Popular Tamil Playback Singer Uma Ramanan Passes Away at 72
Indian playback singer Uma Ramanan, known for her enchanting voice in Tamil cinema, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, at the age of 72. Her husband, AV Ramanan, also a singer, and her son, Vignesh Ramanan, survive her. The cause of her death remains unknown, awaiting further details on her funeral arrangements.
Uma Ramanan's journey in the world of music was illustrious. Trained in classical singing, she graced over 6,000 concerts in a career spanning 35 years. Her collaboration with her husband, AV Ramanan, marked a significant milestone in her career. However, it was her association with legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja that truly brought her to the limelight.
The news of Uma Ramanan's demise has saddened her fans across the globe. Social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), witnessed an outpouring of grief as fans expressed their shock and condolences.
Uma's musical legacy spans over three decades, with her voice immortalized in numerous Tamil songs. Her journey began with the song "Mohanan Kannan Murali" for the film "Sri Krishna Leela" in 1977, composed by SV Venkatraman. However, it was her rendition of "Poongathave Thaal Thiravai" from the film "Nizhalgal" that brought her widespread recognition and launched her into stardom.
Throughout her career, Uma collaborated with renowned composers such as Vidyasagar, Mani Sharma, and Deva, but it was her partnership with Ilaiyaraaja that left an indelible mark. She lent her voice to over 100 songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja, each capturing the hearts of listeners with its melody and emotion.
Some of her most memorable songs for Ilaiyaraaja include "Bhoopalam Isaikkum" from "Thooral Ninnu Pochchu," "Aanandha Raagam" from "Panneer 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.
Uma Ramanan's voice will continue to resonate through the melodies she has left behind, reminding us of her unparalleled talent and contribution to Tamil cinema's musical landscape.
- PTC PUNJABI