M.M. Srilekha

Biography

M. M. Srilekha, born Koduri Srilekha, comes from a renowned family of musicians and filmmakers. She is the cousin of music director M. M. Keeravani and filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli. Raised in a musically rich environment, Srilekha developed a passion for music at an early age. Before becoming a composer, she began her journey as a playback singer and later transitioned into music direction.

Career Beginnings

Srilekha made her debut as a music composer with the Tamil film Naalaiya Theerpu in 1992, becoming one of the youngest and few female composers in the South Indian film industry. Her work soon gained attention for its freshness and melodic strength, paving the way for more opportunities in Telugu cinema.

Rise to Fame

She rose to prominence in Telugu films with successful soundtracks such as Taj Mahal, Dharma Chakram, Moodu Mukkalaata, and Preminchu. Her music often blends classical influences with modern sensibilities, appealing to a wide audience. Srilekha’s ability to deliver both soulful melodies and energetic commercial numbers helped her establish a distinct identity in the industry.

Over the years, she has composed music for more than 70 films in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. She has also lent her voice as a playback singer in several songs.

Musical Style and Contribution

M. M. Srilekha is celebrated as one of the very few successful female music composers in Indian cinema. Her compositions are known for their strong melodies, emotional depth, and clear sense of rhythm. She often experiments with blending Indian classical tunes and Western arrangements, giving her work a unique edge.

She has openly spoken about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, emphasizing perseverance and self-belief as key to her success.

Personal Life

Srilekha is married to Putta Prasad, and they have a son. Despite coming from a family of celebrated artists, she has carved out her own space in the music world through talent and dedication.