She won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her rendition of the song "Porale Ponnuthayi" from the film "Karuththamma". The song was composed by A. R. Rahman, under whose musical direction she recorded many memorable songs. She was also the first female playback singer to get a National Award In AR Rahman Music. Her distinctive voice, which could effortlessly reach high octaves, quickly made her a name to reckon with in the playback music industry. She is considered as one of the Top Leading Singers in South Indian Cinema. Unlike others she has an inimitable voice which made her stand Unique and her distinctive vocal range made her as Music directors choice for Experimental songs. There are certain songs which are specifically tailor made for Swarnalatha.Most of her Songs were hits in Malayalam.