Sunitha Upadrashta, known mononymously as Sunitha, is an Indian playback singer and dubbing artist who primarily works in Telugu cinema.
Sunitha made her playback singing debut in 1995 with the film Gulabi, and as a dubbing artist she has lent her voice to over 110 actresses in more than 750 films. She is recognised as an anchor and host for music-based and flagship programmes, including the foundation-laying ceremony of Amaravati in 2015. She has also been a judge on music reality shows on several television channels, notably Padutha Theeyaga, the long-running programme on ETV launched and hosted by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.
Sunitha has performed as a singer in 19 countries, including the United States (almost annually since 1999), the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia, Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Mauritius.
Sunitha is a recipient of nine Nandi Awards and two Filmfare Awards South in various categories. At the age of 15 she received a National Award from All India Radio in the light music category. She won her first Nandi Award in 1999, followed by consecutive awards from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2012. In 2011 she was conferred the Lata Mangeshkar Best Singer Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Early and personal life Sunitha was born into a music-loving family on 10 May 1978 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. At the age of six she began training in Carnatic vocals under Pemmaraju Surya Rao and in light music under Kalaga Krishna Mohan. She had the opportunity to perform in concerts from a young age, including programmes featured by All India Radio. At the age of thirteen she participated in the Tyagaraja Aradhana Utsavalu along with her guru Pemmaraju Surya Rao, and later received a scholarship from the Government of India to pursue her musical training.
In 1997, at the age of nineteen, she married Kiran Kumar Goparaju, a media professional. They have two children, Akash and Shreya, but the couple later divorced. In January 2021 Sunitha married businessman Rama Krishna Veerapaneni in the presence of family members and close friends.
Following in her mother's footsteps, daughter Shreya made her playback singing debut with the song "Tick Tick Tick" in the Telugu film Savyasachi.
Career
Playback singing Sunitha began her playback singing career at the age of seventeen when music director Sashi Preetham gave her an opportunity to sing in the film Gulabi. Her first song was "Ee Vela Lo Neevu", written by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry. In 1997 she sang a solo track for the Kannada film Bhoomi Geetha, composed by Ilayaraja, and also rendered title songs for Telugu television serials such as Ruturagalu and Antarangalu. In 1999, for the title song of Antarangalu, she received her first Nandi Award from the then undivided state of Andhra Pradesh.
Over the course of her career Sunitha has recorded nearly 3,000 songs in South Indian films, singing in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, and has collaborated with many music directors, including Ilayaraja, Vidyasagar, M.M. Keeravani, A.R Rahman, S.V. Krishna Reddy, Vandematharam Srinivas, Mani Sharma, Ramana Gogula, S.A. Raj Kumar, Sandeep Choutha, Mickey J. Mayer, Devisri Prasad, R.P. Patnaik, Chakri, Anup Rubens, Sunil Kashyap, Madhavapeddi Suresh, V. Harikrishna, Jassie Gift, S. Thaman,and others.
Dubbing artist Sunitha began her career as a dubbing artist in 1998 with the film Choodalani Vundi, providing her voice for Soundarya, who co-starred with Chiranjeevi. She went on to become one of the leading dubbing artists in the Telugu film industry, voicing more than 110 actresses in over 750 films, and reportedly voicing as many as 60 films in a single year. Her 750th film as a dubbing artist was Gautamiputra Satakarni in 2017, in which she lent her voice to Shriya Saran.
