M. S. Subbulakshmi

Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi was born in Madurai in 1916 and trained from childhood in Carnatic music, going on to become one of the most celebrated vocalists in its history. Her renditions of devotional compositions — including the Venkateswara Suprabhatam, traditionally played at dawn in temples and homes across South India — remain iconic decades after they were recorded. She performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including a landmark concert at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 to mark UN Day, and became closely associated with the freedom-movement anthem 'Kurai Onrum Illai'. In 1998, she became the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in recognition of a career that helped bring Carnatic music to national and international audiences while maintaining exacting classical standards. She also acted in a small number of Tamil films in her youth, including a portrayal of the saint-poet Meera, before dedicating herself fully to concert performance.