
Shankar Mahadevan (born 3 March 1967) is an Indian singer and composer who is part of the Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy trio that writes music for Indian films. In 2023, he was awarded a honorary doctorate (honoris causa degree) by Birmingham City University.[2]
Personal life and early career[edit]
Shankar Mahadevan was born in Chembur, Mumbai into a Tamil Hindu family originally from Palakkad, Kerala.[3][4][5] He learned Hindustani classical and Carnatic music as a child, and began playing the veena at the age of five under Shri Lalitha Venkataraman. Mahadevan studied music under Pandit Shrinivas Khale[6][7] and T.R. Balamani.[8]
He is an alumnus of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour High School, Chembur and graduated in 1988 with a degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from the Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology in Navi Mumbai, affiliated to Mumbai University, and was a software engineer for the company, Leading Edge.[9][10] After working for Leading Edge Systems (now Trigyn Technologies Limited), Mahadevan ventured into music.[11][12]
He has two sons, Siddharth Mahadevan and Shivam Mahadevan, both of whom are singers.
Musical career[edit]
Mahadevan got early fame as an indipop star with his fusion of Carnatic, Hindustani and Jazz. At that time, his non-film album, Breathless topped the Indian music charts in 1998.[13]
Awards[edit]
- 2000: National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – “Yenna Solla Pogirai” (Kandukondain Kandukondain)
- 2007: Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas Award for outstanding contribution to Indian film music[14]
- 2007: National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – “Maa” (Taare Zameen Par)
- 2008: Kerala State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – “Kalyana Kacheri” (Madampi)[15]
- 2009: Asianet Film Award for Best Male Playback – “Pichavecha Naal” (Puthiya Mukham)
- 2009: Annual Malayalam Movie Awards (Dubai) for Best Male Singer – “Pichavecha Naal” (Puthiya Mukham)[16]
- 2011: Lata Mangeshkar Award by Government of Andhra Pradesh[17]
- 2011: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Male Playback Singer – “Indhumukhi Varumo” (Holidays)[18]
- 2012: MAA Music Award for Best Male Playback Singer – “Nee Dookudu” (Dookudu)
- 2012: National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – “Bolo Na” (Chittagong)
- 2015: Tulu Cinemotsava Awards for Best Playback Singer – Rikshaw Driver (Tulu Movie)

- 2019: Padma Shri Award for his contributions to Film Music under the category Arts.[19]
- 2023: Awarded a honorary doctorate (honoris causa degree) by Birmingham City University. [2]
Filmography[edit]
As actor[edit]
- Aranmanai 3Â (2021) Tamil – guest role in song “Theeyaga Thondri”
- Katyar Kaljat Ghusali (2015) Marathi
- Rhythm (2000) Tamil – guest role in song “thaniye”
- Ek Se Badh Kar Ek (1995) Doordarshan Serial
As composer[edit]
- Rockford (1999)
- Bhopal Express (1999)
- Shool (1999)
- Dillagi (1999)
- Mission Kashmir (2000)
- Aalavandhan (2001) (Tamil)
- Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
- Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai? (2002)
- Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003)
- Armaan (2003)
- Nayee Padosan (2003)
- Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)
- Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
- Rudraksh (2004)
- Kyun! Ho Gaya Na…Â (2004)
- Lakshya (2004)
- Phir Milenge (2004)
- Vanity Fair (2004)
- Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
- Dil Jo Bhi Kahey…Â (2005)
- Dus (2005)
- Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
- Don: The Chase Begins Again (2006)
- Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love (2007)
- Marigold: An Adventure in India (2007)
- Heyy Babyy (2007)
- Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007)
- Johnny Gaddaar (2007)
- Taare Zameen Par (2007)
- High School Musical 2Â soundtrack (Hindi version)
- Rock On!! (2008)
- Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008)
- Madambi (Malayalam) (2008)
- Chandni Chowk to China (2009)
- Yavarum Nalam (Tamil) (2009)
- Shortkut (2009)
- Luck by Chance (2009)
- Sikandar (2009)
- 13BÂ (2009)
- Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam (Telugu) (2009)
- Wake Up Sid (2009)
- London Dreams (2009)
- My Name Is Khan (2010)
- Kismat Talkies (2010)
- Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
- Hum Tum Aur Ghost (2010)
- Housefull (2010)
- Tere Bin Laden (2010)
- Koochie Koochie Hota Hai (2011)
- Patiala House (2011)
- De Ghuma Ke (World Cup 2011 song)
- Game (2011)
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
- Don 2Â (2011)
- Chittagong (2012)
- Vishwaroopam (2013)
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
- D – Day (2013)
- One By Two (2014)
- Darr @ the Mall (2014)
- 2 States (2014)
- Kill Dil (2014)
- Mitwaa (2015) Marathi
- Katyar Kaljat Ghusali (2015) Marathi
- Than Than Gopal (2015) Marathi
- Thai Manne 2.0Â (2023) Tamil
- Thai Manne 2.0[20]Â (2023) Hindi