Kochi, July 15: Renowned singer P Leela was selected for this year's 'Janmashtami Puraskaram', instituted by the Aluva based Balasamskara Kendram, for individuals or organisations spreading awareness on the teachings of Lord Krishna, a Kendram Trustee said today. Leela, who has rendered several devotional songs, was chosen for this year's award, considering her efforts to spread 'Narayaneeyam', 'Jnanappana' and 'Harinaamakeerthanam', N K Desam, Kendram Trustee, told reporters here. Besides Jnanappana, Harinamakeerthanam and Harikeerthanam, she has also rendered the 'Kadampuzha Devi Suprabhatham', 'Chottanikkara Devi Suprabhatham' 'Mookambika Suprabhatham' and 'Parassinikadavu Muthappan Suprabhatham'.
The Puraskaram carries a cash award, citation and a memento. Leela, who had won the heart of music lovers with her melodious voice, had sung in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films and her first playback song was 'Sree Varalakshmi' in 1947 for the Tamil film 'Kankanam'.

Leela, who had won several awards, was bestowed with 'Sangeetha Narayani' title by the Guruvayoor Devaswom and in 1992 she was honoured with the title 'Kalaimamani' by the government of Tamil Nadu.
Bureau Report