Biography:

Bhakkiyaraj (31 October 1980 – 2 September 2022), popularly known by his stage name, Bamba Bakya, was an Indian Tamil[1] playback singer and musician. He predominantly worked alongside music composer A. R. Rahman on numerous collaborations in films.[2] He received the name Bamba Bakya after A. R. Rahman asked him to sing songs for him just like popular South African musician Bamba. It later went onto become a stage name as well as an identity of him. He was well known for his unique baritone.[3]

1. R. Rahmanincluded him in the 2010 film Raavanan, during which he sang in the song “Kedakkari” (at the time he was credited as Bhakyaraj).

Career

Bakya made his debut as a playback singer in S. Shankar‘s directorial 2.0 and sang his first single titled “Pullinangal” which became an instant hit and became a chartbuster. Prior to his entry into film industry, he mostly sang devotional songs.[4] Prior to his untimely demise, he also rendered his voice for Mani Ratnam‘s historical drama film Ponniyin Selvan: I.[2]

Death

Bakya died on 2 September 2022, 8 weeks before his 42nd birthday due to cardiac arrest.[3] He had been admitted to a hospital at Chennai after he complained of having a severe chest pain.[5]

Credits: