MS Subbulakshmi, a carnatic singer, was the first musician ever to receive this honour. She won the award in 1998. Her voice and singing skills were admired by many great people such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Sarojini Naidu.
Subbulakshmi gave her first performance at the prestigious Madras Music Academy in 1929, when she was 13 years old. The performance consisted of singing bhajans (Hindu hymns). The academy was known for its discriminating selection process, and they broke tradition by inviting a young girl as a key performer. Her performance was described as spellbinding and earned her many admirers and the moniker of musical genius from critics. Soon after her debut performances, Subbulakshmi became one of the leading Carnatic vocalists.
By the age of seventeen, Subbulakshmi was giving concerts on her own, including major performances at the Madras Music Academy.
She travelled to London, New York, Canada, the Far East, and other places as India’s cultural ambassador.
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