Veteran playback singer Vani Jairam was cremated with full police honours at Besant Nagar crematorium on February 5.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited her house and paid floral tributes to the celebrated singer, who was born in Vellore district and went on to sing over 10,000 songs in 19 languages.
Also Read | Leaders, film industry veterans condole the death of Vani Jairam
Speaking to reporters after he paid homage, Mr. Stalin said he was shocked to learn the news of her death as much as the people of Tamil Nadu and the cine fraternity. “Only recently, the Padma Bhushan was announced for her. But she has passed away unfortunately before receiving it. I express my deep condolences to her family members and cine fraternity,” Mr. Stalin said.
He had announced that her funeral will be held with police honors and the cremation was held with police gun salute.
In a video message, singer P. Susheela said Vani Jairam’s death was a national loss. “I had sung around 100 songs with her. She was a great singer and a very good person. Her voice was so unique and could be identified anywhere,” she said. Composer A.R. Rahman said Vani Jairam was a kind soul and an incredible singer.
Singer Shwetha Mohan said the singer would live on through her songs. “For me and a host of other singers, she is always present in our thoughts. Her voice and singing was always special,” she said. Calling her a ‘guru’, singer Sujatha said Vani Jairam’s death was a big loss to the music industry.
Actor Sivakumar, Drums Sivamani, composers Dhina and Imman, BJP State president K. Annamalai, former Minister D. Jayakumar, Tamil Maanila Congress president G.K. Vasan were among those who paid their last respects.
The hearse of the veteran singer proceeded from her Nungambakkam residence to the Besant Nagar crematorium. A team of the Armed Reserve Police gave a 30-round gun salute to the singer.
In another statement, Mr. Stalin condoled the death of cine director and actor T.P. Gajendran. The CM also recalled that the actor was his college friend and had directed successful movies such as Enga Oor Kavalkaran and Pandi Nattu Thangam, among others.
Recalling that he had visited the actor when he was unwell in 2021, Mr. Stalin said: “It is painful that he has unfortunately passed away due to ill health. I express my deep condolences to his family members, cine fraternity and his fans.” Information Minister M.P. Saminathan too condoled the death of cine director Gajendran.
