Manjari

Manjari, born on April 17, 1986, is an accomplished Indian playback singer and Hindustani vocalist. Her journey into the realm of music began at a young age, marked by her first stage performance with the Kolkata-based rock band Shiva when she was in class eight. This early exposure ignited her passion for music, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Career

The legendary Ilaiyaraaja orchestrated Manjari's entry into the world of film music in the Sathyan Anthikad movie, "Achuvinte Amma." She made her debut singing two songs in the film, a duet titled 'Swasathin Thalam' with Dr. K.J. Yesudas and a solo 'Tamarakuruvikku.' This marked the beginning of a prolific career in playback singing.

Since her debut, Manjari has collaborated with esteemed composers such as Ramesh Narayan, Ilayaraaja, M.G. Radhakrishnan, Kaithapram Vishwanathan, Vidyasagar, M. Jayachandran, Ouseppachan, Mohan Sithara, and the late Raveendran Master and Johnson Master. Her versatility is evident in her contribution to albums like Balabhaskar's "Mazhayil Aaro Oral." She has lent her soulful voice to over 300 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu films, as well as various devotional, melody, and solo albums.

Manjari's musical prowess extends beyond the film industry. Since 2003, she has graced the stage with Hindustani classical concerts in India and globally under the banner of "Soorya." Not confined to a single genre, she has also earned acclaim as a Ghazal singer, performing in an exclusive Ghazal show titled 'Khayal' on 'Media One TV.'

Personal Life

Born to Babu Rajendran and Dr. Latha, Manjari grew up with a younger sister named Madhuri. She completed her education at the Indian School, Al Wadi Al Kabir, in the Sultanate of Oman. In her personal life, Manjari is married to her childhood friend Jerin.

Filmography

Manjari's discography spans a wide range of films across languages. Some notable films include "Achuvinte Amma," "Rasathanthram," "Photographer," "Hello," "Mayavi," "Positive," "Vilapangalkappuram," "Puthumukhangal," "Urumi," and many more.

Discography

Apart from her film contributions, Manjari has an extensive discography featuring songs like "Thane Thamburu" (Vamanapuram Bus Route), "Mukilin Makale" (Makalkku), "Swasathin Thalam" (Achuvinte Amma), and various others in Malayalam, Tamil, and other languages.

Recognition and Awards

Manjari's exceptional vocal prowess has been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Female Singer. She won this award twice, first in 2004 for the song "Mukilin Makale" in the film "Makalkku" and then in 2008 for "Mullulla Murikkinmel" in "Vilapangalkappuram."

Her contribution to Urdu and the genre of ghazals earned her the Sahir and Adeeb International Award in 2016, making her the youngest Indian recipient that year. This recognition places her among the esteemed personalities who have received this award, including Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Kaifi Azmi, and others.

Musical Ventures and Original Compositions

Beyond playback singing, Manjari has explored her creativity through various musical ventures. She runs her own YouTube channel, showcasing her performances and original compositions. Her first Hindi single, "Aiy Aiy Yaa," was released in 2014, and she followed up with a Malayalam single titled "Anuragam" in 2015, which she composed and sang.

Notably, Manjari ventured into the world of ghazals, releasing her original composition titled "Ab Etbaar Nahi" in 2020. This ghazal, penned by Moid Rasheedi, received widespread acclaim, establishing Manjari as a versatile artist capable of composing and performing in diverse genres.

Television Presence

Manjari's influence extends beyond the film industry into the realm of television. She has served as a judge on shows like "Smart Singer," "Pathinalam Raavu," "Surya Super Singer," and "Star Singer Season 8." Additionally, she has appeared in films like "Positive" (2008), "Rock Star" (2015), and "Varthamanam" (2019).

Conclusion

Manjari's journey from a young performer with a rock band to an award-winning playback singer and ghazal artist showcases her evolution as a versatile and accomplished musician. Her contributions to film music, television, and original compositions attest to her dedication to the art form. As Manjari continues to enchant audiences with her soulful renditions, her legacy in the music industry remains vibrant and enduring.