Her
captivating voice can render a whole range of songs, can portray
myriad emotions. Manjula Gururaj, the melody queen of
Karnataka, has made her mark on the South Indian music scenario.
Her name is synonymous with the song 'Olage seridare Gundu…'
from the film Nanjundi Kalyana, that made her an overnight
star. The drunken voice in the song was so natural that it enthralled
Kannada cine-fans all over the state.
Born in a family of musicians, Manjula took up music as a matter
of worship and even to this day, music remains her first love.
She has rendered her voice for more than 1500 film songs in
nine languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam,
Tulu, Konkani and even Persian.
She is a 'A' grade artiste of AIR and television
and a senior grade vocalist in Carnatic music. With an
in depth knowledge of Hindustani and Western music,
she has composed music for Bhagaveethas, jingles and
documentaries.
In 1983, she appeared on Kannada Doordarshan channel
as a newsreader. For 14 years, her apt voice and pleasing mannerisms
made her popular among the masses.
In 1995, she was honoured with the 'Best Playback Singer'
award from the State Government for the classic song
in the film Chinnara Mutha. In the movie Beladingala
Bale, she established herself by lending her appealing voice
for the heroine, who never appears on the screen. And for this
effort, she got the 'Best Voice' award from the State.
Her
captivating voice can render a whole range of songs, can portray
myriad emotions. Manjula Gururaj, the melody queen of
Karnataka, has made her mark on the South Indian music scenario.
Her name is synonymous with the song 'Olage seridare Gundu…'
from the film Nanjundi Kalyana, that made her an overnight
star. The drunken voice in the song was so natural that it enthralled
Kannada cine-fans all over the state.
