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{{Short description|Indian Carnatic music singing duo}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Bombay Sisters
| birth_date = {{Plainlist|
* C. Saroja
* {{Birth date and age|1936|12|07|df=yes}}
* [[Trichur]], [[Kingdom of Cochin]], British India
* C. Lalitha
* {{Birth date|1938|08|26|df=yes}}
* Trichur, Kingdom of Cochin, British India
}}
| death_date = {{Plainlist|
* C. Lalitha
* {{Death date and age|2023|01|31|1938|08|26|df=yes}}
}}
* [[Chennai]], India
| image = Bombay Sisters.jpg
| image_size =
| alias =
| origin =
| instrument =
| genre = [[Carnatic music]]
| years_active =
| label =
| associated_acts =
| website =
| current_members =
| past_members =
| module = {{Infobox person |embed=yes|
| education = S.I.E.S Matunga
| alma_mater = [[Delhi University]]
| awards = [[Padma Shri]] (2020) <br> [[Sangita Kalanidhi]] (2010) <br> [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]] (2004)
}}
}}

The '''Bombay Sisters''', '''C. Saroja''' (born 7 December 1936) and '''C. Lalitha''' (26 August 1938 – 31 January 2023), were an Indian [[Carnatic music]] singing duo.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.chennaionline.com/entertainment/carnatic/bsisters.asp|title=Interview with Bombay Sisters|last=Saravanan & Hari Krishnan|publisher=ChennaiOnline.com|access-date=3 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928064511/http://archives.chennaionline.com/entertainment/carnatic/bsisters.asp|archive-date=28 September 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> They received the [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth highest civilian honour, in 2020.

==Filmography==
# Yar Jambulingam (Aadi Aadi Asaithal)
# Arunagirinathar (Kaithala Nirai Kani)

==Early life==
The Bombay Sisters, C. Saroja and C. Lalitha, were born in [[Trichur]], in what is today [[Kerala]], to Mukthambal and N. Chidambaram Iyer. The sisters were brought up in [[Bombay]]. Saroja and Lalitha had their education in the S.I.E.S Matunga, passed their intermediate privately from Bhopal, M.P. and completed their graduation from [[Delhi University]]. They had their musical training with H. A. S. Mani, [[Musiri Subramania Iyer]] and T. K. Govinda Rao. T. K. Govinda Rao played major role in training the nuances of Carnatic music, How to enhance the raga and its bhava while singing sangatis in a kriti<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombay Sisters - A Sruti Interview |url=https://www.sruti.com/articles/spotlight/bombay-sisters-a-sruti-interview |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=www.sruti.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/09/22/stories/2007092252420400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107181225/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/09/22/stories/2007092252420400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2012|title=Bombay sisters in concert|date=22 September 2007|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carnatica.net/artiste/bombaysisters.htm|title=C Saroja & C Lalita – The Bombay Sisters |publisher=Carnatica.com|access-date=3 August 2009}}</ref>

== Career ==
After they were groomed in [[Carnatic music]] in [[Mumbai]], the sisters moved to Chennai when the elder sister, Saroja, first received a fellowship at the Central College of Music in [[Chennai|Madras]] (now Chennai). The younger sister, Lalitha, also later received a fellowship at the same college.<ref name=":0" /> The duo got their name when [[Swami|''Mouna Swamigal'']] of [[Ambattur]] addressed them as 'Bombay Sahodarigal' ({{Translation|Bombay Sisters}}) and the name stuck.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=11 December 2018 |title=Bombay Sisters speak about their successful journey |url=https://newstodaynet.com/index.php/2018/12/11/bombay-sisters-speak-about-their-successful-journey/}}</ref>

