The veteran playback singer and actress Paravai Muniyamma breathed her last at her Madurai residence in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The singer died because of age-related illness. She’s 83.
While it was music director Vidyasagar who introduced Muniyamma to films, other composers, including AR Rahman for Muthu, had approached her even before that.
In addition to being an experienced singer, Muniyamma has made her acting debut in Dhool, as Vikram’s grandmother. She went on to star in many movies such as Thoranai, Kovil, Thamizh Padam, Maan Karate, Venghai, and Veeram. Muniyamma also enjoyed a stint on TV where she anchored a cooking show that highlighted not only Tamil Nadu’s typical food but also folk music.
Paravai Muniyamma from the 2003 film Dhool which starred Vikram and Jyothika shot to fame with her energetic number Singam Pola. Throughout the film, even Muniyamma played a crucial role. In several other films, too, she sang famous numbers. She had been a folk artist before taking the plunge into movies and had sung several songs.
There have been some reports in the past that Paravai Muniyamma has disappeared. She also sent a video update stating she was alive and safe. She lived in penury, though. Actor Sivakarthikeyan met the actress at the hospital and even gave her medical attention. Previously, the then Chief Minister – J Jayalalitha, had also supported her by offering financial assistance.
