Lakshmi Nagaraj

Lakshmi Nataraj (born Lakshmi Nagaraj, 5 May 1988) is an Indian Carnatic classical vocalist and playback singer associated primarily with the Kannada music and film industry. She is also widely recognised as one half of the Chilkunda Sisters, alongside her sister Indu Nagaraj.

Born in Chilkunda near Mysuru, Karnataka, she comes from a musically rooted family. Her early training began under her father, Vidwan C. A. Nagaraj, a vocalist and flautist, and continued under her grandmother, C. S. Sathya Lakshmi. She gave her first public performance at a young age and has since appeared at prominent cultural platforms, including performances during Mysore Dasara celebrations.

Lakshmi Nataraj’s repertoire spans Carnatic classical music, Sugama Sangeetha, and devotional compositions, alongside an active career in playback singing. She entered the Kannada film industry with Partha (2003) and has since recorded for several composers. Her song “Omkara” from Aptharakshaka (2010) earned her the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

In addition to performances, she has contributed to music education and outreach through television, serving as a mentor on programs such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Kannada and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Championship. She is also a graded artist of All India Radio.

Lakshmi continues to perform at classical festivals, devotional events, and cultural platforms across India, maintaining an active presence in both concert and playback circuits.