Discography Playback and singing
Telugu Sunitha's work as a playback singer in Telugu includes: YearFilmSong(s)Music director(s)Co-singer(s)1995Gulabi"Ee Velalo Neevu"Sashi Preetam1997Egire Paavurama"Maaghaa Maasam"S.V. Krishna Reddy"Gunde Gutiki"1998Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi"Nee Oohallo"M.M. Keeravani"Om Ani""Raamayana Saaram""Yevamma Computeramma""O Prema"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam"Yevamma Vinavemamma""Shuklam Baradharam"1999Thammudu"Pedhavi Datani"Ramana GogulaRamana Gogula2000Badri"Vevela Mainala Gaanam"Ramana Gogula"Bangalakathamlo""Chali Pidugullo""Hey Chikitha"Yuvaraju"Manasemo"Ramana Gogula"Tholivalape Tiyyanidi""Chandamama"Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa"Abbo Naa Bangaru Laddu"Vandemataram SrinivasSukhwinder Singh, Swarnalatha2001Murari"Alanati Ramachandruni"Mani SharmaJikki, SandhyaNaa Manasistha Raa"Punnami Jabilli"S.A. RajukumarSP. Balu"Kadantaava Cheppu""Twinkle Twinkle Twinkle"2002Aadi"Nee Navvula"Mani SharmaMallikarjun2003Vijayam "Meghala Pallaki" Koti TippuNenu Pelliki Ready"Nuvvunte Chalu"(Female)Chakri"Mugguru Bhamala"Ela Cheppanu"Meghala Pallakilona"Koti"Rangula Taaraka"Ee Abbai Chala Manchodu"Chandamama Kathalo"M.M. KeeravaniKalyani MalikGangotri"Ganga"M.M. KeeravaniSPB. CharanMaa Alludu Very Good"Paluke Bangaramayena"M.M. Keeravani"Padaka Padaka"MM KeeravaniSeethaiah"Samayaniki"M.M. Keeravani"Adhishankarula"SPB.CharanSimhadri"Nannedo Seyyamaku"M.M. KeeravaniM.M. Keeravani2 Much"Papa Nee Votu"K. Veeru"Talentu Bayata Pettu"Anaganaga O Kurraadu"Sakku Sakku"ChakriAppudappudu"Nee Kalalu Kaavali"R. P. Patnaik2004Siva Puthrudu"Chirugali Veechene"(Duet)IlayarajaR.P. PatnaikLetha Manasulu"Letha Manasulu"M.M. KeeravaniNenunnanu"Nenunnanani"M.M. KeeravaniM.M. Keeravani"Ryali Ravalapadu"TippuPallakilo Pellikoothuru"Naa Peru Cheppukondi"M.M. KeeravaniAthade Oka Sainyam"Naa Paata Teta Telugu"S.V. Krishna Reddy"Maa Intiki Ninnu Pilichi""Hey Apparao"Swarabhishekam"Kudikannu Adirene"Vidya SagarSP. BaluAnji"Maanava Maanava"Mani SharmatippuApparao Driving School"Ninnu Chuse Velalone"Ghantadi Krishna2005Chatrapathi"Gundusudi"M.M. KeeravaniM.M. Keeravani"Summa Maasuriya"Allari Bullodu"Andhamante Evaridi"M.M. KeeravaniSPB. CharanAthadu"Avunu Nijam"Mani SharmaRadha Gopalam"Maa Muddu Radhamma"Mani Sharma"Nee Vaalu Jada"sp BalasubramaniamThat Is Pandu"Vennelona Adapillanu"Mani SharmaManasu Maata Vinadhu"Nuvvu Nijam"Kalyan KoduriAlex"O Meghamala"BuntyAllari Pidugu"Maa Subbalachamma"Mani SharmaS. P. Balasubrahmanyam2006Shiva 2006"Adaganidhe Cheppedi Yela"IlayarajaVijay PrakashVikramarkudu"Jum jum Maya"M. M. Keeravanim.m keeravaniGodavari"Andhanga