Born Parakkal Unnikrishnan, P. Unnikrishnan is one of the most esteemed and acclaimed singers not only in India but also throughout the world. The singer has been classically trained in Carnatic music since the tender age of 12. With hard work and an immense amount of dedication, the singer has grown into the superstar he is today. It is difficult to think of Tamil cinema without the melodious voice of Unnikrishnan giving life to some of the most classic films. On the legend’s birthday, let us reminisce about some of his most unforgettable melodious works.
Enakke Enakke
This was a time when A.R. Rahman laid claim to the 90s; his music has entered into the very deep trenches of the human heart, and through the heavenly voice of Unnikrishnan, his music remained there. The soulful voice lent by Unnikrishnan and the rest of the singers in the Rahman masterpiece of an album had garnered the music director a Filmfare Award. The wonder and excitement of new love were marvellously captured by Unnikrishnan’s illustrious voice.
Ennavale Adi Ennavale
Unnikrishnan’s phenomenal work on this hit A.R. Rahman song earned him the prestigious National Award for Best Playback Singer. His very precious and precocious pronunciation of each syllable in the lyrics gives the body of the song an undeniable beating soul. His voice carries the song and the agonising love expressed in the song into a higher, unearthly realm of ecstasy.
Un Samayal Araiyil
This playful romantic ballad produced by the amazing Vidyasagar is one of Unnikrishnan’s most interesting works. The song is structured in such a way that the two singers have to flirt and sing back and forth with one another, and both Unnikrishnan and Sujatha Mohan have done wonderful work in this. The song is still memorable to many for its bashful romance and underlying ache.
Nenjodu
Acclaimed as one of the greatest works of Yuvan, penned by the late Na. Muthukumar, this piece of music is truly one of the most sentimental songs sung by Unnikrishnan. The song’s aching and painful lyrics, filled with the yearning need for love and affection, were brought out so carefully and tenderly by the talented singer. This solemn tune is oftentimes the only companion some have at night, and we should all express our gratitude to Unnikrishnan for lending his heartrending voice to this creation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUdFE9yroCE
Innisai Paadivarum
This classic Vintage Vijay song is something each 90s kid treasures in their hearts, and to have the evanescent Unnikrishnan bring this song alive is truly a gift to us all. Composed by the much-talented SA Rajkumar, this song and the film it comes from are some of the most essential, nostalgia-inducing works of art out there. The song till today remains fresh and brand new, not least because of the melodious and momentous voice of Unnikrishnan.
To the legendary man who gave his heavenly voice to light up the chambers of our childhood, we have nothing but love and gratitude to express. His voice shall carry on from generation to generation, remembering some of the greatest songs ever composed in the Tamil language.
