Sunitha Upadrashta

Sunitha Upadrashta: Biography and Career Highlights

Sunitha Upadrashta is a renowned Indian playback singer, anchor, and dubbing artist, cherished in Telugu cinema and South Indian music. Born on May 10, 1978, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, she began training in Carnatic music at age six and light music under esteemed mentors, winning her first national award from All India Radio at age 15. Her melodious voice and expressive singing style have made her a familiar name across generations.

Musical Style and Career

• Made her playback debut in 1995 with the song “Ee Vela Lo Neevu” in the film Gulabi.


• Sung more than 3,500 songs in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films, also famous for TV serial title tracks such as Ruturagalu and Antarangalu.


• Known for blending Carnatic classical foundations with emotive contemporary performance.


• Has worked as an anchor, music show host, and judge on leading TV channels, including Padutha Theeyaga with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.


• As a voice artist, has dubbed for more than 110 actresses in 750+ films, making her a record-setter in Telugu cinema.

Awards and Recognition

• Recipient of 9 Nandi Awards (Best Singer and Dubbing Artist) from the Andhra Pradesh government, including for Godavari, Jayam, and Sri Rama Rajyam.


• Two Filmfare Awards South (Best Female Playback Singer—Telugu/Kannada).


• Lata Mangeshkar Best Singer Award (2011), Singer of the Decade (2016), Indywood Academy Award (2018), and numerous TV and music honors.


• Regular nominee and winner at major award ceremonies for her consistent excellence in playback singing and voice work.

Concerts and Live Shows

• Performed in 19 countries, headlining events in the USA, UK, Australia, UAE, and more since 1999.


• Launched the “Melodious Moments with Sunitha” concert series, popular in both the US and India, with shows held at iconic venues like Shilpakala Vedika and Old National Center, Indianapolis.


• Continues to tour globally for live performances, with recent and upcoming concerts in major US venues.


• Featured as a singer at prominent ceremonies, festivals, and national events including the Amaravati foundation ceremony and state jubilees.

Influence and Personal Life

• Celebrated not only as a singer but also as a cultural anchor and versatile performer.


• Married Ram Veerapaneni in 2021, after a previous marriage to Kiran Kumar Goparaju.


• Inspires young musicians, contributing actively to music programming and industry mentorship.