Early 1980s: Orchestra singing and News anchoring Before establishing herself as a playback singer, Manjula was actively involved in music through orchestras and live stage performances. She also worked as a news anchor and announcer with
Akashvani (
All India Radio) from 1981 to 1983, and later with
Doordarshan, Bengaluru until 1998, where she presented news and cultural programs. During this period, she collaborated with her husband Gururaj in a popular light music troupe called "Sound of Music", which performed across Karnataka and became a steppingstone for her entry into the Kannada film industry. These engagements allowed her to refine her singing style and build a strong network in the music fraternity, paving the way for her playback debut in 1984.
Playback singer 1980s: Playback debut and breakthrough Manjula Gururaj made her playback debut in the 1984 Kannada film
Rowdy Raja, composed by
Satyam. Her solo song, “Naguvudanu Kaliyuveya”, for the film marked her emergence in the industry. Composer
Vijay Anand recorded her first female duet with
S. Janaki for the film
Brahma Gantu (1985). In 1988, Manjula recorded her first duet with actor-singer
Dr. Rajkumar for the film
Devatha Manushya. The song "Hrudayadali Idenidu", composed by Upendra Kumar featured Rajkumar and
Geetha reached the popularity and paved the way for successful collaboration with both Upendra Kumar and Rajkumar. Her biggest breakthrough came in 1989 with the song "Olage Seridare Gundu", composed again by Upendra Kumar, for the film
Nanjundi Kalyana. Manjula noted that the song's success made her "a household name," inspiring her to explore more “drunken and item songs” that showcased expressive delivery. She cited singer
Asha Bhonsle's rendition of the song "Aao Huzoor Tumko" as a significant inspiration while recording the song. The song resonated widely with audiences and established her as a distinctive playback voice in Kannada cinema. The song also marked the beginning of her collaboration with actress
Malashri, for whom she recorded many songs in future years. In the same year, she contributed to the soundtrack album of
Gajapathi Garvabhanga by performing four tracks, including the solo "Jataka Kudure Hatthi", which again cemented the success of her association with the composer and the actress. This continued success led to the expansion of her singing for leading composers of the time such as
G. K. Venkatesh,
Rajan-Nagendra,
Vijaya Bhaskar,
Shankar Ganesh and
Hamsalekha.
1990s & 2000s: Established singer Following the success of
Nanjundi Kalyana and
Gajapathi Garvabhanga, Manjula was the most sought after singer in major productions, particularly in Vajreshwari Combines and Poornima Enterprises, led by
Parvathamma Rajkumar. The films, financed by the production houses employing Manjula as the major female singer in soundtrack albums, include
Ranaranga (1988),
Parashuram (1989),
Ade Raaga Ade Haadu (1989),
Mruthyunjaya (1990),
Aasegobba Meesegobba (1990),
Anukoolakkobba Ganda (1990),
Aralida Hoovugalu (1991),
Jeevana Chaitra (1992),
Midida Shruthi (1992),
Aakasmika (1993),
Anuragada Alegalu (1993),
Odahuttidavaru (1994) and
Shabdavedhi (2000). In 1994, Manjula received the
Karnataka State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer from Government of Karnataka for her soft lullaby, "Myale Kavkonda Mungara Moda”, composed by
C. Ashwath for the film
Chinnari Mutha (1993). Her collaboration with composer
Hamsalekha began with
Anjada Gandu (1988) and throughout 1990s, the combination produced several popular songs in albums including
Sangliyana (1989),
Hosa Jeevana (1990),
Chaitrada Premanjali (1992),
Purushotthama (1992),
Solillada Saradara (1993),
Kalyana Rekhe (1993) among others. During the 1990s, Manjula made successful collaborations with music directors namely
Ilaiyaraaja,
Raj-Koti,
V. Manohar,
S. P. Venkatesh and
Sadhu Kokila. Her contributions to the V. Manohar composed soundtrack
Janumada Jodi (1996) brought her several accolades. After this, she cut down her film singing assignments and shifted focus towards devotionals and non-film songs.
2010s: Break and comeback After a hiatus of nearly ten years, Manjula made a comeback to the playback singing through
V. Harikrishna composed song "Aakalbenne" for the film
Shravani Subramanya. ==Personal life==