National award-winning singer Bhavatharini, daughter of music maestro Illaiyaraaja, has passed away at the relatively young age of 47.
She was ill and reportedly in Sri Lanka when she passed away.
Bhavatharini made her singing debut in the Prabhudeva-starrer Raasaiyya in 1995, rendering the chartbuster Masthana Masthana composed by her father.
It was the rendition of Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu under Ilaiyaraaja's music direction in the film Bharathi (released in 2000) that won her the national award in 2001.
The voice, bearing no resemblance to established singers then, was unanimously embraced by the audience, and she went on to deliver multiple chartbusters, singing mainly in her father Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions. She also proved her versatility with western numbers like “Madonna Paadala” and “Laila Laila” from Kaadhala Kaadhala, composed by her elder brother Karthik Raja. Apart from Tamil, she has sung in languages like Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam.
Among Bhavatharini's notable vocal renditions include — Ennai Thalatta Varuvala from Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997), Thendral Varum from Friends (2001), Oliyile Therivadhu Devadhaya from Azhagi (2002), Kaatril Varum Geethame from Oru Naal Oru Kanavu (2005), Thaaliyae Thevaiyilla from Thaamirabharani (2007), Gumm Summ Gumm from Paa (2009) and Athadi Athadi from Anegan (2014).
Bhavatharini, known as a composer too, worked on many films, including those featuring major names like Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan (Phir Milenge). Bhavatharini had also composed music for films after debuting in the role in Mitr, My Friend directed by acclaimed actress Revathi and released in 2002. Her last film as a music director was the Tamil film Mayanadhi in 2019.
Notably, she was signed to compose music for six films, which are yet to hit the screens.
Expressing her condolences, singer Chinmayi Sripaada wrote on X: "Bhavatharini Ilayaraja was one of the nicest people I knew. Safe travels, lovely girl. I wish and pray for strength to Raja sir, Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja. This is so heartbreaking."
Well-known composers Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja are her brothers.
She is survived by her husband.
(With inputs from ENS)