Who was M.S. Subbulakshmi? Rashmika Mandanna to play legendary Indian Carnatic singer-actress on screen, Kamal Haasan gives first clap

M.S. Subbulakshmi remains one of the most iconic names in Indian classical music, decades after her death. Now, her remarkable life and career are set to be brought to the big screen, with Rashmika Mandanna stepping into the role of the legendary singer. The project was officially launched on an important day connected to Subbulakshmi’s legacy.

Rashmika Mandanna to play M.S. Subbulakshmi

Rashmika Mandanna will portray M.S. Subbulakshmi in the upcoming biopic, which was launched on the legendary singer’s 110th birth anniversary. The makers also revealed the film’s title and first look at the launch event.


The film has been titled M.S A Legacy On Screen. While details about the film’s release date and other members of the cast are yet to be announced, the project will focus on the life and journey of one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists.

Kamal Haasan gives the first clap

The project was formally launched with veteran actor Kamal Haasan giving the first clap. Rashmika, Kamal Haasan and veteran producer Allu Aravind were present at the event.

The presence of Kamal Haasan at the launch added to the significance of the occasion, as the makers officially marked the beginning of the biopic. The film will now take the story of Subbulakshmi to a new generation of audiences through cinema.

Rashmika talks about playing the legendary singer

For Rashmika, the opportunity to play M.S. Subbulakshmi appears to be more than just another acting assignment. Speaking at the launch, the actress said she felt proud to be associated with the project and expressed her gratitude for getting the chance to portray the legendary singer.

Rashmika also stated, "When you sit and watch this, if a small smile appears on your face, I will be so happy. There is a unique divine power in your voice. When listening to it, I genuinely feel like I am sitting in the presence of God."

The actress also addressed Subbulakshmi directly during her speech, saying that she sees the role as an opportunity to become a small part of the singer’s life. Rashmika promised that she would put in her best effort to do justice to the character.

Who was M.S. Subbulakshmi?

The legend was born in Madurai in 1916, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi grew up in a family deeply connected to music. Her mother, Shanmukhavadivu Ammal, was a veena player, while her grandmother Akkammal was a violinist. This musical environment introduced Subbulakshmi to Carnatic music at an early age.

She went on to train under prominent musicians, including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, and also studied Hindustani classical music under Pandit Narayanrao Vyas. Her powerful voice and distinctive style eventually established her as one of the most respected Carnatic singers in India.

Subbulakshmi was not limited to performances in India. Over the years, she became an important cultural representative of the country and performed at several international platforms.

From Carnegie Hall to the United Nations: Subbulakshmi's journey

Subbulakshmi’s career took her to some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She performed at the Edinburgh International Festival of Music and Drama in 1963 and later at Carnegie Hall in New York. She also performed at the Festival of India in Moscow in 1987.

One of the biggest milestones in her international career came in 1966, when she became the first Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. Her performances helped introduce Indian classical music to audiences across the world.

Her achievements were also recognised with some of India and Asia’s highest honours. She received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, and became the first Indian musician to receive the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.

M.S. Subbulakshmi was also an actress

While she is primarily remembered for her contribution to Carnatic music, Subbulakshmi also had a career in cinema. She made her acting debut with Sevasadanam in 1938.

She later appeared in Sakuntalai (1940), Savithiri (1941) and Meera (1945). She also starred in the Hindi version of Meera, titled Meerabai, which was released in 1947.

Her connection with cinema makes the upcoming biopic particularly interesting, as the film will explore the life of an artist who herself moved between music and acting during the early years of Indian cinema.

After the death of her husband, Kalki Sadasivam, in 1997, Subbulakshmi stopped giving public performances. She was also known for donating proceeds from her concerts and royalties to charitable causes.

M.S. Subbulakshmi died in 2004 at the age of 88.