Ilaiyaraaja on Vani Jairam's demise: 'Her voice and singing style enhanced my compositions'

The singer was found dead at her residence in Chennai yesterday

Vani Jairam; (right) Ilaiyaraaja

​Vani Jairam, who has more than 10,000 songs to her repertoire, passed away yesterday, much to the shock of the music fraternity and buffs. She was 78. The singer was found with an injury to her forehead and the police are investigating the case. Vani Jairam has sung in over 19 Indian languages and was recently conferred the Padma Bhushan. A huge chunk of her work was for composer Ilaiyaraaja, which included songs like Kavithai Kelungal Karuvil (Punnagai Mannan), Naane Naana (Azhage Unnai Aarathikkiren), Dheiveega Raagam (Ullasa Paravaigal), Ore Naal Unai Naan (Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu), Vasantha Nadhigalile (Moondru Mudichu),  Kelviyin Naayagane (Apoorva Raagangal), Malligai En Mannan ( Kadhal Azhivathillai),  Eyzhi Swarangalukkul (Apoora Raagangal)

And now the composer has taken to his social media handle to pay tribute to the singer. In a video that he posted on Twitter, Ilaiyaraaja said, " I am disheartened to hear about the demise of Vani Jairam. She has sung more than 10,000 songs and had a carved a niche for herself. She has sung many beautiful songs under my composition, which have been loved and appreciated by fans. Her voice and talent, has only further enhanced the songs. I am deeply saddened by her loss and my condolences to her family members. Let her soul rest in peace.”

A number of singers have paid tribute to the ace singer. Taking to his social media handle, AR Rahman wrote, "She was a kind soul ….and an incredible singer (sic)."

Carnatic singers Ranjani Gayatri wrote, "Smt Vani Jairam. A nightingale whose clear pitch perfect voice lighted up every song she sang and made it radiant. A gentle soul whose kind words of appreciation and genuine encouragement spread so much positivity to younger musicians and singers. #vanijairam #tribute. Remember her listening to our 3 hour long concert along with her husband during Margazhi a few yrs ago and staying back till the end to wish n appreciate us. Meant so much to us. Yet another matchless musical legend departs the world, leaving it poorer, desolate. Om Shanti (sic)."

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