New Delhi: Ilaiyaraaja’s daughter Bhavatharini passed away on Thursday after battling cancer. The late National award-winning singer died in Sri Lanka where she was undergoing treatment. A day after her death, the music maestro posted a picture on X with his late daughter.
Ilaiyaraaja shared an old black and white photo with Bhavatharini in which he is seen smiling and showing something to his daughter wearing a white kurta, and headphones.
Meanwhile, her mortal remains have been brought to Ilaiyaraaja’s home in Chennai from Sri Lanka.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, also Puducherry Lt Governor, and various others condoled her demise on Thursday.
Stalin recalled Bhavatharini had won a National Award for the film 'Bharathy', a biopic on national poet Subramanya Bharathy. The void left behind by her will remain, he said.
Bhavatharini earned a special place in the hearts of the audience with her mellifluous voice, Soundararajan said and extended her sympathies and condolences to the family of the deceased.
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.'