P. Unni Krishnan (born 9 July 1966 in Palakkad, Kerala) is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist and playback singer renowned for bridging classical purity with cinematic melody. Initiated into classical music at age 12, he trained under prominent gurus and immersed himself in the “Veena Dhanammal” tradition and Carnatic rigor. After earning a commerce degree and working in a corporate job, he abandoned that career in 1994 to pursue music. His debut playback songs — “Ennavale Adi Ennavale” and “Uyirum Neeye” (composed by A.R. Rahman) — earned him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, making him the first male to receive the honor for a Tamil song. A respected television judge on reality shows like Super Singer and Idea Star Singer, he has also experimented with jazz fusion and devotional albums. A fan-favorite singer often cited by Tamil music lovers for the emotional depth and pure tone he brings to film songs, Unni Krishnan remains a revered figure across South Indian music.