Playback singer Uma Ramanan dies in Chennai

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, May 2, 2024: Indian playback singer Uma Ramanan, who predominantly sang in Tamil, died on Wednesday, May 1. She was 72 years old. The singer, who sang many memorable songs in Tamil cinema, is survived by her singer-husband AV Ramanan and her son, Vignesh Ramanan. The reason behind her demise is still unknown. More details regarding her funeral are awaited.

Uma Ramanan was a trained classical singer and appeared in more than 6,000 concerts in 35 years. When she met her husband and musician AV Ramanan, they started collaborating for his concerts. Though Uma sang several songs for her husband, it is her association with Ilaiyaraaja that catapulted her to fame.

Uma Ramanan’s ’Poongathave Thaal Thiravai’ from the Tamil film, ’Nizhalgal’ helped her get noticed. It gave her career much-needed recognition, and she went on to work in over 100 songs with Ilaiyaraaja. Apart from Ilaiyaraaja, she also sang songs for composers, Vidyasagar, Mani Sharma and Deva.

Some of her famous songs for Ilaiyaraaja include ’Bhoopalam Isaikkum’ from ’Thooral Ninnu Pochchu’, ’Aanandha Raagam’ from ’Panner Pushpangal, ’Kanmani Nee Vara’ from ’Thendrale Ennai Thodu’, ’Ponn Maanae’ from ’Oru Kaidhiyin Dairy’, ’Aagaya Vennilave’ from ’Arangetra Velai’ and ’Sri Ranga Ranganathanin’ from ’Mahanadi’, among others.

She made her debut as a singer in 1977 with a song in ’Sri Krishna Leela’. She sang it with her husband, AV Ramanan.

Uma Ramanan’s last song was ’Kannum Kannumthan Kalandaachu’ for Vijay’s ’Thirupaachi’. Composed by Mani Sharma, she sang the song with Harish Raghavendra and Premji Amaren.