Sunitha Upadrashta, fondly known as Singer Sunitha, is a celebrated Indian playback singer, voice-over artist, anchor, and actress who has left an indelible mark on the South Indian entertainment industry, particularly in Telugu cinema. Often hailed as the "Queen of Melody," Sunitha’s versatile talents span singing, dubbing, hosting, and acting, making her a household name across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and beyond. Born on May 10, 1978, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Sunitha’s journey from a child prodigy to a National Award-winning artist is a testament to her dedication, skill, and passion for music.
Sunitha Upadrashta was born into a musically inclined Telugu Brahmin family in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, though she spent much of her formative years in Guntur. Her father, Upadrasta Narasimha Rao, and mother, Sumathi, were both avid music enthusiasts, fostering an environment that nurtured Sunitha’s innate talent from a tender age. At just six years old, she began her formal training in Carnatic vocal music under the tutelage of Shri Pemmaraju Surya Rao. She later honed her skills in light music with Kalaga Krishna Mohan, laying a strong foundation for her future career.
Sunitha’s early exposure to music wasn’t limited to training alone. By the age of 13, she was already performing at prestigious events like the Tyagaraja Aradhana Utsavalu alongside her guru, showcasing her prodigious talent. Her participation in concerts and programs organized by All India Radio further amplified her reputation as a young musical sensation. This early immersion in music, coupled with a scholarship from the Central Government of India for musical training, set the stage for her remarkable career.
Career Beginnings: Playback Singing Debut
Sunitha’s commercial singing career kicked off in 1995 when she was just 17 years old. Her debut song, "Ee Velalo Neevu," from the Telugu film Gulabi, penned by the legendary Sirivennela Sitaramasastri, marked her entry into playback singing. The soulful rendition instantly captivated audiences, establishing her as a promising talent in Tollywood. Since then, Sunitha has lent her voice to over 3,000 songs across Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films, cementing her status as one of South India’s most prolific playback singers.
Some of her iconic songs include "Yem Sandeham Ledu" from Oohalu Gusagusalade, "Egiripothe Entha Baguntundi" from Vedam, "Jum Jum Maya" from Vikramarkudu, and "Varsham Munduga" from Sega. Her ability to infuse emotion into every note has made her a favorite among music directors and listeners alike.
Dubbing Career: A Voice for Over 110 Actresses
Beyond singing, Sunitha Upadrashta has excelled as a dubbing artist, a rare feat that distinguishes her in the industry. Her dubbing career began in 1998 with the film Choodalani Undi, where she provided the voice for actress Soundarya alongside megastar Chiranjeevi. Since then, she has dubbed for over 110 actresses in more than 750 films, including stars like Jyothika, Anushka Shetty, Shriya Saran, Tamannaah, Trisha, and Nayantara. Notably, she holds a record for dubbing 60 films in a single year, and her 750th dubbing project was for Shriya Saran in Gautamiputra Satakarni (2017).
Her versatility as a voice-over artist has made her an indispensable part of Tollywood, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
Television and Hosting: A Multifaceted Talent
Sunitha’s talents extend beyond singing and dubbing into anchoring and hosting. She has been a prominent presence on Telugu television, hosting popular music-based shows like Saptaswaraalu, Saregamapa Lil Champs, Jhummandi Naadam, and Annamayya Paataku Pattabhishekam. Her warm personality and musical expertise have also made her a sought-after judge on musical reality shows, including Padutha Theeyaga, a long-running program on ETV.
One of her standout hosting moments was anchoring the groundbreaking ceremony for Amaravathi, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, in 2015—an event that underscored her significance beyond entertainment.
Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Resilience
Sunitha’s personal life has been as eventful as her professional journey. At the age of 19, she married Kiran Kumar Goparaju, a media professional. The couple welcomed two children: a son, Aakash Goparaju, and a daughter, Shreya Goparaju. However, the marriage ended in divorce due to undisclosed reasons, marking a challenging phase in her life. Despite this, Sunitha remained focused on her career and raising her children, who have since followed in her artistic footsteps. Shreya, for instance, debuted as a singer with "Tick Tick Tick" in the 2018 film Savyasachi.
