S. G. Kittappa

Shencottah Ganagathara Aiyer Kittappa
Born Ramakrishnan
25 August 1906
Shencottah,
Kingdom of Travancore
Died 2 December 1933 (aged 27)
Madras,
British India
Occupation Stage actor, singer
Years active 1911-1933
Spouse(s) K. B. Sundarambal (m. 1927–33)

Shencottah Ganagathara Aiyer Kittappa (25 August 1906 – 2 December 1933) was a Tamil classical singer and stage actor who was active in the pre-cinema days of the 1920s. He was the husband of singer and film actor K. B. Sundarambal.

Early life

Kittappa was born in Shenkottai in the then Kingdom of Travancore to Ganagathara Aiyer. He was one of Ganagathara Aiyer's three sons, the others being Chellappa and Subbiah. Due to the weak financial condition of the family, Kittappa did not receive any formal education but was trained in music and screenplay by Sankaradas Swamigal.

Stage career

Kittappa took to the stage early in his career and achieved remarkable success. His first stage appearance was at the age of five. He appeared in dramas in Ceylon at the age of eight. The Ceylon Indian Chamber of Commerce awarded him gold medal and certificate of appreciation for his artistic talents.

Family

Kittappa was captivated by the singing of upcoming singer K. B. Sundarambal.[1] The two eventually fell in love and married in 1927.[1] The duo later performed together in the stage offering many hits.[1]

Death

Kittappa's efforts took a toll on his health. Once while performing in Thiruvarur, he fainted and fell. Kittappa eventually died in 1933 at the age of 27.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 N. Rajagopalan (1992). Another Garland: Biographical Dictionary of Carnatic Composers & Musicians, Bopok II. Carnatic Classicals. pp. 302 – 302.

References