich musical legacy shaped by generations of luminaries in her family. She fondly recalls the influence of her grandmother, the legendary D.K. Pattammal, who was both an inspiration and mentor. With the unwavering support of her mother, who continues to uphold their family’s musical tradition, as a torchbearer of a rich musical lineage, Nithyasree has carved a niche for herself with her distinct style and dedication to her craft.

Born into a family of musical doyens, Nithyasree was encouraged to develop her own style from the age of 13. While family lineage provides a foundation, she believes success comes from dedication, commitment, and relentless effort. Her mother’s unwavering support played a crucial role in shaping her career while also raising her children.

Overcoming Challenges with Passion
As a singer, passion and relentless practices are key to creativity, she asserts. While the field of music has been traditionally male-dominated, Nithyasree acknowledges a shift, with more young men entering the industry. However, for women, achieving success often comes with additional challenges, as balancing domestic responsibilities and a professional career requires immense effort. Despite this, she persevered, even leaving her young children behind for concerts, supported by her family’s collective strength.

From Stage Fear to Stardom
Nithyasree recalls struggling with stage fear in her early years, unable to complete competitions. However, through sheer determination, she overcame her fears. One of her most cherished memories is her first stage performance, presided over by M.S. Subbulakshmi and Sadasivam. She mustered the courage to sing, earning a glowing review from The Indian Express, which called her “The Plucky Girl”—a term that she later learned meant courageous.

A Devoted Fanbase and Memorable Tributes
Over the years, Nithyasree has been deeply touched by the love and admiration of her fans. From a girl who presented her with an album filled with poetry and creative citations likening her to Goddess Saraswati, to another who prayed by kneeling 1,008 times for the safe delivery of her child—these heartfelt gestures have left a lasting impact on her.

A Distinct Musical Style
Nithyasree has developed her own unique pani (style) of singing, blending traditional Carnatic elements with personal innovations. Encouraged by her elders, her alapanas and voice modulations have set her apart in the classical music realm.

Stepping into Cinema with A.R. Rahman
Her entry into film music was serendipitous. One evening, she received an unexpected call from A.R. Rahman’s office for an audition. Singing Kannodu Kanbathellam in the presence of director Shankar and poet Vairamuthu, she completed the song without knowing it would become a massive hit. Months later, hearing it played in a Mylapore shop, she realised she had unknowingly made her film debut. This marked the beginning of a successful playback singing career, with over 450 songs in multiple languages.

A Lasting Musical Vision
Nithyasree envisions a future where Carnatic music is digitised for easy accessibility. She aims to create a digital music library, preserving traditional compositions for generations to come. With her unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire aspiring musicians worldwide, proving that strength and grace can coexist beautifully.

Through personal hardships and professional triumphs, Nithyasree Mahadevan remains a beacon of resilience, carrying forward the divine essence of music—just like the Goddess Saraswati herself.

-Story Compiled by
Dr V Raghunathan