Oottukadu Venkata Subbaiyer was born in Needamangalam in Tamilnadu. His father was Muthu Krishna Iyer. He composed many kruthis in Sanskrit and Tamil mainly on Lord Krishna. His Navavarna kruthis in praise of Kamakshi at Kanchi are comparable to Deekshitar's Navavarna krutis in praise of Kamalamba of Tiruvarur.

Ottukadu died in 1765. His kruthis Swagatam Krishna and Marakata mani maya are very popular in dance repertoire.