Media365
Renowned singer Kalpana Raghavendar is reportedly receiving treatment at Holistic Hospital in Hyderabad after an alleged suicide attempt. Media reports state that she consumed sleeping pills on March 2 and was found unconscious at her home. She was immediately taken to the hospital and is now on ventilator support. Many have sent their good wishes for her recovery. However, not many know that the 44-year-old singer has been part of the industry for over 30 years.
Kalpana Raghavendar was born on May 8, 1980 in a core musicians’ family. Her father, T. S. Raghavendra, was a playback singer, composer, and actor, while her mother, Sulochana, is also a singer. Her sister, Shekinah Shawn, is an opera singer.
Kalpana trained in Carnatic music under Madurai T. Srinivasan and earned a Master of Computer Applications degree. She began singing at five and appeared in the film Punnagai Mannan at six. Her first recorded song was a family track composed by Saluri Vasurao. In 1999, she made her playback singing debut with “Mangalagouriki” from the film Manoharam, composed by Mani Sharma.
She was also the winner of Idea Star Singer Malayalam and participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1. By 2013, she had recorded 1,500 songs and performed in over 3,000 shows across India and abroad. Currently, she serves as a judge on Super Singer Junior.
Kalpana collaborated with legendary composers such as Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman and performed alongside iconic singers like S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and K. S. Chithra. Although renowned as a playback singer, she is best known for her dynamic live performances.
She also played a small role in the 1986 film Punnagai Mannan, starring Kamal Haasan.
Some of her popular songs include Poda Poda Punnaku, Premante Suluvu Kadhura, Joole Joole, Dikkulu Choodaku, Pogiren, Jiguru Jiguru, Yappa Chappa, Oyaa Oyaa, Kodi Parakura Kaalam, and Telangana Tejam.
It is reported that apartment security alerted the residents after the singer failed to answer the door for two days. Her neighbours reportedly informed the police.
The reason for the alleged suicide remains unclear, but her industry colleagues were spotted heading to the hospital. In a viral video, Sunitha is seen hurrying to Kalpana’s ward. When questioned about it, she declined to comment.
