Padma Bhushan winner playback singer Vani Jayaram was found dead at her apartment in Chennai on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, KS Chitra and many other celebs have paid tributes to her.

Vani Jayaram, whose husband predeceased her, was living alone at a downtown apartment and she had no children. Her turned up as usual for work and repeatedly pressing the calling bell on Saturday. When she did not get any response despite, she alerted her relatives who informed police.

Police said they managed to open the door to the flat in the presence of Vani Jayaram’s relatives by 1.30 pm after they were informed. There was an injury on her forehead and further investigation is on, said the police.

Talking to media, Vani Jayaram’s maid, “She was busy receiving guests and well-wishers who visited her to greet her for getting the Padma Bhushan award. Phone was endlessly ringing and she answered all the calls and thanked everyone who greeted her. She lived alone.”

Born Kalaivani in Vellore in Tamil Nadu, Vani Jayaram has crooned over 10,000 songs in 19 languages. In her career spanning over 50 years, the singer has rendered many memorable songs including ‘Bole re Papihara’ from Hindi flick Guddi (1971), ‘Yezhu Swarangalukkul’ from Tamil film Apoorva Ragangal (1975) and ‘Malligai En Mannan Mayangum’ (1974 Tamil movie Deerga Sumangali).

The singer has worked with iconic musicians including M S Viswanathan and Ilaiyaraaja. Former Chief Minister and top star in her times J Jayalalithaa was among those for whom she has sung. Her sudden demise has left many celebs across the country shocked and saddened. Some of them expressed grief over her death.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Ms Jayaram, who has crooned over 10,000 songs in 19 languages, including the very popular Hindi number ‘Bole re papihara’, and was named for the Padma Bhushan Award recently, died in Chennai on Saturday.

Chief Minister M K Stalin said he had recently greeted her when she was chosen for the Padma Bhushan Award. ‘It is grievous that she has departed even before getting the Padma Bhushan Award,’ Stalin said in his condolence message.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was among a host of others who have condoled her death. ‘She was a down-to-earth person and humility personified. She had rare qualities like appreciating the talent of other musicians,’ said musician and singer Mahathi.

KS Chithra: It is with utmost shock& disbelief I heard about the sudden passing away of Vani amma. Spoke to her just two days back. A true legend. A very versatile & multi lingual singer with strong classical foundation. May her soul rest in peace. 💐💐😔 #VaniJayaram #KSChithra

Radikaa Sarathkumar: This is so shocking #vanijayaram, just last night I was playing her song and telling my husband how beautifully she was rendering the song in #KVishwanath sirs film. I am so shocked.

Khushbu Sundar: Terrible news coming in.. we have lost yet another gem.#VaniJayaram ji is no more amongst us. A voice that has enthralled us for many years has left us heartbroken. Her sweet and gentle nature was so evident in her voice. You will always be remembered amma.  Om Shanti 🙏🙏#RIP

Chinmayi Sripaada: Vani Jayaram is the OG. She’ll be cherished, adored, celebrated always, by all of us. Wish she’d been able to take her Padma award.

Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna: Just in no time, our fraternity lost another gem! Vani amma this news of yours comes as a shock! My prayers to the family. #VaniJayaram

Dr Sudhakar K: Deeply saddened by the demise of National award winning singer Smt. Vani Jayaram, who was announced to recieve the Padma Bhushan. My sincere condolences to her bereaved family. She shall continue to live through her music. May her soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. Sadhguru: A prolific talent, #VaniJayaram is a household name synonymous with melody & versatility. A Voice that endeared itself to millions of listeners. Our deepest condolences to all bereaved by her passing. -Sg