Rajesh Krishnan

Rajesh Krishnan is an Indian playback singer, actor, and dubbing artist best known for his work in Kannada cinema, in addition to Telugu and Tamil films. He made his mainstream playback debut with “Mathinalle Gellaballe” in the Kannada film Gowri Ganesha (1991), and rose to prominence through a prolific run of 1990s–2000s hits, including Kannada numbers such as “Nooru Janmaku” (America America), “Kariya I Love You” (Duniya), “Suntara Gaali” (Kalasipalya), and “Onde Usirante” (Snehaloka). In Telugu, his breakout “Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu” from Ninne Pelladatha (1996) earned him the Nandi Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

Across a career spanning over three decades, Rajesh has sung over 3,000 film songs in Kannada, over 300 in other languages such as Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil. He has also recorded numerous songs in Tulu and Lambani. In Hindi cinema, he has sung about 20 songs, including few for dubbed films. Rajesh has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Karnataka State Film Awards (Best Male Playback Singer—3 times), Filmfare South nomination (Best Supporting Actor for Gaalipata, 2008) for his acting, and the SIIMA for Best Male Playback Singer for “Kaarmoda” from Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari (2014). He has also recorded devotional and private albums that remain widely available on streaming platforms.