The South Indian Film music fraternity and millions of cinema lovers are in deep mourning following the passing of the celebrated Tamil playback singer Krishnaraj Ramasamy, who breathed his last in Chennai at the age of 75. Known as a rare artist whose earthy and unpretentious voice emerged straight from the heart of the soil, his departure marks the end of an unforgettable era in Indian cinema.
Over a prolific career spanning decades, he lent his unique, high-energy vocals to more than three hundred films and recorded thousands of tracks across cinematic and devotional spaces.
His artistic journey was defined by a legendary partnership with the late music composer Deva, with whom he delivered several generation-defining melodies during the peak of the 1990s and 2000s. Among his most celebrated works is the masterpiece Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu from the film Porkkaalam, an emotionally charged performance that earned him the prestigious Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer and later achieved international distinction.
Beyond his celebrated folk-based hits, he was highly revered for his vast repertoire of soul-stirring devotional songs and his versatile collaborations with master composers like Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, Sirpy, and Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Tributes have poured in from prominent figures across the industry and government leadership, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who expressed profound shock and grief, describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to Tamil cinema.
Respected for his profound musical knowledge, professional ethics, and unwavering humility, the singer remained a dedicated mentor to countless budding artists. The final rites will be performed in his native town of Vembadithalam in the Salem district, as fans and colleagues unite to celebrate a magnificent musical legacy that will forever endure in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
News Edit KV Raman
