Gayathri Sreekrishnan Biography 
Gayathri Sreekrishnan was a playback singer of Malayalam 1950s. She was one of the early female playback singers of Malayalam cinema, who shot to fame with her second recorded song, , ‘Naazhiyuri Paalukond Naadake Kalyanam’ for 1956 film, ‘Raarichan Enna Pauran’. She sang this duet with Santa P. Nair for which she is still remembered, even after 50 years of film release. She also sang the song, ‘Thekkunnu Nammal Chakkayonnu Vaangi’ for the same film, before the iconic song, ‘Naazhiyuri Paalukond Naadake Kalyanam’ was recorded. Even after gaining recognition for her debut film, she never took a career in playback singing seriously, and worked with Akashvani Kozhikode for many years till her retirement.
Gayathri Sreekrishnan was born in 1934 in Palluruthi of Kochi. She later spent many years in Kozhikode, where she worked with All India Radio as a programme announcer and presenter. She joined radio station soon after completing her graduation. She has scripted many radio plays, and also composed songs for radio station. She sang a few songs as well, though she never took to playback singing in Malayalam cinema.
Gayathri Sreekrishnan was married to G. S. Krishnan, a flautist and employee at Akshvani Kozhikode, and the couple had one son and daughter, both associated with the field of art, theatre and music. At the age of 12, she also got opportunity to perform on stage with leading playback singer of Bollywood, Mohammed Rafi. The singer was impressed by her voice and even invited her to come to Mumbai. ‘Raarichan Enna Pauran’ released in 1956 marked her debut in playback singing, and she also recorded a few non-filmy Malayalam songs. She passed away on 16th June, 2019 in Delhi, aged 85.
Published: August 24, 2019
Updated: August 24, 2019