As part of the trend of duo singing in Carnatic music, which started in the 1950s, with performers like [[Radha Jayalakshmi]], and [[Soolamangalam Sisters]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/article95639.ece|title=Sisters in song|date=30 January 2010|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> Bombay Sisters began singing in 1963 when they started with light classical music, subsequently progressing to classical Carnatic music.<ref name=":2" /> Their first major concert in Madras was at the [[Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Mylapore|Sai Baba temple]] in [[Mylapore]], where they were bumped to the prime-time slot because of the unavailability of [[Madurai Mani Iyer]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=1 February 2023 |title=C Lalitha, younger of noted Carnatic duo Bombay Sisters, dies at 84 in Chennai |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/c-lalitha-younger-of-noted-carnatic-duo-bombay-sisters-dies-at-84-in-chennai/articleshow/97506592.cms?from=mdr |access-date=5 February 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

The duo sang in multiple languages including [[Sanskrit]], [[Kannada]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]], [[Hindi]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iu8VAAAAIBAJ&pg=4559,1638849&dq=bombay-sisters|title=Concert by Bombay sisters|date=16 February 1994|newspaper=[[New Straits Times]]|pages=13|access-date=3 August 2009}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> They stayed away from singing for film-songs through their career.<ref name=":3" /> They were also known for promoting young musicians through endowments and scholarships.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |last1=Charukesi |title=In complete harmony |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/in-complete-harmony/article2777468.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=5 January 2012 |language=en-IN}}</ref> They received the [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth highest civilian honour, in 2020.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Review |first=Team Friday |date=2 February 2023 |title=Remembering C. Lalitha of the Bombay Sisters |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/c-saroja-c-lalitha-bombay-sisters/article66463095.ece |access-date=5 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Awards==
{{div col begin}}
* [[Padmashri]], 2020; awarded by the Government of India<ref>{{cite web |title=Padma Awards 2020 Announced |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=197647 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=The Hindu Net Desk |title=Full list of 2020 Padma awardees |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/full-list-of-2020-padma-awardees/article30656841.ece |work=The Hindu |date=26 January 2020 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
* ''Isai Peraringar Award'', 2006; awarded by the [[Tamil Isai Sangam]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/11/stories/2006111103880200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205015702/http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/11/stories/2006111103880200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 December 2007|title=Bombay Sisters to get Isai Perarignar Award|date=11 November 2006|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 August 2009}}</ref>
* [[Sangeetha Kalasikhamani]], 2006; awarded by The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Heritage – December Madras (Chennai) Music Season – Awards 1998 to 2010 |url=https://www.indian-heritage.org/musicseason/awardsp.htm |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=indian-heritage.org}}</ref>
* [[Kalaimamani]] for contributions to Carnatic music; awarded by the Government of Tamilnadu<ref name="ChennaiOnline - Profile">{{cite web|url=http://archives.chennaionline.com/musicseason99/profile/bombaysisters.html|title=Profile – Bombay Sisters|publisher=ChennaiOnline.com|access-date=3 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815060753/http://archives.chennaionline.com/musicseason99/profile/bombaysisters.html|archive-date=15 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* First women to be conferred the status of ''[[Asthana Vidushi]]'' by the [[Kanchi matha]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/09/28/stories/2007092850950200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105072632/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/09/28/stories/2007092850950200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2007|title=Sheer hard work has brought us this far|date=28 September 2007|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 August 2009}}</ref>
* [[Sangeetha Kalanidhi]] Award, 2010; awarded by the [[Madras Music Academy]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article523573.ece?homepage=true|title=Sangita Kalanidhi award for Bombay Sisters|date=20 July 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=20 July 2010}}</ref>
* [[Sangeetha Choodamani]] Award, 1991; awarded by the Sri Krishna Gana Sabha<ref>{{Cite web |title=Understanding of bhava is needed |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/dec/11/understanding-of-bhava-is-needed-319316.html |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}</ref>
* [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]], 2004; awarded by the Government of India<ref name=":4" />
* S V Narayanaswamy Rao Award, 2018; awarded by the Sree Rama Seva Mandali, Bangalore<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 February 2010 |title=Saregama in air-conditioned comfort |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/Saregama-in-air-conditioned-comfort/article16814956.ece |access-date=5 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer Memorial Award, 2013<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 December 2013 |title=Award for Bombay Sisters |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Award-for-Bombay-Sisters/article11589642.ece |access-date=5 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* Sangeetha Kala Nipuna, 1994; awarded by Mylapore Fine Arts Club, Madras<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=C Lalitha of 'Bombay sisters' passes away |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/c-lalitha-of-bombay-sisters-passes-away-1.8271257 |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |date=February 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* M S Subbulakshmi Award 2019; awarded by the Government of Tamilnadu<ref name=":5" />
{{div col end}}

