* Swarnalatha had been singing since 1983 but got her first big break when she came to Chennai and met MS Viswanathan in 1987. She was introduced to the film industry with a duet with KJ Yesudas — 'Chinnanchirukiliye Kannamma' from MSV’s 'Neethikku Dhandanai'.
* Swarnalatha however owes her immense popularity to AR Rahman and Ilaiyaraja - the two maestros she performed for, right through the peak of her career.
* Her splendid rendition of the famous song 'Porale Ponnuthayi' with AR Rahman from the film 'Karuththamma' earned her a National Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1995.
* In a span of 21 years, she has rendered over 7500 songs in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and even Urdu and Baduga.
* After making a mark with her trademark melodious numbers, Swarnalatha went on to surprise fans with upbeat, peppy numbers like Maya Machindra from Indian, 'Mukkala Mukkabla' from 'Kadhalan', 'Kucchi Kucchi' from 'Bombay' and 'Usilampatti pennkutti' from 'Gentleman'.
* After Chinna Thambi released in 1991, Swarnalatha’s rendition of the memorable hit 'Povoma oorkolam' by Ilaiyaraja won her numerous awards and accolades at that time.
* She has also sung for top music directors like Deva and MS Viswanathan.Fans and friends from the industry were of the belief that her 'Evano oruvan' from 'Alaipayuthey' would earn Swarnalatha her second National Award due to its earthy melody and excellent rendition.
Swarnalatha has music running in the family, being born to KC Cherukutty, a harmonium player and singer in Palakkad.
* Her last song was 'Kummi adi' from 'Sillunnu Oru Kaadhal' in 2006 after which she has been off the radar.
She was 37 when she passed away in Chennai following lung problems.
