The untimely demise of the National award-winning singer and musician, Bhavatharini, daughter of the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja, has left a profound void in the music industry. At the age of 47, she succumbed to her battle with cancer on Thursday in Sri Lanka, where she had been undergoing treatment.

In a poignant tribute, Ilaiyaraaja shared an emotional post on social media, accompanied by an old black-and-white picture featuring him and his pre-adolescent daughter. The caption simply read, "My dear daughter," reflecting the deep emotional connection between the father and his late daughter.

Bhavatharini had been unwell for the past five months and sought Ayurveda treatment in Sri Lanka. On January 25, at 5.30 pm, she breathed her last.

In another post on X (formerly Twitter), Ilaiyaraaja shared a heartwarming image of him smiling while showing something to Bhavatharini in a picture-book. The photograph highlighted the profound musical bond shared between them, as the iconic composer wore a simple white kurta and headphones.

Bhavatharini, a versatile artist, made her mark in the music industry with her debut in Prabhu Deva's Raasaiya. She also ventured into music composition for Revathi's 2004 film Phir Milenge, starring Shilpa Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan, and Salman Khan.

Condolences poured in from various quarters, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressing deep sorrow. He recalled Bhavatharini's National Award-winning contribution to the film Bharathy, a biopic on national poet Subramanya Bharathy.

Tamilisai Soundararajan, Telangana Governor and Puducherry Lt Governor, extended sympathies and condolences to the family, acknowledging Bhavatharini's special place in the hearts of the audience with her mellifluous voice.

Prominent personalities from the entertainment industry, including Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, Chinmayi Sripada, Bharathiraja, and Anirudh Ravichander, shared heartfelt tributes for the departed soul.

The legacy of Bhavatharini will endure, and her contributions to the world of music will be remembered with profound respect and admiration.