== Personal life ==
Lalitha was married to [[N. R. Chandran]], former [[Advocate-General of Madras]]. She died on 31 January 2023, aged 84, in [[Chennai]]. She was suffering from cancer.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=31 January 2023 |title=Lalitha Chandran of Bombay sisters dies at 84 in Chennai |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/lalitha-of-bombay-sisters-no-more/article66455380.ece |access-date=4 February 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Saroja is married to Rajaram, former chief secretary of the [[Lalit Kala Akademi]].<ref name=":1" />

==Discography==
Source(s):<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombay Sisters Albums and Discography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bombay-sisters-mn0001283404/discography |access-date=5 February 2023 |work=AllMusic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombay Sisters |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/4182129-Bombay-Sisters |access-date=5 February 2023 |work=Discogs |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombay Sisters – Top Albums – Listen on JioSaavn |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/artist/bombay-sisters-albums/tE4Alhv-7DQ_ |access-date=5 February 2023 |publisher=JioSaavn |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombay Sisters albums and discography |url=https://www.last.fm/music/Bombay+Sisters/+albums |access-date=5 February 2023 |publisher=Last.fm |language=en}}</ref>

=== Sanskrit ===
{{div col begin}}
# Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatham & Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam
# Sri Parthasarathy Suprabhatham & Pasurangal
# Sri Kamakshi Suprabhatham
# Sri Raghavendra Suprabhatham & Sthothras
# Sri Mookambika Suprabhatham
# Sri Sharada Suprabhatham & Other Sthothras
# Sri Bhubaneswari Suprabhatham & Songs
# Sri Kalikambal Suprabhatham
# Siva Suprabhatham & Sthothras
# Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Stotram
# Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Stotram (1991)
# Sri Lakshmi Sahasranamam
# Mooka Panchasathi Vol 01, Vol 02, Vol 03, Vol 04
# Gangalahari
# Sri Bilva Ashtothara Sathanamavali
# Devi Mahathmayam Vol 01, Vol 02, Vol 03
# Sowdaryalahari
# Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam & Ashtothram
# Durga Sthothram
# Sree Mahishasuramardini Sthothram
# Sriman Narayaneeyam
# Sthothravali
# Sthothramala
# Sri Hanuman Chalisa & Other Hanumath Stothras (2008)
# Chinna Chinna Slogangal
# Krishna Karnamrutham
# Sivanandalahari
# Sri Vishnu Padadi Kesantha Sthothram
# AanandaLahari
# Sri Guru Stotram
# Sri Dakshinamurthi Manthra Mathruka Sthavam
# Sri Dakshinamurthi Navarathnamala Stotram
# Sri Dakshinamurthi Pancharatna Stotram
# Sri Dakshinamurthi Ashtakam
# Sri Guru Paduka Panchakam
# Sri Dakshinamurthi Astothara Sathanama Stotram
# Dakshinamurthy Sthothram
# Sri Dattatreya Astothara Sathanaama Stotram
# Sri Dattatreya Suprabhatham
# Sri Datta Aparadha Kshamapana Stotram
# Sri Dattatreya Stotram
# Sri Datta Stotram
# Dattastahavarajaha
# Sri Dattatreya Prarthana Chathuskam
# Sri Datta Navarathna Malika
# Sri Datta Naamavali
# Adi Sankara SivasthuthiMala
# Aadithya Hridayam
# SriSthuthi Bhoosthuthi
# Padmanabha Sathakam
# Subrahmanyam (Kandarkalivemba)
# Sri Lalitha Trisathi and Other Devi Stothras
# Devi Sthothra Malika
# Devi Sthothra Mala
# Mahishasura Mardhini (Nadam Music)
# Ramaya Thubhyam Namah
# Valmiki Ramayanam
# Sri Dattathreya Sthothram
# Sri Bhubaneswari Suprabhatham and Ashtakam
# Sri Pudukkottai Bhuvaneswari Suprabhatham and Songs
# Sri Yogabigai Suprabhatham
# Sri Manik Prabhu Suprabhatham
# Sri Ganesa Sahasranamam
{{div col end}}