Lena"K.M. RadhaKrishnanSri Ramadasu"Chalu Chalu'M.M. Keeravanisp.charan"Idigidigo Naa Ramudu""Nanubrovamani""Thandrimatanu"Kokila"Shubhamo Sukhamo"MadhukarBoss"Yedho Thamasaga"Kalyan Koduri"Naa Kallu Valle""Andhagadu Muttukunte""Anaganaganaga""Veluthunna"Chinnodu"Hey Manasa"Ramana GogulaVenuLakshmi"Thara Thaluku Thara"Ramana Gogula2007Sangamam"Chinuku Chinuku'M.M. KeeravaniYamadonga"Noonugu Meesalodu"M.M. KeeravaniGita"Neekosam Nennunantu"Sunil KashyapYogi"Nee Illu Bangaram"Ramana GogulaRamana GogulaViyyalavari Kayyalu"Neelala Neekallu"Sri KrishnaAata"Yela Yela"Devi Sri PrasadBookailas"Venu Madhava"M. M. KeeravaniChirutha"Ivvale"Mani SharmaGodava"Okkasaari"Gundamma Gaari Manavadu"Chengaavi Rangu Cheera"Vandemataram SrinivasManchu Kurise Velalo"Andhama Nee Vooredhamma"Usha Kanna, Krishna Mohan"Choodalani Vundi"Nee Navve Chaalu"Poola Pallaki"Vandemataram SrinivasO Chinnari korika"Aataladukundam"Nagendra Kumar VepuriOkkadunnadu"Adugaduguna"M. M. KeeravaniVeduka"Mallela Mancham"Anup Rubens2008Pandurangadu"Govindhude Kokachutti"M. M. Keeravani"Kosaladeshapu Kamalitho"Kanthri"Vayassunami"Mani SharmaHema ChandraRainbow"Aasha Chinni Aasha"Nihal"Manasa Chalinchake""Challu Challu""Naa Kallalo""O Lalana""Sala Sala""Swamy Raa"(Thillana)Aalayam"Neetho Vasthunna"KotiBhuma"Abba Yem Kandaluro"Vandemataram Srinivas2009Nachav Alludu"Enthentha Dhooram"KotiHema ChandraVengamamba"Alaka Nabambhu Chalada"M. M. Keeravani"Harinama"(Kruthi)"Hari Alasiti""O Thalli Ganga""Srikaramuganu""Sri Rukminilola""Thirukonda Harathi"Boni"Nammaleni Kale Nijamayena"Ramana GogulaDeepuSaarai Veerraju"Needho Naadho"V. Sri SaiKarthik"Veeche Gaali"Aa Intlo"Hrudayavedhana"Koti2010Jhummandi Naadam"Entha Entha"M. M. Keeravani"Sannayi Mogindhi"Vedam"Egiripothe Entha Baguntundi"M.M. KeeravaniSubhapradam"Nee Navve Kadadaka"Mani SharmaKarthik2011Raaj"Bheemavaram Bulloda"Koti"Sutiga Chusava"Aha Naa Pellanta!"Subhramanyam"Raghu Kunche"Saturday Evening"2012Damarukam"Kanya Kumari"Devi Sri PrasadJaspreet JaszShirdi Sai"Saranu Saranu"M. M. Keeravani"Sai Ante Thalli'"Ekkadayya Sai""Nee Padamulu""Aarati"Aakashamlo Sagam"Naaku Neevu Pranam"Yasho Krishna2013Anthaka Mundu Aa Tarvatha"Thamari Thone"Kalyani Malik"Nenea Aa Nenena"Intinta Annamayya"Venkatadri Samam"M. M. Keeravani"Neeke Saranu"Maha Bhaktha Siriyala"Ee Dehamu Pranamu"Mangala Poornachandh"Kalyana Sugunakara"2014Lakshmi Raave Maa Intiki"Aa Venneladaina"K. M. RadhaKrishnan"Venu Gaana Lolude"Oohalu Gusagusalade"Em Sandeham Ledu"Kalyani MalikKalyani MalikAnamika"Kshanam Kshanam"M. M. Keeravani"The Search""Dead & Live"Ice Cream 2"Kiss Me"Satya Kashyap"Kiss Me"(Remix)Alibaba Okkade Donga"Adugadugu"Sai