Music was part of MS Subbulakshmi’s life long before she became one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists. Born in Madurai on September 16, 1916, the legendary singer grew up in a home filled with music. Her mother, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu, was a veena player. Her grandmother, Akkammal, played the violin.Madurai Shanmukhavadivu introduced MS Subbulakshmi to music at a very young age. The young singer’s talent emerged early. Britannica reports that she recorded her first song when she was just 10. The Hindu reported that she gave her first stage performance at the age of 13.
MS Subbulakshmi’s musical roots in Madurai
MS Subbulakshmi belonged to the Isai Vellalar community, according to Britannica. The community had a long association with music and dance. It also included women from the Devadasi tradition. Her initials came from her mother’s name, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu. This followed a naming custom associated with the tradition.Music soon became more than a family inheritance for MS Subbulakshmi. It became the foundation of an extraordinary career. By 1936 when she moved to Madras, now Chennai, she had already established herself as a promising Carnatic vocalist.
Her early rise on the Madras music scene
MS Subbulakshmi’s association with the Madras Music Academy marked another important stage in her career. She performed there in 1933 and was reportedly the first woman to sing at the Academy’s annual conference, according to The Hindu reports.Her move to Madras also brought T Sadasivam into her life. According to The Caravan report, MS Subbulakshmi sought his help after meeting him during an earlier visit to the city. T Sadasivam was associated with the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan. He was also involved in the Indian independence movement.The same portal reported that T Sadasivam was married when MS Subbulakshmi came to stay with him. The two later married in July 1940, following the death of T Sadasivam’s wife. T Sadasivam subsequently played a major role in managing MS Subbulakshmi’s professional career.
From Carnatic concerts to global stages
MS Subbulakshmi’s early performances included brigas, the fast-paced musical phrases associated with the classical tradition. Over the years, devotional music became an increasingly important part of her repertoire. Her voice also reached audiences beyond traditional Carnatic music circles.The legend performed at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1963 and at the United Nations in New York in 1966. She later performed at Carnegie Hall in 1977 and London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1982. Her repertoire included compositions associated with Tyagaraja, Tulsidas, Kabir, Rabindranath Tagore and Annamacharya, as reported by Britannica.
Rashmika Mandanna takes on MS Subbulakshmi
On September 16, 2026, MS Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary, her life received a new cinematic chapter. The biopic ‘MS – A Legacy On Screen’ was officially announced in Chennai. Rashmika Mandanna will portray MS Subbulakshmi in the film. The actor attended the announcement event at the Music Academy in a blue saree.Speaking about the opportunity, Rashmika Mandanna said, “I feel very proud to speak in front of you all. Right now, I have only one feeling in my heart, and that is gratitude,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.She also reflected on the legendary singer’s voice, saying, “There is a unique divine power in your voice. When listening to it, I genuinely feel like I am sitting in the presence of God. It’s a blessing.” Rashmika Mandanna added, “Amma, you chose me to be a small part of your life – for that, I am always grateful, and I always will be. I will definitely give my best, I promise.”
Kamal Haasan encourages Rashmika Mandanna
Kamal Haasan attended the launch as the chief guest and offered Rashmika Mandanna words of encouragement. He highlighted the importance of capturing MS Subbulakshmi’s compassion through her performance.“If you bring that compassion in your eyes, you have won half the battle. You have to do it bravely,” Kamal Haasan told Rashmika Mandanna.‘MS – A Legacy On Screen’ is directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, known for the National Award-winning sports drama ‘Jersey’. Anirudh Ravichander is composing the film’s soundtrack and score.
