M. G. Sreekumar

M. G. Sreekumar is one of Malayalam cinema’s most enduring voices—a singer whose four-decade career has encompassed more than 2,500 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Sanskrit. Born in 1957 to harmonist and classical vocalist Malabar Gopalan Nair, and younger brother to composer M. G. Radhakrishnan, he was steeped in Carnatic music from childhood, first entering recording studios by accompanying Radhakrishnan to film sessions. After six years working in banking, Sreekumar made his debut in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), singing three songs. What followed was one of Malayalam cinema’s defining creative alignments: Through the 1980s and 1990s, he became the de facto voice of actor Mohanlal, performing for the superstar in films by director Priyadarshan—a trio whose chemistry produced some of the era’s most beloved soundtrack moments. His two National Film Awards came for “Naadaroopini” from His Highness Abdullah (1990) and “Chanthupottum Chankelassum” from Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum (1999), each showcasing the classical purity and emotional restraint of his vocals. His contribution to A.R. Rahman’s “Jiya Jale” for Dil Se (1998), alongside Lata Mangeshkar, brought a distinct South Indian tonal colour to the Hindi song. Beyond singing, Sreekumar has also composed music for films including Priyadarshan’s National Award-winning Tamil film Kanchivaram (2008), and was honoured with the Harivarasanam Award by the Government of Kerala in 2016.