Divya Vimal: A Profile in Carnatic Excellence and Playback Prowess
Divya Vimal, formerly known as Divya B. Nair, is an eminent Carnatic musician, seasoned music educator, and accomplished playback singer from Kerala, India. Her musical journey, which began in early childhood, has established her as a distinguished figure in the South Indian music landscape.
Early Life, Training, and Academic Achievements
Divya's innate talent was recognized and meticulously nurtured by her parents, Shri Balakrishnan Nair and Smt. Baby Balakrishnan. This natural aptitude was honed through eighteen years of dedicated training and practice under the guidance of her revered guru, Brahmasree Chandramana Narayanan Namboothiri. Her guru not only mentored her as a student but also entrusted her with teaching his own disciples, an experience that forged her into a seasoned professional.
Her commitment to musical scholarship is underscored by her academic achievements, including an M.Phil in Music from Sri Sankaracharya Sanskrit University, Kalady.
Concert Career and Accolades
Divya Vimal's concert career was launched in 1997 with her first Carnatic music performance at the Iringole temple, Perumbavoor. Since then, she has performed in nearly 100 concerts across South India, captivating audiences with her profound mastery of the form.
Her exceptional artistry has garnered several major accolades, including:
- First Place in Carnatic music competition at the Kerala State Youth Festival (1999-2000)
- The prestigious "Augustine Joseph Memorial Thamburu Puraskaara" from Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. J. Yesudas
A significant career milestone occurred at the age of 13 when she had the golden opportunity to share the stage with the legendary Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. J. Yesudas. She has also performed alongside other renowned musicians, including Shri. T. S. Radhakrishnaji and the popular playback singer Shri. Madhu Balakrishnan, and had the blessed opportunity to record a devotional song for the legendary musician, Shri V. Dakshinamoorthy Swami.
Playback Singing and Discography
Divya made a memorable debut as a playback singer for the song "Chinkaarakkanna," penned by Shri Rajeev Alunkal, in the Malayalam movie Bharya Onnu Makkal Moonnu (directed by Shri. Rajasenan, music by Shri M. Jayachandran). Her work on this song was critically acclaimed, earning her:
- The "Radio Mirchi Music Award"
- The J. C. Daniel Memorial Award
- The "Vayalar Rama Varma Chalachithra Puraskaram" for the best upcoming female playback singer
Additionally, she lent her voice to the beautiful melody "Jalamevide" in the movie Bodhi.
Beyond film, her extensive discography includes over 300 recorded devotional songs and independent albums such as Narayaneeyam, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Mahishaasuramardini, Vaakachaarthu, Swagatham Krishna, and Devi Pranam.
Music Education and Raagasudha
Divya Vimal is equally dedicated to preserving and propagating musical knowledge. Since 2011, she has built a strong reputation as a passionate educator at the Raagasudha Music Training Centre in the UAE, where she has trained over 500 aspiring musicians.
Under the banner of "Raagasudha," she also creates several musical productions, providing her students with an invaluable platform to showcase and develop their singing abilities.
Awards and Recognition
Had the distinct honor of sharing the stage in a duet performance with legendary Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. J. Yesudas at Aruvithura
Receiving J C Daniel Foundation Award for the Best Playback Singer 2009
Receiving appreciation from Padma Vibhushan Dr K J Yesudas with Shri. P. T. Thomas
Receiving the prestigious Augustine Joseph Memorial Thamburu Puraskara for Carnatic Music, presented by the musical icon, Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. J. Yesudas.
Receiving the 2009 Mirchi Music Award for the Best Upcoming Playback Singer for the song "Shinkara Kanna" from the film Bharya Onnu Makkal Moonnu.