Unnikrishnan was initiated into Carnatic music at age of 12 by Seshadri, Unnikrishnan. He was inspired by Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan. He attended a special workshop for six months on Veena Dhanammal Bhani under Sangeetha Kalanidhi T.Brinda and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwa Nathan. He is a national award-winning playback singer for his debut film songs. Along with A. R. Rahman the music composer, with whom Unni Krishnan gave most of his memorable songs.He was the first male playback singer to get national award for a Tamil song