Chandrika was born on 4 October 1959 in Tumkur to Rangarao and Lalithamma.[7] She graduated in sociology from the University of Mysore. She worked as a lecturer at Tumkur College for a brief period.
Chandrika married Gururaja. The couple have a daughter.
She has recorded more than 100 film songs and more than 1000 non-film songs.
Some of her notable songs include "Prema Baraha Koti Taraha", "Ee Jogada Jalapatha", "Thattona Thattona", "Mamarake E Kogileya", "Ba Baro O Geleya", "Chaitrada Premanjaliya", "Avannalli Ivalilli", "Sangama Sangama", "O Bandhuve", "Eniddarenu Hennada Balika", "Nenapugala Angaladi", and "Hogabeda Hudugi".
She was one of the jury members in the 2016 Karnataka state film award committee.[8] She is active in performing on stages across the country.[9][10][11]