Bhavatharini

Bhavatharini, an Indian playback singer and the daughter of “Isaignani” Ilaiyaraaja, passed away at the age of 47 (January 25, 2024) due to liver cancer in Sri Lanka. Bhavatharini was known for her soulful vocals and unique voice, which won her the National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song “Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu” from the Tamil film “Bharathi” in 2000.

She began her career in playback singing at the age of 8 with the song “Thithithey Thaalam” from the Malayalam film “My Dear Kuttichathan,” composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Her first full-fledged singing role was in the song “Masthana Masthana” from the Tamil film “Raasaiyya”. Bhavatharini also made significant contributions as a music composer, debuting with the film “Mitr, My Friend” in 2002. She later composed music for several films, including “Phir Milenge,” and her last music album was for the Malayalam film “Maayanadhi”.

In addition to her illustrious career, Bhavatharini hailed from a family deeply rooted in the music industry. She was the sister of Yuvan Shankar Raja (YSR) and Karthik Raja, both well-known composers, and was married to R. Sabariraj, an advertising executive. Bhavatharini’s contributions to South Indian cinema, both as a singer and a composer, spanned various languages and styles, making her a versatile and respected figure in the industry.

Her other notable singing projects included songs in Tamil films like “Kadhalukku Mariyadhai,” “Azhagi,” “Friends,” “Paa,” “Mankatha,” and “Anegan.” Some of her notable works as a music director include “Mitr, My Friend,” “Phir Milenge,” “Amirtham,” “Porida Pazhagu,” and “Kalvargal.”