Subbulakshmi, M.S. (1916–2004)

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Subbulakshmi, M.S. (1916–2004)

Indian singer. Name variations: Madurai Shanmugavadivu Subbulakshmi. Born Subbulakshmi, Sept 16, 1916, in Madurai, in southern Tamil Nadu; died Dec 11, 2004; dau. of Shanmugavadivu (mother who played the lute-like veena); m. Thiyagaraja Sadasivam (freedom fighter), 1940 (died 1997).

One of India's greatest musicians, was a vocalist in the classical Carnatic style of southern India; had a career that spanned 6 decades; also acted in a few Tamil films, including Seva Sadanam (1938) and Meera (1945); was the 1st female vocalist to be honored with the title Sangita Kalanidhi (music maestro) by the Music Academy of Chennai (1968); received the Magsaysay award for public service (1974), Indira Gandhi award (1990) and the Bharat Ratna (1996), India's highest civilian honor.