Kalpana Raghavendar, born on May 8, 1980, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is a renowned Indian playback singer, lyricist, and stage performer. Her dynamic voice and ability to adapt to various musical styles have earned her recognition in the South Indian music industry. Her journey, from a young girl with immense talent to becoming a celebrated playback singer and reality TV personality, reflects her dedication and passion for music.
Coming from a musical family, Kalpana’s roots in music were deeply embedded. Her father, T. S. Raghavendra, was a notable playback singer, composer, and actor, while her mother, Sulochana, also sang. Growing up surrounded by music, Kalpana was naturally drawn to it and began her formal training in Carnatic music under Madurai T. Srinivasan. Her early exposure to music, coupled with rigorous training, provided her with a solid foundation.
Kalpana’s career began at just five years old, when she recorded her first professional track alongside iconic singers such as P. Susheela and Mano. This early experience gave her confidence and a taste of the professional music world. By the time she transitioned into adulthood, Kalpana had made her playback singing debut in 1999 with “Mangalagouriki” for the Telugu film Manoharam, composed by Mani Sharma. This marked the start of her illustrious career.
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Over the years, Kalpana worked with numerous music legends, including Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, M. S. Viswanathan, K. V. Mahadevan, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, and K. S. Chithra, singing in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films. By 2013, she had already recorded over 1,500 songs and performed in more than 3,000 live shows, demonstrating her versatility and dedication.
Her fame soared when she won the fifth season of Idea Star Singer in 2010, a popular singing competition on Asianet, a Malayalam television channel. This achievement cemented her reputation as a brilliant artist in South India. Beyond playback singing, Kalpana served as a judge on music reality shows such as Super Singer Junior and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Champions, guiding and inspiring aspiring singers.
Kalpana is also known for her electrifying stage performances. Whether performing in tribute concerts for her mentors or solo shows across the world, her ability to connect with the audience and deliver captivating performances has earned her widespread admiration.
Her personal life is equally intriguing. Kalpana shares a special bond with her younger sister, Shekinah Shawn (formerly Prasanna Raghavendar), who is an opera singer. The sisters often collaborate musically and support each other’s careers. In addition to her musical pursuits, Kalpana holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications (MCA) and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Philosophy (MPhil), showcasing her commitment to learning alongside her artistic career.
In 2017, she participated in the inaugural season of Bigg Boss Telugu on Star Maa, where she entertained audiences and showcased her personality. Though her journey on the show ended on the 28th day, her appearance brought her wider visibility and appreciation beyond music.
Kalpana is deeply committed to nurturing and promoting Indian classical music, often engaging in initiatives to inspire young artists. Her efforts to uphold her musical heritage while pushing boundaries have earned her immense respect and love from peers and fans alike.
As of 2024, Kalpana continues to actively contribute to the South Indian music scene through her playback singing, stage performances, and mentoring roles. Her rise from a prodigious talent to an acclaimed playback singer and role model underscores her determination, creativity, and passion for music. Kalpana’s journey is not only a celebration of her talent but also an inspiring story of perseverance and evolution in the world of art.
Singer Kalpana Age
Kalpana Raghavendar was born on May 8, 1980, making her 44 years old as of 2024. Her journey in the music industry began at a very young age, and over the decades, she has established herself as one of the most versatile and respected playback singers in South India. Her age reflects her wealth of experience and the maturity she brings to her craft, which continues to inspire many aspiring artists.
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Singer Kalpana Husband
Kalpana was previously married to Prasad, but their relationship faced challenges, leading to a divorce. Recently, her personal life has been in the spotlight due to an incident involving her health. Kalpana was found unconscious at her residence in Hyderabad, reportedly after consuming sleeping pills. This raised concerns, and her ex-husband was allegedly arrested as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Despite these personal struggles, Kalpana has shown resilience and continues to focus on her career and well-being.
Singer Kalpana Songs
Kalpana Raghavendar has an extensive repertoire of songs, having recorded over 1,500 tracks in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Some of her most notable songs include “Poda Poda Punnaku,” “Premante Suluvu Kadhura,” “Pogiren,” and “Jigiru Jigiru.” Her collaborations with legendary composers like Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and M. S. Viswanathan have showcased her versatility and talent. Kalpana is also known for her dynamic stage performances, having performed in over 3,000 live shows worldwide, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and engaging presence.
Singer Kalpana Achievements
Kalpana Raghavendar has had a remarkable career filled with significant achievements in the South Indian music industry. Here are some of her notable accomplishments:
1. Playback Singing Career
Kalpana has recorded over 1,500 songs in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Her versatility and ability to adapt to various musical styles have made her a sought-after playback singer. She has worked with legendary composers such as Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and M. S. Viswanathan, and her songs have become iconic in the South Indian music scene.
2. Reality TV Success
In 2010, Kalpana won the fifth season of Idea Star Singer, a popular South Indian singing competition broadcast on the Malayalam TV channel Asianet. This victory brought her widespread recognition and solidified her position as a leading playback singer. She has also served as a judge on various music reality shows, including Super Singer Junior and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Champions, where she has mentored aspiring singers.
3. Stage Performances
Kalpana is known for her dynamic stage presence and has performed in over 3,000 live shows worldwide. Her ability to connect with the audience and deliver powerful performances has earned her a loyal fan base. She has also led tribute concerts for her mentors and other legendary musicians, showcasing her dedication to preserving and promoting Indian classical music.
4. Awards and Recognition
Kalpana has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the music industry. She won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her song “Pogiren” from the film 36 Vayadhinile (2015). Additionally, she received the Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song “Navamoorthulainatti” from the Telugu film Intinta Annamayya (2018). These awards highlight her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
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5. Contributions to Indian Classical Music
Kalpana’s foundation in Carnatic music has been a cornerstone of her career. She trained under the guidance of Madurai T. Srinivasan and has incorporated classical elements into her playback singing. Her efforts to promote and preserve Indian classical music have earned her immense respect in the music community.
