Who is likely to replace Chithra

Before I even try to answer that let me not give the impression that Chitra is going to be dethroned overnight by the multitude of great new singing talent that the Malayalam music industry is never short of.

I won't consider Sujatha who with a voice that is getting better every year as someone who is going to take over the crown although she is good competition. A couple of years ago I thought the crown may go to newcomer Gayatri. With a huskier voice, training in Hindustani besides Carnatic, influences ranging from Rafi to Dire Straits and some great songs I was under the impression she could replace Chitra. But ever since I saw Manjari sing live on T.V, Chithra's "Karmugil" from the movie "Nandanam" I knew the south Indian film audience could look forward to some great vocals from this promising new singer. I was surprised to see her duet with Illayaraja for his mega concert but maybe for good reason. Trained in both Carnatic and Hindustani and with influences such as Latha Mangeshkar and Mohd.Rafi besides a host of other Indian singers she is quite a contender for the next big female voice from Kerala.

I checked her songs on MusicIndiaOnline and I couldn't believe her range of singing. Simply put her songs are difficult for others to sing. Her Reena Roy(remember her?)/Sunitha looks are another plus. Check out the following links to her songs. First Stop, the album "Mazhayilaroo". "Maaleya Sandhyee" must be the first song you need to listen to and I am sure you will be hooked. Follow that with "Pinneyum" and then to "Paadu Pranayamee". Next stop, the album "Pranayamai" and check out the song "Thaane En Thamburumooli".
Final stop the song of movie "Ponmudipuzhayorathu" and check out "Oru Chiri Kandaal", a duet with Vijay Yesudas. Music for this movie is by Illayaraja and Tamil listeners will even find similarities between this number and the number "Poonkathave" from the movie "Nizhalgal" whose songs were also composed by the maestro.

Not forgetting Gayathri here are links to two of her great numbers. Check out "Enthinee Kanna" from the movie "Sasneham Sumithra" and "Thamaranoolinal" a duet with Venugopal from the movie "Mullavalliyum Thenmavum".