| P. Unnikrishnan | |
|---|---|
Unnikrishnan | |
| Background information | |
| Born | July 9, 1966 Palakkad, Kerala, India |
| Genres | Indian classical music |
| Occupations | Playback Singer, Classical Singer & Judge (Idea Star Singer, Airtel super singer 2008) |
| Years active | 1992 – present |
| Website | http://www.unnikrishnan.com/ |
Early life and background
Unnikrishnan was born to K.Radhakrishnan and Dr.Harini Radhakrishnan, in Palakkad, Kerala.[1] .The family home, Kesari Kuteeram, was a well known landmark of Madras city, with great grandfather Dr KN Kesari being an eminent Ayurvedic physician and the promoter of the popular Telugu women's magazine Gruhalakshmi .
He went to Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chennai, in 1983. He graduated from Vivekananda College, Chennai, and received his B.Com degree from the Madras University. He earned a General Law and Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.
He worked as an executive in Parrys Confectionery Ltd. from 1987 to 1992 and quit his job to become a professional singer.
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Family Background:
Born to Shri.K.Radhakrishnan, Director, Kesari Kuteeram Pvt Ltd Manufacturers of Ayurvedic Medicines and Dr.Harini on the 9th of July 1966. Married to Priya on Nov 9th 1994. Blessed with a son Vasudev Krishna.
Musical Training:
Had his initial training under Shri V.L.Seshadri and then went on to learn from Sangeetha Kalanidhi late Dr.S.Ramanathan and Sangeetha Kala Acharya late Shri Calcutta K.S.Krishnamurthy. At present under the guidance of Smt. Savithri Sathyamurthy and Sri. P.S.Narayanaswamy. Also underwent a special workshop in the Veenai Dhanammal Bhani from Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwanathan and Sangeetha Kalanidhi late Smt.T.Brinda.
Educational Qualifications:
Holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce and General Law.
Did his Post Graduation in Personnel Management, Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare.
Others:
Life member of the Tamilnadu Cricket association and Member of the Madras Cricket club.
Born to Shri.K.Radhakrishnan, Director, Kesari Kuteeram Pvt Ltd Manufacturers of Ayurvedic Medicines and Dr.Harini on the 9th of July 1966. Married to Priya on Nov 9th 1994. Blessed with a son Vasudev Krishna.
Musical Training:
Had his initial training under Shri V.L.Seshadri and then went on to learn from Sangeetha Kalanidhi late Dr.S.Ramanathan and Sangeetha Kala Acharya late Shri Calcutta K.S.Krishnamurthy. At present under the guidance of Smt. Savithri Sathyamurthy and Sri. P.S.Narayanaswamy. Also underwent a special workshop in the Veenai Dhanammal Bhani from Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwanathan and Sangeetha Kalanidhi late Smt.T.Brinda.
Educational Qualifications:
Holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce and General Law.
Did his Post Graduation in Personnel Management, Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare.
Others:
Life member of the Tamilnadu Cricket association and Member of the Madras Cricket club.
Singing career
Unnikrishnan was initiated into Carnatic Music at age of 12 by Seshadri, Unnikrishnan. He was inspired by Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan.[2] He attended a special workshop for six months on "Veena Dhanammal Bhani" under Sangeetha Kalanidhi T.Brinda and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwanathan.[3]
He is a national award winning playback singer for his debut film song "Ennavale Adi Ennavale". The song was composed by A. R. Rahman, with whom Unni Krishnan gave most of his memorable songs. He is one of the permanent judges in the reality television show AIRTEL Super Singer on Vijay TV in both the seasons (2006, 2008 & 2010-2011) and 2008 Idea Star Singer on Asianet.
Unnikrishnan is also becoming known for his experimental work. In 2008, he presented a novel jazz concert in Trivandrum with the Eli Yamin Jazz Quartet and pianist Anil Srinivasan.
He prefers singing classical songs to movies.[4]
“Carnatic music has grown to a great extent. The taste of the audience has changed with time. Youngsters have developed a taste for the music form and the number of people flocking to these concerts has increased by leaps and bounds. There is novelty in the genre.”
“The nuances of Carnatic music may be difficult for a layman to understand but music lovers today are willing to put in the effort to enjoy the music. I have seen youngsters talking about this form of music with enthusiasm. People take time off their busy schedules to come and listen to us artistes. So, it’s our responsibility to ensure that they enjoy the music. Even in reality shows, we ask the contestants to develop a taste for Carnatic music so that they can perform better in light music.”[5]
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Personal life
Unni Krishnan is married to Priya, a Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam dancer. They were married on November 1994 and have a son named Vasudev Krishna and a daughter named Uthra. Vasudev Krishna was born in 27 May 1997 and Uthra was born in 11 June 2004. He is passionate about cricket and is a member of the Madras Cricket Club and Life Member of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.[6]
Playback Singing Discography
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Awards
He is the recipient of many honours and Awards which include Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamilnadu, Best Raaga award from Music Academy, Yuvakala Bharati from Bharat Kalachar. He received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his first song Ennavale in 1994 (Kadhalan). Krishnan is also the recipient of Isai Peroli Award instituted by Kartik Fine Arts for the year 1998. He received national award for uyirum neeya (pavithra). He was awarded "Isai Peroli" "Yuva Kala Barathi" "Nada Bhushanam" and the title "Kalaimamani" by the Govt. of TamilNadu. Krishnan is an "A" grade artist of the All India Radio and has given a number of concerts all over India, U.S.A, The Middle East, The United Kingdom, The Far East, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
