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Released May 22, 2026
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Quick Facts
Born
1940
1940
From
India
India
Journey
Kattassery Joseph Yesudas, performing under the name K.J. Yesudas, was born on January 10, 1940, in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India. A singer whose career spans more than six decades, he has established himself across Indian classical music, playback singing, and filmi traditions. His full birth name reflects his Kerala Christian heritage, and his roots in Fort Kochi have long been part of his public identity.
Yesudas made his debut in playback singing with the Malayalam film Kalpadukal in 1962, marking the beginning of a career that would grow to encompass over 80,000 recorded songs. His recordings span Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and several other Indian languages, a breadth that speaks to his sustained demand across the Indian film and music industries.
His catalog includes releases such as "Sagarame Santhamaka Nee," "O Igo Illondu Manaside (Lofi Mix)," "O Premave (Lofi Mix)," "Mookuthi Poomele," and "Yo Baddie," demonstrating a willingness to present his voice across both traditional and contemporary formats. In 1976, he received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, one of India's most recognized honors in film music.
The recognition extended to Yesudas has gone well beyond the film industry. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 2002, one of the country's highest civilian distinctions, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 2017, a rare honor reflecting a career of exceptional and enduring contribution. With releases continuing into 2026 and a discography that remains active across streaming and label platforms, K.J. Yesudas stands as one of the most recorded and decorated voices in Indian music history.