M. S. Subbulakshmi

Born into a musical family in Madurai, M. S. Subbulakshmi began performing publicly as a child. She became one of the best-known Carnatic vocalists of the twentieth century, bringing classical and devotional music to wide audiences through concerts and recordings. Her film appearances included the title role in Meera.

In 1968 she became the first woman to receive the Music Academy Madras's Sangita Kalanidhi title. The Ramon Magsaysay Award followed in 1974, recognising her music and support for public causes. In 1998 she received the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Her career joins artistic excellence with the power of music to reach and support a wider community.