When a silk sari clad woman in the later sixties, with a big bindi and a row of gold bangles on her wrist and flashing gold rings on all fingers climbed the stage, nobody was prepared to hear her sing the evergreen cabaret number in a husky voice... nanu balliya minchu.
The audience went wild recognising L R Ishwari who ruled for 40 long years in playback singing in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and several other languages.
At 60, her voice still has the texture of a teenager. She can dance and sing on stage, putting any young “pop” singer of current days to shame. L R Ishwari has a one of a kind voice that can never be forgotten or mistaken with other’s voice.
She was in Bangalore recently to perform for Samskritika Bharathi. She reminisces about her life and career:
How did you enter into the film industry?
I was born in a very poor family in Paramakudi village in Ramanad district. I did not train in classical music. My mother Nirmala was a singer. Music director K V Mahadevan once offered me an opportunity to sing for a film Periya Idatta Sambamdam.  My song Vaaraa en toli varayo in Pasamalar became an instant hit, followed by the record breaking song Elanda palo in Panama Pashama. I started getting more offers.
My entry into Kannada films was with Anna Tangi. For Nanna Ganda Elli? I sang a song which was a mixture of 14 languages. It was loved by all.
My song with S P Balasubramanyam  in Maro Charitra,  Bhale Bhale magadi oy was a super duper hit. Lata Mangeshkar greatly appreciated the way I rendered Pattatta rani in Shivandaman.
An unforgettable incident in your life...
On March 31, 1985, I was performing in the Subramanya Swamy temple in Vidhurachalam. The large crowd was hysterical. Half way through the concert, I got the news that my mother had died. I could not stop the show. I did not want to disappoint my fans.
I completed the show and then left. But I could not see my mother’s body for the last time. They had already performed the last rites. I can never forget that incident.
Looking back, are you happy with your singing career?
Yes. I am very satisfied with my career. I have not even completed SSLC successfully.
Yet, as a singer I have sung thousands of songs in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English and other languages. I was conferred prestigious awards like Bharathiya Kalabhushini, Kalai Mamani, Panchabhasha Praveene, among others. I am happy.
How do you spend your time now?  What are your other hobbies?
Cooking is my passion. If I am at home, I cook several delicacies. I am addicted to yoga, walking, cycling. I am very strict with my diet. I also perform regular voice exercises. I am also very punctual. These days my voice is not as sharp as it used to be, hence I am not singing for films. However, I do sing on stage and for albums. I keep myself busy with producing albums. The latest ones are Karpura Nayakiye, Tayiye Karumari, Mel Malayanur, Muttu Mariyamma  and Daiveeka Pamalai. I have also acted in them.
You are known to be very bold.
Yes. I like to adopt male mannerisms. I am not a bland capsicum, but a strong, spicy chilli! I like being strong willed.
Compared to your singing days, times have changed. What would you advice the younger singers now?
I put great stress on education. It is very important to be educated. I have missed being educated. Education helps one become cultured.
What are your plans for the future?
I can only sing. I want to breathe my last singing, on stage. I also have plans to construct a well-equipped recording studio and a Kalyan Mantap. I want to be remembered by all. I want to stay in everyone’s heart.
--Translated by Prathibha Nandakumar