Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Thursday, October 22, expressed condolences over the death of veteran playback singer Krishnaraj, who passed away at the age of 75. Known for lending his voice to more than 300 Tamil film songs, Krishnaraj was closely associated with music composer Deva, who died about a week earlier.Krishnaraj was known for songs such as Vellarikka Pinju Vellarikka from Kadhal Kottai, Kaathadikkuthu Kaathadikkuthu and Tirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa from Ninaivirukkum Varai, and Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu from Porkkaalam.
He received the Tamil Nadu State Government Award for Best Playback Singer for the latter song.Vijay wrote in Tamil on X, “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mr. Krishnaraj, the renowned playback singer of Tamil cinema.With his unique voice and songs brimming with enthusiasm, playback singer Mr.
Krishnaraj had captivated the hearts of his fans. His demise is a great loss to Tamil cinema.
I convey my deepest condolences and comfort to his grieving family, relatives, friends, film industry colleagues, and all music lovers.” Krishnaraj’s death came about a week after Deva’s passing, marking another loss for Tamil film music. The two shared a long-standing professional association, with Deva composing many of the singer’s best-known songs.
Krishnaraj began his singing career with Adhikaalai Subavelai, a film featuring music composed by Deva, though it was never released in theatres.Among Krishnaraj’s other notable tracks were Ayyo from Paruthiveeran, as well as songs from films such as Arunachalam and Kadhal Kottai. His song Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu, composed by Deva, was also played at the 2016 funeral of former Singapore President Sellapan Ramanathan, who hailed from Tamil Nadu.Krishnaraj leaves behind a body of work spanning more than 300 Tamil film songs, including several memorable collaborations with Deva.- Ends