Tamil playback singer Krishnaraj dies in Chennai

Tamil playback singer Krishnaraj died in Chennai on October 22, 2026, after a career that included prominent collaborations with composer Deva and songs that became familiar to Tamil film audiences. Reports gave his age as 75, while one account said he was 74; the precise age has not been established in the reporting. His cause of death has not been officially confirmed. Krishnaraj’s death came five days after Deva died on October 17. The singer was closely associated with the composer, recording many of his songs under Deva’s direction, particularly during the 1990s. Their work included songs from Kadhal Kottai, Natpukkaga and Ninaivirukkum Varai. Krishnaraj came to wider attention with Vellarikka Pinju from the 1996 film Kadhal Kottai. He received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for best male playback singer for Thanjavooru Mannu Eduthu, from the 1997 film Porkkaalam. The song was later played at the 2016 funeral of former Singapore President S R Nathan, according to reports. One account also said Nathan had personally praised Krishnaraj’s singing. His other recordings included Kaathadikkuthu from Ninaivirukkum Varai, Meesakkaara Nanba from Natpukkaga and Nagumo from...