G. Venugopal

G Venugopal was born in Trivandrum, Kerala in south India. Venugopal is the eldest of the two children of Shri Gopinathan Nair who hails from Thattathumala and Sreemathi Sarojini, his mother who retired as the head of the dept of music, Govt Womens College, Trivandrum. K Sharadamani and K Radhamani who were popularly known as Paravur sisters are the maternal aunts of G Venugopal .

Venugopals formal schooling commenced from Carmel School, Trivandrum where he studied till his fourth standard. He later moved to Thycaud Model School from where he completed his tenth standard. In 1978, he completed his Pre University from Arts College Trivandrum. Nursing dreams of becoming a doctor, he joined for BSC Zoology at Trivandrum University College. From the first year onwards University festivals became an addiction to him. From 1980 to 1985 he was the undisputed winner in light music competition in university festivals. It was during the same time in 1984 and 1985, Venugopal came first in classical music competition too; thus becoming the Kalapratibha of the festival. His course of studies took a different turn then. After graduation he joined for MA English Literarture at Mar Ivanios College Trivandrum. He went on to pursue his second Post graduate degree in Journalism from Kerala University( M J) , thus proving that studies never took a second seat even when passion for music drove his life ahead. Soon after his post graduate studies, he was inducted as a journalist in The Indian Express. He could stay in his first job only for a few days, before which he got posted as Programme Executive in All India Radio. This was in August 1988. His stint with journalism and his nose for news continues to be alive with his personal blog under the title “Songs on Sand”

G Venugopal is not far behind when it comes to popularizing Malayalam poems to undeniable heights. Poetry collections under the theme and name ‘Music with meaning’ stands testimony to his exceptional talent. Christian devotional songs translated into Sanskrit and Christian Sahasranamams add yet another feather and milestone to his unmatched creativity. Vishnu sahasranam, Lalitha sahasranamam and Kanakadhara with his personalized rendering style epitomizes G Venugopal’s inherent musical blessing and remain treasures in his melodious life.

"Sasneham G Venugopal" is a charity initiative that Venugopal started with the help and aid of his fans across the globe. It was started in 2009 when he reached the landmark 25th year of his playback singing career. This is charity with a difference with the volunteers from the ‘Sasneham GVenugopal’ group volunteering to teach art and craft to the kids of RCC and Poojappura Mahila orphanage. It is in the 5th year now since it started in 2009. Venugopal is the Goodwill Ambassador for the programs on Dyslexia under IMA in Kerala. SRI Venugopal is the Vice chairman of the Swasthi foundation, a charitable society working in Trivandrum, and is the Executive Honorary Director of Swasthi school of Music and dance, functioning at Trivandrum. Apart from extending his arms to charity work and lending support to organizations that are needy, Venugopal has also forayed into humanitarian efforts in keeping up and spreading messages that directly affect our life style and health issues. These include the ‘Anti- tobacco Campaign’, ‘Green Kerala Campaign’, ‘Organ Donation Campaign’ and cleanliness drive under the banner ‘Clean Kerala’.

Kerala State Film Awards:

• 1988 - Best Playback Singer - Moonnaam Pakkam (Song: "Unarumee Gaanam")
• 1990 - Best Playback Singer - Sasneham (Song:"Thaaney Poovitta Moham")
• 2004 - Best Playback Singer - Ullam (Song: "Aadedee aadaadedee")

Kerala Film Critics Award

• 1987 - Best Playback Singer - Thoovanathumbikal (Song: "Onnaam Raagam Paadi")
• 1989 - Best Playback Singer - Mazhavilkkaavadi (Song: "Mainaaga Ponmudiyil & Pallitherunto")

Kerala State Government Award (Professional Drama):

• 2000 - Best Singer - Sabko Sanmathi De Bhagwan (Song: "Ee Raavam Poovum")

Asianet Film Awards:

• 2006 - Best Male Playback - Baba Kalyani

Kerala Kaumadi Gallup Poll Award:

• 1991 - Best Playback Singer - Sneha Sagaram (Song: "Peeli Kannezhuthi")
• 1992 - Best Playback Singer - Dhruvam (Song: "Karukavayal Kuruvi")

Academic

• M.A. (Literature) and M. J. (Journalism)
• University Kalaa Prathibha (1984 and 1985)