Sudha Raghunathan

Sudha Raghunathan is a leading singer in the Carnatic music- the classical style of music from the south of India. Sudha inherited an interest in music from her mother Smt Choodamani. She started formal training from Smt. Choodamani right from the age of nine. She later learnt from Sri. T. V Viswanathan and studied from Sri. B. V. Lakshman for a brief period. She received the Artistes for advanced training in Carnatic music. She was the first from this field to represent Carnatic music in a Germany conference. Sudha came under the tutelage of the illustrious Padmabhushan, Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Dr. M. L. Vasantha Kumari in 1977, when she won a Govt. of India Scholarship given to young artistes for advanced training in music. It was only with Dr. M.L. V's encouragement that Sudha pursued music as a career. Sudha had the golden opportunity of providing vocal support to Dr. MLV for a decade. She is considered as Dr. M.L.V's "vaarisu" by all music lovers. Bharat Jyothi, Sangeetha Choodamani, Kalaimamani, Padma Shri, Sangeetha Kala Saarathi, Sangeeta Saraswathi are some of the many awards conferred to her. Sudha is not only a virtuoso, but blessed with a compassionate heart as well. She has donated over 80 Lakhs to the needy, ill and homeless. Sudha also heads the "SAMUDHAAYA FOUNDATION" with the motive of serving the society in different spheres. Sudha considers learning to be a lifelong process and strives to improve her knowledge and repertoire. She is regarded highly by other reputed musicians from the Carnatic and the Hindustani music circles.