L Sivadarsana is a music artiste from Kollam, Kerala. Hailing from a music affluent family, she is the youngest daughter of late Thankappan Bhagavathar and Lalitha Bai, both of whom are renowned music teachers in Kollam.
Wanting to learn music after school, Sivadarsana graduated with BA in Music (first rank with gold medal) from Kerala University in 1991 and then in 1993 completed MA in music. Later, went on to do M Phil from Madras University. Competitive career exudes first prizes in many competitions including first prize in Kerala University Kalolsavam in 1986, 1990 & 1992 in both light music and Carnatic music. In the same year, she came first in South zone inter university youth festival in light music. ‘Kolaswaroopathil’ was her only drama song rendition and this saw her being bestowed with Kerala State Award for best female singer in professional drama in 1998 from Sangeetha Nadaka Academy and Swathy singer award for best female singer in 1999.
Sivadarsana was also the leading singer of renowned music director G Devarajan master’s music troop ‘Sakthigadha’. She is also trained in Saraswati Veena under well-known Shri R Venkataraman. Worked with renowned lyricist & music director, Sreekumaran Thampi and did all Carnatic renditions in his production serials.
She has an A grade in Carnatic music from AIR and a B high in light music. Done numerous Carnatic renditions which includes recordings in All India Radio, concerts in Chembai Sangeetotsav and so on regularly.
With more than 30 years of teaching experience which includes over a decade experience as lecturer in Colleges & Universities around Kerala but always wanting to explore, currently working on “Janakaraagachandrika”, an original book of compositions based on 72 Melakartha scheme composed in Sanskrit by her father, late Thankappan Bhagavathar in 1965.
Pictures from the past:-
With veteran Musician, V. Dakshinamoorthy, during Malayalam Film Music Golden Jubilee function.
Sivadarsana’s guru and father, Late PKT Appan, during a concert with Late Mavelikkara Krishnankutty Nair playing Mridangam & B Sasikumar with Violin.
Sivadarsana was awarded Kerala State Award for Best Female Singer in Professional Drama in the year 1998 by the then Cultural Ministe,r Shri T K Ramakrishnan.
The picture was taken during the recording of a duet song in the film, ‘Samudayam’ in Chennai at Bharani Studio in the year 1994. Music director: G Devarajan Master Singers: K J Yesudas & Sivadarsana L
The first time Sivadarsana ever sang in fornt of a mic at Mathrubhumi Study Circle Inaugural Ceremony at the age of 3. The picture was taken after her performance was highly appreciated by film actor M G Soman.
Having played a very active role in taking part in various competitions, Sivadarsana was bestowed with the best outgoing student award for MA in the year 1993 from Govt. Women’s College Trivandrum.
With Devarajan Master, renowned Music Director, recording for a documentary.