Career Overview
Mahalakshmi Iyer is a prominent Indian playback singer known for her versatile performances in Hindi, Assamese, Tamil, and several other Indian languages. Her journey in the music industry began with her playback debut in the film “Dus” in 1997, although the film’s release was delayed due to the director’s sudden passing. However, the album was eventually released in 1999 as a tribute.
Her breakthrough came with the track “Ae Ajnabee” alongside Udit Narayan for A. R. Rahman in Mani Ratnam’s “Dil Se..” which marked her official debut as a playback singer. Mahalakshmi’s talent caught the attention of renowned music composers like A. R. Rahman and Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, leading to numerous collaborations in films such as “Mission Kashmir,” “Yaadein,” and “Saathiya.”
Throughout her career, Mahalakshmi has lent her soulful voice to several successful soundtracks, including hits like “Kabhi Sham Dhale” from “Sur – The Melody of Life” (2002), “Chup Chup Ke” from “Bunty Aur Babli” (2005), and “Bol Na Halke Halke” from “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.” She has also contributed to popular Yash Raj Films’ projects such as “Dhoom 2,” “Fanaa,” and “Ta Ra Rum Pum.”
One of her notable achievements includes singing on the Academy Award-winning song “Jai Ho” for A. R. Rahman in the film “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008). Mahalakshmi’s talent extends beyond playback singing as she has also rendered background vocals for iconic Ghazals like “Aur Ahistaa” by Pankaj Udhas. Additionally, she has showcased her versatility by lending her voice to private album remixes, including renditions of classics originally sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.
Legacy
Mahalakshmi Iyer’s contributions to the Indian music industry have earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. Her ability to captivate audiences with her melodious voice and emotive performances has solidified her position as one of the leading playback singers in the country. Through her extensive discography and memorable collaborations, Mahalakshmi continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of Indian music.