D . K . Pattamal
In Indian Classical Music , women are expected to sing higher notes and such singers were much admired from times immemorial . Carnatic music is of no exception to this rule but D . K . Pattamal is class apart . She performed in her comfortable pitch zone and proved time and again that women need to be individual and need not sound falsetto to gain a strong fanbase .
M . S . Subbulakshmi
M . L . Vasantha Kumari
Women instrumentalists is comparatively a lesser ratio in Carnatic music with more men taking up instruments and experimenting in the zone . But M . L . Vasantha Kumari ’ s veena renditions have set the standard for the instruments and many generations that followed . Her rendition style of the oldest instrument of the world still tugs the heart strings in modern times .
M . S . Subbulakshmi
Bombay Jayashri
Most of the Carnatic women musicians confined to the purist form of music and performed chowki kaala kritis in concerts but Bombay Jayashri is class apart in her regard . By signing in popular genres and in films , and also going into the international arena by earning herself an Oscar Nomination by the film The Life of Pi . Her impeccable style and aura has earned her many modern fans internationally as well .
M . S . Subbulakshmi
Nidumolu Sumathi
Excelling in a male-dominated profession like mrindangam is quite challenging and needs lot of physical and mental strength . Nidumolu Sumathi has proved her mettle in playing the tough instrument .
Let us celebrate these women and various other female musicians in the world of Carnatic music and relish the power of feminine power !
M . S . Subbulakshmi
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