Parakkal Unnikrishnan, often hailed for his mellifluous voice and unpretentious charm, is a unique figure in Indian music. Bridging the rich legacy of Carnatic classical music with the magnetic appeal of film playback, he has carved a niche that remains both inspiring and enduring. With a career that reflects both discipline and innovation, Unnikrishnan is not just a singer—he is a storyteller, an experimenter, and an artist rooted in tradition yet never afraid of evolution.
🌱 Early Life and Background
Born on 9 July 1966 in Palakkad, Kerala, Unnikrishnan hails from a lineage rich in cultural and intellectual heritage. His family home, Kesari Kuteeram, located in Madras (now Chennai), was a famed cultural hub thanks to his great-grandfather, Dr. K. N. Kesari, a respected Ayurvedic physician and promoter of the Telugu women’s magazine Gruhalakshmi.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Parakkal Unnikrishnan |
| Date of Birth | 9 July 1966 |
| Birthplace | Palakkad, Kerala, India |
| Family Legacy | Dr. K. N. Kesari (Great-grandfather) |
| Education | B.Com from Madras University |
| Professional Qualification | PG Diploma in Personnel Management & IR |
Unnikrishnan’s schooling journey took him from Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School to Santhome Higher Secondary School, culminating in a degree from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai. Before embracing music full-time, he worked as an executive at Parry’s Confectionery Ltd. from 1987 to 1994.
🎶 Carnatic Roots and Musical Training
Unnikrishnan’s formal initiation into Carnatic music began at the age of 12, under V. L. Seshadri. He was profoundly inspired by Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan, and later attended a workshop on the Veena Dhanammal Bhani under the legendary T. Brinda and Dr. T. Vishwa Nathan.
His grounding in tradition reflects in his vocal style—emotionally resonant, technically precise, and steeped in bhava (feeling). Despite his playback fame, he has remained committed to the classical stage.
🎤 Playback Singing: A Phenomenal Debut
Unnikrishnan’s playback journey began with a flourish. His debut songs, composed by A. R. Rahman, catapulted him to fame:
| 🎵 Debut Film Songs | 🎼 Composer | 🎖️ Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Ennavale Adi Ennavale | A. R. Rahman | National Award Winner |
| Uyirum Neeye | A. R. Rahman | National Award Winner |
He became the first male playback singer to win the National Film Award for a Tamil song, a milestone in Indian music history. What followed was a long-standing collaboration with A. R. Rahman and other prominent composers across South Indian languages.
📺 Television and Experimentation
Beyond playback and classical concerts, Unnikrishnan became a familiar face on Indian television. He served as a permanent judge on:
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Airtel Super Singer (Vijay TV) – various seasons from 2006 to 2018
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Idea Star Singer (Asianet) – 2008
Unnikrishnan has also explored fusion and experimental genres, including a 2008 jazz concert in Thiruvananthapuram with the Eli Yamin Jazz Quartet and pianist Anil Srinivasan—a rare collaboration blending Carnatic purity with jazz improvisation.
🎧 Devotional Albums and Classical Focus
Despite modern acclaim, Unnikrishnan’s heart remains loyal to the classical and devotional tradition. In 2012, he recorded a series of devotional albums for Gaananjali Recordings, composed by Manachanallur Giridharan.
| Album Title | Deity |
|---|---|
| Ayyan Malai Engal Malai | Lord Ayyappan |
| Om Nava Sakthi Jaya Jaya Sakthi | Devi |
| Sabarimalai Va Charanam Solli Va | Lord Ayyappan |
| Vindhaigal Purindhai Nee En Vazhvile | Lord Venkateswara |
| Uchi Pillaiyare Charanam | Lord Ganesha |
His rendition of “Harivarasanam” in the Ayyappa album has gained widespread admiration and is regarded as one of the most popular versions after the legendary K. J. Yesudas.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
Unnikrishnan’s contributions to music have earned him several honours:
| 🏅 Award Title | 🏛️ Organisation |
|---|---|
| National Film Award (1994) | Government of India |
| Kalaimamani | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Isai Peroli | Kartik Fine Arts |
| Sangeetha Kalasarathy | Krishna Gana Sabha |
| Yuva Kala Bharathi | Bharat Kalachar |
| Nada Bhushanam | Shanmukhananda Fine Arts |
| Sangeetha Chakravarthy | Trinity Arts Festival, Chennai |
| Isai Selvam | Tamil Isai Sangam |
👨👩👧👦 Personal Life and Musical Legacy
Unnikrishnan married Priya, a skilled Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam dancer, in November 1994. The couple has two children:
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Vasudev Krishna – A cricket enthusiast and member of the Madras Cricket Club
-
Uthara Unnikrishnan – A gifted singer who won the National Award for her debut song “Azhagu” in the film Saivam.
| 👨👩👧👦 Family Tree | 🏅 Achievements |
|---|---|
| Unnikrishnan | National Award for debut film songs |
| Uthara Unnikrishnan | National Award for “Azhagu” – youngest winner ever |
A unique moment in Indian playback history, both father and daughter have won national awards for their debut songs, underlining the musical gene running in the family.
Parakkal Unnikrishnan is a rare blend of discipline, humility, and vocal brilliance. Whether delivering soulful ragas on a concert stage or emotive melodies on screen, he has remained unwavering in his commitment to excellence. Rooted in Carnatic tradition and open to the winds of modernity, he is a symbol of how Indian classical artists can transcend boundaries without losing their essence.
With over three decades of contribution to Indian music, Unnikrishnan’s journey is a harmonious blend of classical purity, cinematic charm, and spiritual depth—an inspiration to generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
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