Rajesh Krishnan

Actor

Summary

Rajesh Krishnan is a distinguished Indian playback singer, actor, and dubbing artist who has left an indelible mark on South Indian cinema. Born in Bengaluru into a musical family, he was mentored by his mother, a Carnatic vocalist, and began his professional journey under renowned composers like Hamsalekha. He made his mainstream debut in 1991 with the song “Mathinalle Gellaballe” from the film Gowri Ganesha. Over a prolific career spanning more than three decades, Krishnan became a powerhouse in the Kannada film industry, recording over 3,000 songs and becoming the first singer from Karnataka to achieve this milestone. His versatility extended to Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, with his breakout Telugu hit “Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu” from Ninne Pelladatha earning him the prestigious Nandi Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

Beyond his vocal prowess, Rajesh has explored acting, most notably earning a Filmfare South nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2008 hit Gaalipata. His accolades include three Karnataka State Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and a SIIMA award for the song “Kaarmoda” from Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari. A committed mentor to the next generation of artists, he has served as a recurring judge on Zee Kannada's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Whether through his vast discography of film songs, devotional albums, or his contributions to television, Rajesh Krishnan remains a pivotal figure in the cultural landscape of the South Indian entertainment industry.