Srikanth"Aakasham"April Fool"Raa Raa"Bunty2015Mariyaan"Inka Konchem Sepu"A. R. RahmanVijay Prakash"Sonapareeya"Yes"Ee Vela Madilona"Indraganti Laxmi Srinivas"Premante Maayele"2016Kalyana Vaibhogame"Chakkandaala Chukka"Kalyani KoduriKalyani KoduriManalo Okadu"Madhuram"R. P. PatnaikRaagam"Yeenadu Neepai Jaali Padadhe"Sunil KashyapSunil KashyapEvaro Taanevvaro"Kammani Kalalu"S SriramAtu Itu Kaani Hrudayam Thoti"Maruvaleni"GP RaavinAa Mugguru"Pachani Pandiri"Sathya KashyapJilakarra Bellam"Vintha Vinthaga"Vandemataram SrinivasSri Sri"Nela Nichi"E. S. Murthy2017Mixture Potlam"Allari Godhari"Madhavapeddi Suresh"Nee Maate"Om Namo Venkatesaya"Vayyari Kalahamsika"M. M. KeeravaniMalli Raava"Malli Raava"(Reprise)Shravan Bharadwaj2018Srinivasa Kalyanam"Modalaudaam"Mickey J. MeyerAnurag Kulkarni"Vinavamma Toorupu Chukka"Mahanati"Chivaraku Migiledi"Bluff Master"Ye Maayo Yemo Teliyade"Sunil Kashyap2019NTR Mahanayakudu"Ramanna Katha"M. M. KeeravaniK. S. ChithraPranavam"Edo Edo Kaavalantu"Padmanav BharadwajOorantha Anukuntunnaru"Alavaatu Lo Leni"K. M. Radha KrishnanS. P. BalasubrahmanyamPaarari"Siggu"Mahith NarayanYazin Nizar202030 Rojullo Preminchadam Ela"Neeli Neeli Aakasham"Anup RubensSid SriramLocal Boy"Tholi Suryuda"Vivek–MervinNireekshana"Kalalu Yenno"Mantra Anand2021Guduputani"Neeli Ningi Thaakalani"Pratap VidyaBro"Annayya "Shekar Chandra2022Sita Ramam"Tharali Tharali"Vishal ChandrashekharMadhi"Soul Of Madhi"P. V. R. RajaDeepu2024Honeymoon Express"Nijama"Kalyani MalikKalyani MalikPranaya Godari"Choodakayyo Nemalikalla"Markandeya ParamallaSai Charan2025Dooradarshini"Naa Needa Veluthundhaa"Anand GurranaAnurag Kulkarni2026Band Melam"Ento Emo"Vijai Bulganin
Kannada Sunitha's work as a playback singer in Kannada includes: YearFilmSongMusic director(s)Co-singer(s)1997Bhoomigeetha"Boodyaviya Habba"IlayaraajaIlayaraaja, Nepolean"Nodiravva Nodiravva""Are Kamali Kamali" SPB Charan2007Savi Savi Nenapu"Sooryanu Ee Divasa"R.P. PatnaikRajesh2009Abhay"Baanu Kempadante"V. Hari Krishna2010Cheluveye Ninne Nodalu"Janumada Jodi"V. Hari KrishnaSonu Nigam"O Priyathama"Modalasala"Prathama Olava"V. Hari KrishnaSrinivas2011Hudugaru"Neerinalli Sanna Ale"(Duet)V. Hari KrishnaSonu Nigam"Neerinalli Sanna Ale"(Solo)2012Drama"Hambalada Hoovanu"V. Hari KrishnaKatari Veera Surasundarangi"Jum Jumka"V. Hari KrishnaSonu Nigam"Oorige Nee"Upendra"Parijatha"Ko KoMellane Naa KolluveRamana GogulaKarthik, Ramana GogulaKiladi KittyThumba thumbaJassie GiftSonu Nigam2014AgrajaRara priyachoraNandhan RajRosePreethige Rose AndaruAnoop SeelinNakul Abhyankar2016Santhu Straight ForwardKoodi ittaV. Hari KrishnaSonu Nigam
Tamil Sunitha's work as a playback singer in Tamil includes: