Bhavatharini, a singer and musician who had won national awards and was the daughter of seasoned composer Ilaiyaraaja, passed away on Thursday fighting liver cancer. Bhavatharini, who was in her late 40s, died in Sri Lanka while on medical treatment.
Chief Minister M K Stalin of Tamil Nadu, Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan of Telangana, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, and a few others expressed their sorrow over her passing.

Stalin mentioned in a condolence letter that Bhavatharini had received a National Award for her portrayal of national poet Subramanya Bharathy in the movie Bharathy. He said that the void she left behind would never go away.

“Shocked and saddened by the passing away of Bhavatharini. Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to Raja sir & Yuvan’s family during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” actor Simran wrote on her official ‘X’ handle ‘Simranbaggaoffc.’

Musicians Yuvan Shankar Raja and Karthik Raja are Bhavatharini’s brothers.

Actor Prasanna condoled Bhavatharini’s demise. “It’s absolutely sickening to know the passing away of #Bhavatharini .my heart goes out to #isaignani Ilayaraja sir and family. May she rest in peace,” he wrote on ‘X’.

Bhavatharini has rendered a number of hits, including many of her father’s compositions.