P. Unnikrishnan (born on 9 July 1966) is a Carnatic vocalist and a national award winning playback singer.

Early life and background

Unnikrishnan was born to K.Radhakrishnan and Dr.Harini Radhakrishnan, in Kerala.

He went to Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chennai, in 1983. He graduated from Vivekananda College, Chennai, and received his B.Com degree from the Madras University. He earned a General Law and Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.

He worked as an executive in Parrys Confectionery Ltd. from 1991-94 and quit his job to become a professional singer.

Singing career

Unnikrishnan was initiated into Carnatic Music at age of 12 by Seshadri, Unnikrishnan. He was inspired by Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan.He attended a special workshop for six mo

nths on "Veena Dhanammal Bhani" under Sangeetha Kalanidhi T.Brinda and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwanathan.

He is a national award winning playback singer for his debut film song Ennavale Adi Ennavale. He is one of the permanent judges in the reality television show Airtel Super Singer

on Vijay TV in both the seasons(2006 & 2008) and 2008 Idea Star Singer on Asianet.

Unnikrishnan is also becoming known for his experimental work. In 2008, he presented a novel jazz concert in Trivandrum with the Eli Yamin Jazz Quartet and pianist Anil Srinivasan.

He prefers singing classical songs to movies.

Personal life

Unni Krishnan is married to Priya, a Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam dancer. He has a son named Vasudev Krishna and a daughter named Uthra.

He is passionate about cricket and is a member of the Madras Cricket Club and Life Member of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

Awards

He is the recipient of many honours and Awards which include Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamilnadu, Best Raaga award from Music Academy, Yuvakala Bharati from Bharat Kalachar. He received the National Award for his first song Ennavale in Kadhalan. He is also the recipient of Isai Peroli Award instituted by Kartik Fine Arts for the year 1998.