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Chembai

Indian Carnatic music singer (1896-1974) · India · On the map · Musicians · Died at 78

Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar was an Indian Carnatic music singer from Kerala. He was born in Vatakara, Kerala, and moved to Palakkad kottayi along with his family during his childhood. He is popularly known as Chembai, or sometimes simply as Bhagavatar.

Chembai is read about 26 times a day, in 7 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 13 June 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 60 days, one point a day.

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A life in dates

1974Died16 October 19741973Padma BhushanAward1964Sangeetha KalasikhamaniAward1958Sangeet Natak Akademi AwardAward1951Sangeetha KalanidhiAward1896Born1 September 1896

Also in Deutsch

Media & music

Photos 3

Awards

Padma Bhushan1973
Sangeetha Kalasikhamani1964
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award1958
Sangeetha Kalanidhi1951

About this person

Chembai was noted for his powerful voice and majestic style of singing. His first public performance was in 1904, when he was nine. A recipient of several titles and honours, he was known for his encouragement of upcoming musicians and ability to spot new talent. He was responsible for popularising compositions like Rakshamam Saranagatam and Pavana Guru, among others.

Country
India
Category
Musicians
Type
Singer / Musician
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1896 to 1974 · aged 78