Ilaiyaraaja's daughter Bhavatharini dies after battle with Cancer

Sri Lanka: The world of music mourns the loss of the talented playback singer and music director, Bhavatharini Raja, daughter of the legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja. Bhavatharini, aged 46, succumbed to liver cancer on January 25 in Sri Lanka. She was undergoing treatment.

Bhavatharini stepped into the limelight with her debut song in the film *Raasaiya*, and her melodious rendition quickly soared to chartbuster status. Her journey in the music industry blossomed, as she became a prominent figure, lending her enchanting voice to numerous albums composed by her father Ilaiyaraaja and her brothers.

In a significant milestone in 2001, Bhavatharini clinched the National Award for her exceptional song 'Mayil Pola Ponnu Onnu' in the movie 'Bharathi', where her father was the music director.

Beyond her successful career as a playback singer, Bhavatharini ventured into music direction, showcasing her versatility. She composed the music for the 2002 film 'Mitr, My Friend', directed by Revathi. Her entry into the Telugu film industry with 'Avunaa' and contribution to the soundtrack of 'Phir Milenge' demonstrated her multifaceted talent. In June 2012, Bhavatharini scored tunes for 'Vellachi', a village-based project that further highlighted her prowess as a music director.

On the personal front, Bhavatharini was married to R. Sabariraj, an advertising executive and the son of S.N. Ramachandran, a former journalist turned publisher who founded Kannan Advertising. Her educational journey took place at Rosary Matric School in Chennai.

Her mortal remains were brought back to Chennai on January 26 for the final rites.