Tamil playback singer Bamba Bakya passes away at 49 in Chennai

Popular Tamil playback singer Bamba Bakya, who has collaborated with notable composers including AR Rahman and crooned many hit Tamil songs, passed away on Friday. He was 49.

His recent contribution was the song Ponni Nadhi in Mani Ratnam’s upcoming film Ponniyin Selvan Part 1. According to some reports, Bakya died due to a cardiac arrest, though there isn't any official confirmation yet.

Known for his different style and baritone, Bamba Bakya had also sung many popular tracks in hugely successful films like Rajinikanth’s 2.0,Sarkar and GV Prakash’s Sarvam Thaala Mayam. The news of his sudden demise has left Kollywood celebrities in shock.


Several celebrities have shared their condolences on social media.

Music composer Santhosh Dhayanidhi wrote on twitter, Rest In peace brother #bambabakya. Gone too soon.



Meanwhile, Tamil actor Shanthanu Bhagyaraj wrote on Twitter, “Loved his voice. Gone too soon. #Rip #bambabakya anna.”



Lyricist Vivek, who worked with Bamba Bakya to create ‘Simtaangaran’ song in Sarkar, tweeted, “A great singer is no more. Pullinangal will always resonate in our ears. Working with him in Kaalame n Simtangaran is a special experience. My thought goes out to his family and #ArRahmanSir".




He also sang the independent number Raati, composed by Santhosh Dhayanidhi. Born in October 1972,his official name was Bhakkiyaraj, but everyone in the music industry called him Bamba Bakya and that name stuck.

Bamba Bakya had earned attention and respect by singing some very popular songs, composed by AR Rahman. He started his career as a singer of devotional songs but gradually got the attention of big wigs of Tamil music industry. It was Rehman's music which brought him to the forefront and Bakya gradually emerged as one of the most popular singers of Tamil film industry.