=== Malayalam ===
{{div col begin}}
# Sapthaham (1991)
# Sundara Narayana Guruvayurappan Gananjali Vol. 8- CD 1
# Sundara Narayana Guruvayurappan Gananjali Vol. 8- CD 2
{{div col end}}

=== Tamil ===
{{div col begin}}

# Sri Abirami Andhadhi
# Sri Guruvayurappa Suprabhatham
# Kandar Sashti Kavacham (Sangeetha Music)
# Daivegathenisai
# Ganapathi Aayiram Namangal
# Enn Annai
# Divyaprabadham
# Jaya Jaya Kali
# Kandar Sashti Kavacham (KRV Music)
# Karumari Amman Andhadi
# Koil Mani Osai
# Maagadu Amman Aaruvara Padalgal
# Maduraimeenakshi
# Mahishasuramardhini (Symphony music)
# Narayana Leelanjali
# Navagraha Krithis
# Pallikkarannai Parasakthi
# PoornayogaVibhavam
# Ramanar Suprabhatham
# Sai Bhajan
# Sakthiye Sakthi
# Saravana Sangeetham
# Shanmukha Suprabhatham
# Kudavarasi Amman Padalgal
# Sivadarisanam
# Sri Bhuvaneswari Kavacham
# Sri Hanumanchalisa & Songs
# Sri Panchamukha Herambha Ganapathi Kavacham (1993)
# Prasanna Venkatachalapathi pukazhmalai
# Raghavedra Songs
# Raghavendra Suprabhatham
# Raghavendra Navarathnamalai
# Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan Sthothram
# Sri Thiruchedur Suprabhatham
# Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatham (Tamil)
# Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam (Tamil)
# Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam (Tamil)
# Bhajagovindam & Mukundamala (1991)
# Aandal
# Vinayaka Agaval
# Thiruppugazh
# Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatham (symphony)
# Mahalakshmi Suprabhatham
{{div col end}}

=== Kannada ===
{{div col begin}}
# Daasara Padagalu (1981).
# Devi Geethanjali (1991).
# Ambe Mookambe (1991).
# Kailasagirivasa Sri Manjunatha
# Navagraha Bhakthimala
# Srinivasa Vaibhava
# Varamahalakshmi
# Venkateswara Suprabhatha (Kannada)
# Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Suprabhatha
{{div col end}}

=== Carnatic Vocal===
{{div col begin}}

# Popular Composition of Arunachala Kavirayar
# Popular Varnams
# Swathithirunal Devi Krithis
# Popular Melodies
# Sri Thygaraja Pancharathna Krithis
# Sri Annamayya Krithis
# Thiruvayyaru Kshethra Krithis Vol 1&2
# Sri Muthuswami Dishithar Navagraha Krithis
# Kovur Pancharathna Krithis
# Thiruvoytiyur Pancharathna Krithis
# Sri Thyagaraja's Lalgudi Pancharatna Krithis
# Srirangam Pancharathna Krithis
# Ragam Tanam Pallavi
# Popular Thillanas
# Enticing Melodies
# Classical Vocal - Bombay Sisters
# Periyasami Thooran Songs
# Panchalinga Krithis
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090815060753/http://archives.chennaionline.com/musicseason99/profile/bombaysisters.html Profile at ChennaiOnline.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110208172355/http://www.bombaysisters.com/ BombaySisters.com]

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}

{{Portal bar|India|Music}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Women Carnatic singers]]
[[Category:Carnatic singers]]
[[Category:Singers from Chennai]]
[[Category:Singers from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Indian musical duos]]
[[Category:Sibling musical duos]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1963]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2023]]
[[Category:2023 disestablishments in India]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]

Bombay Sisters - Revision history

ContactBot at 12:58, 12 January 2026