Ramya NSK is an Indian playback singer from Chennai who sings mainly in Tamil and Telugu films and has also recorded songs in Kannada and Malayalam. She is the granddaughter of the comedian N. S. Krishnan and the actress T. A. Mathuram.
She is best known for "Sattru Munbu", composed by Ilaiyaraaja for Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012), which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil. Her other well-known songs include "Nee Vandhu Ponadhu" from Yaan (2014), "Oh Maya" from Iru Mugan (2016) and "Mudhal Murai" from Singam 3 (2017).
Outside music, she played a role in Bala's Tharai Thappattai (2016) and was a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil 2 in 2018.
Quick facts
Name | Ramya NSK |
Born in | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Education | Visual Communication, Women's Christian College, Chennai |
Occupation | Playback singer |
Languages | Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam |
Grandparents | N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Mathuram |
Known for | Sattru Munbu (Neethaane En Ponvasantham), Nee Vandhu Ponadhu (Yaan), Oh Maya (Iru Mugan) |
Major award | Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil |
Television | Bigg Boss Tamil 2 (2018) |
Early life and education
Ramya was born in Chennai. She graduated in Visual Communication from Women's Christian College, Chennai. She trained in Carnatic music and spent eight years in contemporary training with the choir of the Emmanuel Methodist Church.
Before she became a full-time singer, she worked for five years as a music manager at the radio station Radio City in Chennai.
Career
First songs (2006 to 2009)
Her earliest listed film song is "As We All Know" from the Malayalam film Notebook (2006), composed by Mejo Joseph. In Tamil she sang "Lusimbara" with Vijay Antony and Christopher for Pandhayam (2008), composed by Vijay Antony, and went on to record for composers such as Karthik Raja, D. Imman and G. V. Prakash Kumar. Her earliest Telugu songs listed are from Super Cowboy (2009), with music by G. V. Prakash Kumar.
Telugu and Tamil work (2010 to 2011)
She sang for Thaman in the Telugu films Ragada (2010), Veera (2011) and Dookudu (2011). In Tamil she sang for Vijay Antony in Yuvan Yuvathi and for Thaman in Mouna Guru, both in 2011.
Sattru Munbu and the Filmfare Award (2012 to 2013)
Her breakthrough was "Sattru Munbu", which she sang for Ilaiyaraaja in Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012). The song won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil at the 60th Filmfare Awards South, held in Hyderabad on 20 July 2013, where the other nominees were Andrea Jeremiah, Chinmayi, Shreya Ghoshal and Shruti Haasan. The same song also won her the Vijay Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
In 2012 she also sang the title track of the Kannada film Anna Bond, composed by V. Harikrishna, and two songs for Ilaiyaraaja in the Telugu film Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu.
Songs with Harris Jayaraj and others (2013 to 2017)
Over the next few years she worked with many of the leading composers in Tamil cinema. She sang "Pom Pom Penne" with Rahul Nambiar for Yuvan Shankar Raja in Biriyani (2013) and "Nee Vandhu Ponadhu" with KK, Bombay Jayashree and Megha for Harris Jayaraj in Yaan (2014). For Harris Jayaraj she also sang "Oh Maya" with N. C. Karunya in Iru Mugan (2016) and "Mudhal Murai" with Harish Raghavendra, Swetha Mohan and Karthik in Singam 3 (2017), along with its Telugu version, "Musi Musi Navvula".
She continued to sing for Ilaiyaraaja in films such as Un Samayal Arayil (2014), Touring Talkies (2015) and Oru Melliya Kodu (2016).
Acting in Tharai Thappattai (2016)
Ramya made an on-screen appearance in Bala's Tharai Thappattai, released on 14 January 2016, with music by Ilaiyaraaja. She played Ramya, a guide who leads a television crew in the opening part of the film.
Bigg Boss Tamil 2 (2018)
In June 2018 she entered the second season of Bigg Boss Tamil on Star Vijay, hosted by Kamal Haasan, as one of its 16 original housemates. She was evicted in the episode aired on 22 July 2018.
Later songs (2019 to 2020)
Her later credits include the title track of the Telugu film Mr. Majnu (2019), composed by S. Thaman, and in Tamil "Aazhiyin Nadhiye" in Varmaa (2020) and "Ennodu Va" with Rajaganapathy for Yuvan Shankar Raja in Plan Panni Pannanum (2020).
