Singer Kalyani Menon dies in Chennai

Noted singer Kalyani Menon passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Monday at the age of 80. She has been undergoing treatment for stroke ailment.

She is survived by her sons cinematographer-director Rajeev Menon, and Railway employee Karun Menon.

Born in Ernakulam, Kalyani Menon has sung over 100 songs in Tamil and Malayalam films. The singer's debut song was in the film "Abala" (1973), directed by Thoppil Bhasi. She made her debut in Tamil with the songs in the film "Nallathoru Kudumbam" starring Sivaji Ganesan in 1979.

Her popular songs include "Rithubheda kalpna.." (film: "Mangalam Nerunnu"), "Kaathale kaathale..." ("96"), "Unnikannaa vaayo..." ("Kaakkakkuyil") and "Pavanarachezhuthunnu..." ("Vietnam Colony"). She has also sung under the music of AR Rahman in "Alaipayuthe", "Muthu" and "Kaathalan".

Kalyani Menon had been active as a singer till recently despite the Covid-19 outbreak. Cremation will take place on Tuesday at 2 PM at Besant Nagar, Chennai.