Radhika (1970 – 10 November 2017) was an Indian playback singer known for her contributions to Telugu cinema. She recorded over 200 songs in various South Indian languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. Radhika is particularly recognized for singing item numbers in commercial films.[1]

Radhika
రాధిక
Born1970
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died10 November 2017
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Genres
OccupationSinger
Years active1980s–2014

She gained prominence with her iconic song "Bavalu Sayya... Maradallu Sayya" from the film Bava Bavamaridi (1993), which became a significant hit. Other notable tracks include "Aata Kavala," "Amalapuram Bulloda," and "Sunnunda Theesuko."[2] Despite a successful career, she did not achieve widespread recognition.[3]

Early life and career

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Radhika was born in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.[1] She was the niece of Telugu actor and former Member of Parliament Siva Prasad.[4][5]

Radhika started her career as a playback singer in the late 1980s and became known in the South Indian music industry, especially in Telugu cinema. Her breakthrough came with the hit song "Bavalu Sayya... Maradallu Sayya". She later contributed to many successful songs, especially item numbers in the 1990s and early 2000s.[1]

She took a step back from the music industry in 2004 and distanced herself from the limelight. She faced serious health challenges, including a kidney disorder, and had been under medical treatment since 2014.[3]

Death

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Radhika died on 10 November 2017 at the age of 47 due to a heart attack at a private hospital in Chennai.[1][6] Her death was mourned by music directors Koti and Mani Sharma, and singer Mano.[3][1]

Discography

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Radhika lent her voice to several Telugu and South Indian films. Some of her key songs include:

Year Film Language Song Music director Ref.
1991 Rowdy Alludu Telugu "Amalapuram Bulloda" Bappi Lahiri
1993 Bava Bavamaridi Telugu "Bavalu Sayya... Maradallu Sayya" Raj–Koti
1994 Kishkindha Kanda Telugu "Emananti" M. M. Keeravani [7]
1994 Bobbili Simham Telugu "Mayadari Pillada" M. M. Keeravani
2000 Annayya Telugu "Aata Kavala" Mani Sharma
2001 Narasimha Naidu Telugu "Chilakapacha Koka" Mani Sharma [8]
2001 Shahjahan Tamil "Sarakku Vechuruken" Mani Sharma
2002 Aadi Telugu "Sunnunda Theesuko" Mani Sharma
2004 Anji Telugu "Mirapakaya Bajji" Mani Sharma [9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Playback singer Radhika passes away at 47". The Times of India. 12 November 2017. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  2. ^ "ప్రముఖ ప్లేబ్యాక్ సింగర్ రాధిక ఇక లేరు" [Famous playback singer Radhika is no more]. Samayam (in Telugu). 11 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "'బావలు సయ్యా..' గాయని మృతి | Singer Radhika Passes away". Sakshi (in Telugu). 11 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  4. ^ ప్రముఖ గాయని రాధిక కన్నుమూత..! | Telugu Singer Radhika Is No More. TV5 News. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2024 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "'Baavalu Sayya' singer Radhika passes away". Suryaa. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  6. ^ "Popular playback singer Radhika passes away". 123telugu.com. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  7. ^ Kishkinda Kanda - Audio Songs Jukebox. Lahari Music. Retrieved 4 December 2024 – via YouTube. Credits in video description.
  8. ^ "Radhika Discography". Gaana.com. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  9. ^ "IB exclusive - Anji Audio details". Idlebrain.com. 15 December 2003. Retrieved 29 November 2024.