Sirkazhi Govindarajan Biography 
Sirkazhi Govindarajan was a leading Carnatic vocalist of 20th century who lived in Tamil Nadu. He belonged to Sirkazhi of Tamil Nadu. A recipient of Padma Shri award by the Government of India, Madras University conferred a doctorate in the year 1983 for his outstanding contributions to the field of Carnatic music. Govindarajan had also done playback singing for all south Indian language films. During the early 1950s he won numerous Carnatic concerts and received prizes like Sangeetha Vidwan, and many competitions conducted by Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha. He passed away at a comparatively young age of 55. His son Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram is also a leading vocalist and a recipient of Padma Shri from India Government and Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu government.
Sirkazhi Govindarajan was born on January 19, 1933 in Sirkazhi, Madras Presidency of British India. Siva Chidambaram and Avayambal Ammal were his parents. A child prodigy he made his first public performance at the age of only 8 at Tirupurasundari Temple during Gnana Paal Festival. He graduated in music from Tamil Isai College in Chennai in 1949, followed by a ‘Sangeetha Vidwan' degree. He also took formal training in Carnatic music from Thiruppampuram Swaminatha Pillai. After graduation he started competing in music concerts and has been honoured several times. He is a recipient of three gold medals from Sangeetha Vidwat Sabha.
Sirkazhi Govindarajan also entered the field of playback singing, though he was concentrated on Carnatic concerts more. Associated in the era of films known for quality music, he was far ahead of his contemporaries in playback singing because of his versatility and his specific involvement in devotional songs and carnatic music. ‘Aaadi Adangum Vaazhkaiyada' of Neerkumizhi, 'Maranathai Enni Kalangidum' of Karnan, 'Samarasam Ulaavum' and 'Azhaithavar Kuralukku' of Anaathai Aanandhan are among those precious gems of film music.
Published: N/A
Updated: February 05, 2016
