Bhavatharini Raja, a renowned singer and the daughter of legendary music composer Ilayaraja, passed away on January 25, succumbing to a battle with cancer. The 47-year-old singer had been undergoing treatment in Colombo.
Bhavatharini had traveled from India to Sri Lanka for her medical care. Despite a five-month-long Ayurvedic therapy regimen, her health did not witness improvement, and she passed away at 5:20 PM on January 25. Her body is slated to be transported to Chennai for the final rites.
????? ????... pic.twitter.com/GgtnKGyvQ1
— Ilaiyaraaja (@ilaiyaraaja) January 26, 2024
A prominent figure in the film industry, Bhavatharini, had lent her voice to numerous popular songs in over 30 films. She made her debut with the song "Masthana Masthana" in the movie Raasaiyya, composed by her father Ilayaraja, in 1995. Notably, she won the National Award for Best Playback Singer for her song "Mayil pola ponnu onnu" in the movie Bharathi, also composed by Ilayaraja.
In addition to her successful playback singing career, Bhavatharini showcased her versatility by venturing into music composition. Two years after her singing debut, she composed music for actor Revathi’s directorial debut, Mitr, My Friend. Her musical talent extended to Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films, solidifying her reputation in the Indian film industry.
Her death has seen tributes pouring in from fans and the entertainment fraternity, as well as from politicians including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.
