In a tragic turn of events, the household of legendary composer Ilayaraaja has been struck by a massive loss. His daughter, the esteemed National Award-winning playback singer and composer, Bhavatharini, passed away in Sri Lanka on Thursday evening at approximately 5:20 pm. Bhavatharini was reportedly undergoing medical treatment in Sri Lanka.
According to recent reports, Bhavatharini had been battling health issues for the past five months. Her brother and renowned music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja had taken her to an ayurvedic hospital in Sri Lanka, where she was diagnosed with fourth-stage liver cancer. Currently, family members, including Ilayaraaja and his sons Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja, are in Sri Lanka to repatriate Bhavatharini’s body to Chennai for her final rites.
Bhavatharini’s musical prowess was widely recognized, and she received the prestigious National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2000 for her rendition of the song ‘Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu’ from the film Bharathi (2000), composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Her illustrious career included memorable contributions to popular films such as Amitabh Bachchan’s Paa, Ajith’s Mankatha, Gundello Godari, Dhanush’s Anegan, and Maanaadu. Additionally, Bhavatharini showcased her talent as a composer in films like Mitr – My Friend, Phir Milenge, and Maayanadhi.
In this moment of sorrow, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Ilayaraaja and his family, mourning the loss of the talented Bhavatharini.