Kollywood woke up to the shocking news that popular playback singer Bamba Bakya passed away at the age of 49. It is said that he was ill for a few days and did not take treatment on time. On September 1st night the talented singer reportedly complained of discomfort and was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai where he breathed his last in spite of treatment.

Born Bakkiyaraj and belonging to a middle class family his first break in the movie industry came from A.R. Rahman in '2.0' for which he sang "Pullinangal". He has stated in interviews that Rahman asked him to sing like South African pop star Bamba and when he nailed it he named him Bamba Bakya which stuck with him till the end.

Rahman used Bakya regularly in movies giving him the chance to sing in 'Ravanan' followed by "Simtaangaran" in Thalapathy Vijay's 'Sarkar', 'Bigil', 'Sarvam Thaala Mayam', 'Iravin Nizhal' and finally "Ponni Nathi" in the upcoming 'Ponniyin selvan' directed by Mani Ratnam.

Sources say that he was a fan of Vijay and used to address him as a elder brother. Sevaral celebrities including Rahman's daughter Khatija Rahman have expressed their condolences on social media.