Songs
Tamil
Year | Song | Film | Composer | Co-singers |
2008 | Lusimbara | Pandhayam | Vijay Antony | Vijay Antony, Christopher |
2008 | Yaanai Pasi | Oru Ponnu Oru Paiyan | Karthik Raja | Vijay Yesudas |
2008 | Unakenna Naan | Kadhalil Vizhundhen | P. V. Prasath | Vijay Antony |
2008 | Adi Aathi | Durai | D. Imman | Jassie Gift, Timmy |
2009 | Vellaikaari Nee | Irumbukottai Murattusingam | G. V. Prakash Kumar | M. K. Balaji, Bhargavi |
2009 | Dingi Tappu | A Aa E Ee | Vijay Antony | Megha, Sheba, Vinaya, Maya, Vijay Antony |
2010 | One Two Three | Vandae Maatharam | D. Imman | Farazuddin, D. Imman |
2010 | Theme of Love | Nagaram | Thaman | — |
2010 | Aasa Aasa | Naanayam | James Vasanthan | Kannan, Megha, Sheba |
2011 | Un Kannai Paartha Piragu | Yuvan Yuvathi | Vijay Antony | Karthik |
2011 | Enna Idhu | Mouna Guru | Thaman | Ranjith, Rahul Nambiar, Rita |
2011 | Kadhal Adimazhai Kaalam | Aanmai Thavarael | Mariya Manohar | Krish |
2012 | Sattru Munbu | Neethaane En Ponvasantham | Ilaiyaraaja | — |
2013 | Indrodu Thadaigal | Udhayam NH4 | G. V. Prakash Kumar | Srinivas |
2013 | Bul Bul Thara | Sillunu Oru Sandhippu | F. S. Faizal | Sam P. Keerthan |
2013 | Masala Chicks | Ponmaalai Pozhudhu | C. Sathya | — |
2013 | En Ooru | Maranthen Mannithen | Ilaiyaraaja | — |
2013 | Janavary Mazhaiyil | Hi Da | Vishal Chandrasekhar | — |
2013 | Pom Pom Penne | Biriyani | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Rahul Nambiar |
2014 | Nee Vandhu Ponadhu | Yaan | Harris Jayaraj | KK, Bombay Jayashree, Megha |
2014 | Intha Iyelesa | Vaaraayo Vennilaave | Karthik Raja | — |
2014 | Therindho Theriyaamalo | Un Samayal Arayil | Ilaiyaraaja | Karthik |
2014 | Nenjodu Neeye | Manam Nilluna Nikkadhe | R. G. Allen | — |
2014 | Uyire Uyire | JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai | G. V. Prakash Kumar | Benny Dayal |
2014 | Ennodu | Inga Enna Solluthu | Dharan | Naresh Iyer |
2014 | Ennenamo Nadakudhe | Amara | D. Imman | Haricharan |
2014 | En Anbe | Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani | Simon | Vijay Prakash |
2015 | Chakkan Chakka Chakkan | Touring Talkies | Ilaiyaraaja | — |
2015 | Sevvaname | Snehavin Kadhalarkal | R. Prabahar | — |
2015 | Vaada Vaada | Sagaptham | Karthik Raja | Senthil Dass |
2015 | Dhegam Thaakum | Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai | Varshan | K. Krishna Kumar |
2015 | Sriranjini | Maanga | Premgi Amaren | Premgi Amaren, T. L. Maharajan, Hemambika |
2015 | A For Azhagirukku | Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam | Vijay Antony | — |
2015 | Size Sexy | Inji Iduppazhagi | M. M. Keeravani | — |
2015 | Harmonic Thee | En Vazhi Thani Vazhi | Srikanth Deva | — |
2015 | Mazhai Azhaga | Andhadhi | Shamanth | — |
2015 | Un Tholil | 1 Pandhu 4 Run 1 Wicket | Umesh | — |
2016 | Vellai Irave | Vizhithiru | Sathyan Mahalingam | G. V. Prakash Kumar |
2016 | Eden Garden | Oyee | Ilaiyaraaja | Ranjith, Premjith |
2016 | Mayakara Manmadha | Narathan | Mani Sharma | Karthik |
2016 | Oru Melliya Kodu | Oru Melliya Kodu | Ilaiyaraaja | — |
2016 | Oh Maya | Iru Mugan | Harris Jayaraj | N. C. Karunya |
2017 | Vennila Thangachi | Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum | D. Imman | Nakash Aziz |
2017 | Mudhal Murai | Singam 3 | Harris Jayaraj | Harish Raghavendra, Swetha Mohan, Karthik |
2020 | Aazhiyin Nadhiye | Varmaa | Radhan | — |
2020 | Ennodu Va | Plan Panni Pannanum | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Rajaganapathy |
Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam
Year | Song | Film | Language | Composer |
2006 | As We All Know | Notebook | Malayalam | Mejo Joseph |
2009 | Thulle Dorasani | Super Cowboy | Telugu | G. V. Prakash Kumar |
2009 | Rajasimham | Super Cowboy | Telugu | G. V. Prakash Kumar |
2010 | Okkadante | Ragada | Telugu | Thaman |
2011 | Ekkadekkada | Veera | Telugu | Thaman |
2011 | Teerale Vadhante | LBW: Life Before Wedding | Telugu | Anil |
2011 | Hey Ento | LBW: Life Before Wedding | Telugu | Anil |
2011 | Poovai Poovai | Dookudu | Telugu | Thaman |
2011 | Nee Dookudu | Dookudu | Telugu | Thaman |
2012 | Yedhi Yedhi | Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu | Telugu | Ilaiyaraaja |
2012 | Inthakaalam | Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu | Telugu | Ilaiyaraaja |
2012 | Boostu Thaage | Mr. 7 | Telugu | Munna Kasi |
2012 | Body Guard (title track) | Body Guard | Telugu | Thaman |
2012 | Anna Bond (title track) | Anna Bond | Kannada | V. Harikrishna |
2013 | Gola Gola | Shadow | Telugu | Thaman |
2013 | Cheliya | Om 3D | Telugu | Achu Rajamani |
2013 | Aa Eedhi Kurrodu | Gundello Godari | Telugu | Ilaiyaraaja |
2013 | Oosi Nee Andalu | Aadu Magaadra Bujji | Telugu | Sri Kommineni |
2013 | Rowdy Girls | 555 | Telugu | Simon |
2013 | Prema Anna Vinthaloni | 555 | Telugu | Simon |
2013 | Pala Pala | Whistle | Kannada | Joshua Sridhar |
2013 | Oora Mandhi | Whistle | Kannada | Joshua Sridhar |
2014 | Thelisi Theliyendhila | Ulavacharu Biriyani | Telugu | Ilaiyaraaja |
2014 | Ninninka Chudavu | Nene | Telugu | Harris Jayaraj |
2014 | Manadi Belagayithe | Oggarane | Kannada | Ilaiyaraaja |
2015 | Petromaxu Lightingu | Bandipotu | Telugu | Kalyan Koduri |
2016 | Saradaale | Abbayitho Ammayi | Telugu | Ilaiyaraaja |
2016 | Ivanobba Olle Uduga | Viraat | Kannada | V. Harikrishna |
2016 | Betagaara Nobba | Shivalinga | Kannada | V. Harikrishna |
2016 | Ondhu Manjina Bindhu | Game | Kannada | Ilaiyaraaja |
2017 | Musi Musi Navvula | Singam 3 (Telugu version) | Telugu | Harris Jayaraj |
2019 | Mr. Majnu (title track) | Mr. Majnu | Telugu | S. Thaman |
Filmography
Year | Film | Role | Director | Notes |
2016 | Tharai Thappattai | Ramya | Bala | Tour guide in the opening sequence |
Television
Year | Show | Role | Channel |
2018 | Bigg Boss Tamil 2 | Contestant | Star Vijay |
Awards
Award | Category | Song | Result |
60th Filmfare Awards South (2013) | Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil | Sattru Munbu | Won |
Vijay Awards | Best Female Playback Singer | Sattru Munbu | Won |
FAQ
Who is Ramya NSK?
Ramya NSK is a playback singer from Chennai who sings mainly in Tamil and Telugu. She is the granddaughter of N. S. Krishnan and T. A. Mathuram.
Which song won Ramya NSK the Filmfare Award?
"Sattru Munbu" from Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012). It won her Best Female Playback Singer – Tamil at the 60th Filmfare Awards South in 2013.
Who composed Sattru Munbu?
Ilaiyaraaja composed "Sattru Munbu" for Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012).
Was Ramya NSK in Bigg Boss?
Yes. She was one of the 16 original housemates on Bigg Boss Tamil 2 in 2018 and was evicted in the episode aired on 22 July 2018.
Has Ramya NSK acted in films?
Yes. She played Ramya, a tour guide, in Bala's Tharai Thappattai (2016).
In which languages does Ramya NSK sing?
She has sung in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films.