New Delhi: Tamil folk singer Ramani Ammal passed away at the age of 69 in Chennai. Popularly known as Rockstar Ramani Ammal succumbed to a massive heart attack on Tuesday.
Known for high-voltage, electrifying performances in stage shows, she became a household name in Tamil Nadu after her stint in TV's reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors' in 2017.
Ramani Ammal was born into humble beginnings and pursued her interest in music at an early age but continued to work as a house maid to earn an income. It is said that she even sang at weddings to keep her hobby alive. She continued to work as a house help until she became established in the Tamil music industry and got enough work to let go of her job.
Even though Ammal made her film debut as a singer in the 2004 romantic movie 'Kadhal' followed by a few other movies like 'Kathayavaran' (2008), 'Thenavattu' (2008) and 'Haridas' (2013), she didn't receive many opportunities and continued her life as a domestic servant. However, following her stupendous success in the reality TV show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors’ in 2017, there was no looking back for Ammal.
The singer received her nickname 'Rockstar' from the judges of the 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors'. It was in 2017 at the age of 63 that she made her television debut on TV through this singing reality show. Ramani Ammal was also on eof the top ten fialists of the show and ultimately became the first runner-up in the grand finale in April 2018.
Ramani Ammal made her debut as a playback singer with the film 'Kaadhal' in 2004. After Ammal's stint in 'Sa Re Ga Ma..', she received numerous work opportunities and sang songs like Junga (2018), Sandakozhi 2 (2018), Kaappaan (2019), and Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu Odu Raja (2019).
She also performed in stage shows in the US, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
She had also played a small role in the Tamil serial 'Yaradi Nee Mohini'.
( with inputs from agencies)