Together with her husband M. Navaneethakrishnan, she has conducted several years of research and study on Tamil folk music and dances and devoted a lifetime to research, collection, revival, and documentation of ancient Tamil folk songs and dances, many of which are fast becoming obsolete.

The Government of India has announced Padma Shri, the nation's fourth highest civilian award, for the year 2018 to the singer for her extraordinary contribution in her field.

Along with their troupe, they conduct performances that are sought after by connoisseurs and lovers of Tamil folk music around the world.

The couple have brought out several albums of authentic Tamil folk music.

Having recorded more than 10,000 audio cassettes of authentic folk music, the couple are now working towards classifying this extensive collection to generate a Tamil folk music grammar and guide.