M S Subbulakshami

Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi (1916–2004), popularly known as M. S. Subbulakshmi, was an Indian Carnatic vocalist, musician, and cultural icon, celebrated as one of the greatest voices in Indian classical music. Revered as the “Queen of Carnatic Music” and affectionately called “MS Amma”, she transcended the boundaries of genre and geography to become the first Indian musician to achieve international acclaim, blending musical mastery with grace, devotion, and social purpose.

Early Life and Background

M. S. Subbulakshmi was born on 16 September 1916 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, into a family deeply rooted in music. Her mother, Shanmukhavadivu, was a respected veena player, and her grandmother was also musically inclined. Growing up in this artistic environment, Subbulakshmi displayed prodigious talent from an early age, showing remarkable sensitivity to melody, rhythm, and expression.
She began formal training in Carnatic music under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and later absorbed the influences of Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar and Mysore Vasudevachar, who shaped her distinctive vocal style. Her first public performance took place at the Rockfort Temple in Tiruchirappalli when she was just eleven years old, immediately attracting critical attention.

Rise to Fame

By the 1930s, M. S. Subbulakshmi had emerged as a leading figure in the Madras music scene, a period marked by the revival of Indian classical traditions under the influence of the nationalist movement. Her 1929 performance at the Madras Music Academy, at the age of thirteen, was a turning point, establishing her as a prodigy whose voice combined technical precision with emotional depth.
Her early recordings for His Master’s Voice (HMV) brought her wide recognition, while her appearances in Tamil films such as Sevasadanam (1938), Sakunthalai (1940), and Meera (1945) further expanded her audience. In Meera, she portrayed the sixteenth-century saint-poet Meerabai, and her soulful renditions of devotional songs—particularly “Hari Tum Haro” and “Bhaj Govindam”—became timeless classics. The film was later made in Hindi and released nationally, cementing her reputation across India.

Musical Style and Contributions

M. S. Subbulakshmi’s music was distinguished by purity of tone, impeccable diction, and spiritual intensity. Her voice, noted for its clarity, depth, and resonance, was capable of conveying complex ragas with effortless grace. She excelled in rendering kritis (devotional compositions) by the Trinity of Carnatic music—Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri—as well as compositions in Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
Her style represented the perfect synthesis of technical discipline and emotional devotion (bhakti). Every performance embodied humility, precision, and transcendence, qualities that endeared her to both connoisseurs and lay audiences.
Subbulakshmi was also instrumental in popularising Vishnu Sahasranamam, Bhaj Govindam, and the Suprabhatam, which became integral parts of South Indian devotional life. Her rendering of these compositions transcended linguistic barriers and continues to be played daily in temples and households across India.

Major Performances and International Recognition

M. S. Subbulakshmi was the first Indian musician to perform at several prestigious international venues. Her global appearances elevated Carnatic music to international prominence:

• 1947: Performed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, representing Indian culture on a world stage. Her performance was met with a standing ovation, and she later recorded the concert at the UN’s request.
• 1963: Sang at the Edinburgh International Festival, captivating Western audiences with the sophistication of Indian classical music.
• 1966: Performed at Carnegie Hall, New York, and later at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
• 1974: Represented India at the Festival of India in Moscow.

These concerts showcased not only her artistry but also India’s rich cultural heritage, earning her global admiration and establishing her as a cultural ambassador.

Awards and Honours

M. S. Subbulakshmi received numerous accolades during her illustrious career, reflecting both her musical genius and her service to the nation:

• Padma Bhushan (1954) – among the earliest recipients of India’s high civilian honours.
• Sangeetha Kalanidhi (1968) – the most prestigious title in Carnatic music, awarded by the Madras Music Academy, making her the first woman to receive it.
• Ramon Magsaysay Award (1974) – for Public Service, recognising her contribution to music and philanthropy, and marking the first time the honour was given to a musician.
• Padma Vibhushan (1975) – for distinguished service in the arts.
• Bharat Ratna (1998) – India’s highest civilian award, acknowledging her lifelong dedication to Indian classical music and culture.

She was also conferred honorary doctorates by several universities, including Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University, in recognition of her artistic excellence.

Philanthropy and Social Service

Beyond her musical accomplishments, M. S. Subbulakshmi was deeply committed to philanthropy. She donated the proceeds from numerous concerts to charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. Beneficiaries included the Indian Red Cross, Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust, and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Her humility and service-oriented outlook were legendary. She performed benefit concerts for temples, hospitals, and social institutions, viewing music as a medium for human upliftment rather than personal gain.

Personal Life

M. S. Subbulakshmi married T. Sadasivam, a freedom fighter, journalist, and founding editor of Kalki magazine. Sadasivam played a crucial role in managing her career and promoting her performances, ensuring that her art reached both classical and popular audiences. Their partnership was grounded in mutual respect, devotion, and shared ideals of service.
The couple were deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and often participated in national causes. Subbulakshmi sang patriotic and devotional songs at several events associated with India’s freedom movement.

Legacy and Influence

M. S. Subbulakshmi’s impact on Indian music and culture is immeasurable. She set new standards of excellence in Carnatic performance, particularly for women artists, breaking barriers in a field once dominated by men. Her artistry continues to inspire generations of vocalists who regard her as a model of musical purity and spiritual sincerity.
Her recordings remain benchmarks of interpretive perfection, studied by musicians and scholars alike. The devotional aura of her music and her dignified persona earned her near-saintly reverence among admirers, who often described listening to her voice as a spiritual experience.
Her home in Kotturpuram, Chennai, became a cultural landmark, and her life is commemorated through music festivals, research projects, and documentaries. Statues and portraits of M. S. Subbulakshmi adorn major cultural institutions, including the Madras Music Academy and UNESCO’s headquarters, symbolising her global legacy.

Death and Commemoration

M. S. Subbulakshmi passed away on 11 December 2004 in Chennai at the age of 88. Her death marked the end of an era in Indian classical music, but her voice continues to resonate across time and generations.
The Government of India and numerous cultural bodies organised tributes, and concerts in her memory are held annually during the Margazhi music season in Chennai. In 2016, to mark her centenary, India issued a commemorative ₹100 coin and hosted national celebrations honouring her contributions.