In a tragic turn of events, the music industry mourns the loss of playback singer Bhavatharini Raja, aged 47, daughter of the legendary music maestro Ilayaraja. The talented artist breathed her last in a hospital in Sri Lanka after battling a prolonged illness.

The Ilayaraja troupe, currently in Sri Lanka for a scheduled concert on January 27 and 28, is grappling with the shocking news of Bhavatharini’s demise. Family sources reveal that the singer had been in Sri Lanka for medical treatment.

Bhavatharini marked her entry into the music scene with the soulful rendition of “Masthana Masthana” in the 1995 film Raasaiyya, a composition by her father, Ilayaraja. Her exceptional talent was further recognized when she clinched the Best Playback Singer award for the poignant “Mayil pola ponnu onnu” from the movie Bharathi, another masterpiece composed by Ilayaraja. Not limiting herself to singing, Bhavatharini showcased her versatility by venturing into music composition for Revathi’s directorial debut, Mitr, My Friend, in 1997.

Her influence extended beyond the Tamil film industry, as she contributed her musical prowess to Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. Bhavatharini’s multifaceted contributions made her a beloved figure in the Indian music fraternity.

The news of her untimely demise has triggered an outpouring of condolences from the entertainment industry and fans alike. Taking to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), actor Kamal Haasan expressed his deep sorrow, stating that his heart aches, and he is at a loss on how to console his dear brother Ilaiyaraaja. Haasan pledged his unwavering support, vowing to stand by Ilaiyaraaja during this challenging time.

Kamal Haasan mourns the loss:

மனம் பதைக்கிறது. அருமைச் சகோதரர் இளையராஜாவைத் தேற்ற என்ன செய்வதென்று தெரியவில்லை. அவர் கைகளை மானசீகமாகப் பற்றிக்கொள்கிறேன். பவதாரிணியின் மறைவு பொறுத்துக்கொள்ளவோ ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளவோ முடியாத ஒன்று. இந்தப் பெருந்துயரில் என் சகோதரர் இளையராஜா மனதை இழக்காதிருக்க வேண்டும். பவதாரிணியின்…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 26, 2024

Reports suggest that arrangements are underway to transport Bhavatharini’s mortal remains to Chennai. On January 26, Kamal Haasan shared a heartfelt tweet in Tamil, translating to, “My heart aches. I don’t know how to console my beloved brother Ilaiyaraaja. I will hold his hands through this. Bhavatharini’s death cannot be tolerated or accepted. Ilaiyaraaja shouldn’t give up dealing with this huge loss. My heartfelt condolences to Bhavatharini’s family.”

The music community and fans join hands in remembering and celebrating the extraordinary talent that was Bhavatharini Raja. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the melodies she gifted the world.