Renowned composer Ilaiyaraaja’s daughter, Bhavatharini, who had been battling cancer, succumbed to the illness on the evening of yesterday(25th January 2024), in Sri Lanka. She is 47 years old. Reportedly, she had traveled to Sri Lanka seeking medical treatment. However, she passed away in a private hospital there.
Bhavatharini, a renowned playback singer and musician, is a distinguished recipient of the National Award. Hailing from a musical lineage, her father, the musical maestro Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, and her brothers, Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja, are esteemed music composers, with Yuvan also making a mark as a singer. Undoubtedly, music courses through their veins.
Her introduction to the Tamil music scene occurred in 1995 with the Prabhudeva starrer “Raasaiyya,” where she lent her vocals to the popular song “Masthana Masthana,” alongside Arunmozhi and SN Surendar. Noteworthy is her National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2000, earned for her soulful rendition of “Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu” from the film “Bharathi,” composed by the maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Bhavatharini’s musical journey has been marked by exceptional talent and recognition.
Embarking on a new dimension of her career, Bhavatharini made her debut as a music director with the 2002 film “Mitr, My Friend,” under the direction of Revathy and starring Shobhana. Further showcasing her musical aptitude, she also took charge of the composition for the film “Phir Milenge,” directed by Revathi.
Reportedly, Bhavatharini’s initial medical diagnosis indicated gall bladder stones. However, it was later confirmed that the condition was, indeed, cancer. Tragically, the diagnosis revealed that she was in the final fourth stage of the illness, indicating a challenging and critical state of her health. Ilaiyaraaja is presently in Sri Lanka, where he is slated to stage a concert over the upcoming weekend. The family is in the process of making arrangements to repatriate Bhavatharini’s mortal remains from Sri Lanka to Chennai, where her final rites will be conducted.
The demise of Bhavatharini garnered condolences from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, along with Tamilisai Soundararajan, serving as both the Governor of Telangana and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Furthermore, several other prominent figures and individuals conveyed their sympathies on her passing. In a condolence message, Stalin recalled Bhavatharini had won a National Award for the film Bharathi, a biopic on national poet Subramanya Bharathi. The void left behind by her will remain, he said.
Following the unexpected departure of the talented musician Bhavatharini, the music community grapples with the loss of an exceptional artist whose impact remains enduring. Originating from a renowned musical lineage, Bhavatharini’s notable achievements, including securing the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2000, attest to her artistic prowess. Her legacy as a versatile artist and integral member of the illustrious Ilaiyaraaja musical dynasty will be cherished by the music community and beyond.
Source: Times Of India, NDTV
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