New Delhi: Veteran music composer Ilayaraja’s daughter Bhavatharini passed away on January 25 after battling cancer. She was 47 and was undergoing treatment in Sri Lanka. Her body is expected to be brought back to Chennai on January 26, for the final rites.
Bhavatharini was a talented singer and music composer, following in the footsteps of her father, the legendary Ilayaraja. Born into a family steeped in music, Bhavatharini inherited her father's legacy and went on to make a name for herself in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Her brothers Karthi Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja are also music directors.
Bhavatharini began her singing career at a young age, lending her voice to songs composed by her father and brothers. She made her debut with the song 'Raasaiya,' which became a major hit. Throughout her career, she sang in albums and films composed by various music directors, including Deva and Sirpy.
She received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2000 for her song 'Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu' from the film 'Bharathi.'
Bhavatharini lent her voice to songs in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Bhavatharini also ventured into music composition. She made her debut as a music director with the 2002 Hindi film 'Mitr, My Friend.' She further explored her composing skills in the Telugu film 'Avunaa.'
Her father, Ilaiyaraaja, is a prolific composer who has given music for over 1,000 films in various languages.
Netizens including celebs paid tribute to the singer and music composer on X. Here are a few tweets: