AR Rahman's mother Kareema Begum breathed her last on Monday at their Chennai residence after a year-long battle with age-related illness. The legendary composer had cut down on his work, especially ones that involved travelling, so that he could spend the maximum time with his mother, for months.

Kareena Begum was the wife of famous music composer RK Sekhar, who passed away in 1976. She is survived by her daughters AR Reihana, Ishrath Qadri, Fathima Shekhar and Rahman. Her children have credited her for bringing them up as a single mother and instrumental in helping them to achieve in the field of music.

GV Prakash Kumar and Bhavani Sre, and musicians Raheema, Khatija and Ameen Rahman are her grandchildren. IndiaGlitz offers heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May the departed soul attain 'Sadgati'!