In 2021, Sunitha found love again and married businessman Ram Veerapaneni, director of Whacked Out Media, in a private ceremony in Hyderabad. Announcing her engagement on social media, she expressed gratitude to her fans for their support, emphasizing her desire to keep her personal life private yet acknowledging their unwavering love.
Awards and Achievements
Sunitha Upadrashta’s contributions to music and dubbing have earned her a plethora of accolades. She has won nine Nandi Awards, the highest recognition in Telugu cinema, for both playback singing and dubbing, including consecutive wins from 2002 to 2006 and 2010 to 2012. She also secured two Filmfare Awards South for Best Female Playback Singer. At just 15, she received a National Award from All India Radio in the light music category, and in 2011, the Government of Andhra Pradesh honored her with the Lata Mangeshkar Best Singer Award.
Her global performances across 19 countries, including the USA, UK, UAE, and Australia, further highlight her international appeal. In 2009, she launched "Melodious Moments with Sunitha," a musical tour that captivated audiences worldwide, with notable shows in cities like San Jose, Charlotte, and Hyderabad.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond her professional commitments, Sunitha is a multifaceted individual with diverse interests. She is an avid photographer, often capturing moments during her travels, and a skilled Veena player. An animal lover, she shares a special bond with her pet dog, Snoopy. These passions reflect her creative and compassionate nature, endearing her to fans off-screen as well.
Contributions to Devotional Music and Short Films
Sunitha’s versatility shines through in her devotional music projects, such as Annamayya Paataku Pattabhishekam (2016), Vengamaamba Keerthanalu, and Sri Venkateswara Thatwanidhi. Her soulful renditions have resonated with spiritual audiences across South India. Additionally, she ventured into acting with the 2018 short film Thadasthu and starred in Raagam, which earned a SIIMA nomination in 2017.
Legacy and Impact
With a career spanning over 25 years, Sunitha Upadrashta remains a towering figure in Telugu entertainment. Her ability to seamlessly transition between singing, dubbing, hosting, and acting showcases her unparalleled versatility. As of March 2025, Sunitha continues to inspire aspiring artists with her resilience, talent, and dedication to her craft, solidifying her legacy as a true icon of South Indian cinema.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Sunitha Upadrashta
- Child Prodigy: Sunitha began performing at age six and won a National Award from All India Radio at 15.
- Dubbing Record: She dubbed for 60 films in a single year, a rare achievement in Tollywood.
- Global Performer: She has performed in over 19 countries, including the USA, UK, and Japan.
- Multi-Talented: Apart from singing, she excels in dubbing, hosting, acting, and playing the Veena.
- Family Talent: Her daughter Shreya debuted as a singer in Savyasachi (2018).
- 750th Dubbing Milestone: Her 750th dubbing project was for Shriya Saran in Gautamiputra Satakarni.
- Awards Galore: She has won nine Nandi Awards and two Filmfare Awards South.
- Photography Passion: Sunitha is an avid photographer, capturing moments during her travels.
- Devotional Contributions: She has lent her voice to numerous devotional albums, enhancing her spiritual appeal.
- Amaravathi Ceremony: She anchored the historic groundbreaking ceremony for Andhra Pradesh’s new capital in 2015.
Top 10 FAQs About Sunitha Upadrashta
- What is Sunitha Upadrashta’s full name?
Her full name is Sunitha Upadrashta. - When was Sunitha born?
She was born on May 10, 1978, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. - How many songs has Sunitha sung?
She has sung over 3,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films. - Who is Sunitha’s husband?
She is currently married to Ram Veerapaneni (since 2021). She was previously married to Kiran Kumar Goparaju. - How many children does Sunitha have?
She has two children: Aakash Goparaju and Shreya Goparaju. - What awards has Sunitha won?
She has won nine Nandi Awards, two Filmfare Awards South, and a National Award from All India Radio. - When did Sunitha start her singing career?
Her playback singing career began in 1995 with the song "Ee Velalo Neevu" from Gulabi. - How many films has Sunitha dubbed for?
She has dubbed for over 750 films, voicing more than 110 actresses. - What is Sunitha’s notable hosting event?
She anchored the Amaravathi foundation-laying ceremony in 2015. - Does Sunitha perform internationally?
Yes, she has performed in over 19 countries, including the USA, UK, and Australia.
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