independence movement and they became ardent supporters of the Indian National Congress. They had harnessed their popularity and talents to further that cause. Sundarambal continued to champion the movement, recording several gramophone discs extolling the struggle and sacrifices it entailed. She also made it a point to always wear khadi. She often actively campaigned in support of Congress party candidates at various elections. After India gained independence, K.B. Sundarambal entered the Legislative Council of Madras State in 1951 as a Congress nominee, thus becoming the first film artist to enter an Indian legislature. Her mentor C.Satyamurthy was prisoned by the British for participating in Quit India Movement in 1942. Honours In 1964, the Tamil Isai Sangam conferred upon her the title of "Tamil Isai Perarignar (Most Learned in Tamil Music)." In 1970, the government of India awarded her the Padmashri for her contributions to the arts. She was awarded with the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer by the Government of India, for her work in Thunaivan. She also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for Thunaivan in 1969. She was also the first person in the Indian film industry to command a salary of one lakh rupees. She became the first lady member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Further reading Kodumudi Kokilam K.B. Sundarambal varalaru. Biography in Tamil by P. Chozhanadan. Published by Rishabham Pathippagam, K.K. Nagar, Chennai 600 078. Footnotes and references External links Review of a biography on K.B.Sundarambal Indian government website on Padmashri Two awards in 1969 From the Hindu newspaper 1908 births 1980 deaths Indian stage actresses Indian women playback singers Indian independence activists from Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts People from Erode district 20th-century Indian actresses 20th-century Indian singers Singers from Tamil Nadu Actresses from Tamil Nadu Actresses in Tamil cinema Indian film actresses 20th-century Indian women politicians 20th-century Indian politicians Women in Tamil Nadu politics 20th-century Indian women singers Best Female Playback Singer National Film Award winners Women musicians from Tamil Nadu