Veteran singer Vani Jairam found dead at her residence in Chennai
Chennai (PTI): Iconic singer Vani Jayaram who has crooned over 10,000 songs in 19 languages, including the very popular Hindi number 'Bole re papihara' died here on Saturday.
She was 77 and was living alone at a downtown apartment, where she was found dead, police said.
Vani Jayaram's husband predeceased her and she had no children, the singer's domestic help said.
The singer's maid said she turned up as usual for work on Saturday. However, she did not get any response despite repeatedly pressing the calling bell, she told reporters here.
Immediately, she said, she alerted the singer's relatives who informed police.
In the presence of Vani Jayaram's relatives, police broke open the door and found her dead, she said.
Malarkodi, who has been working for the past 10 years as a maid in the singer's house said police found an injury on Vani Jayaram's forehead. Police said she may have fallen down and injured herself.
Asked if she had any health issues, the worker said she was perfectly alright.
"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," the woman said.
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Shivaji statue at Pangong Tso sparks backlash from Ladakhi locals, army veterans
Ladakh: The Indian Army's installation of a Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh has drawn criticism from local residents and military veterans, raising concerns about political symbolism and its historical relevance to the region.
The statue, unveiled on 26 December by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the Leh-based 14 Corps, was funded by voluntary contributions from personnel of the Maratha Light Infantry (MLI). The Army described the statue as a tribute to Shivaji's "unwavering spirit and legacy," which it claimed inspires generations.
Local leaders and veterans questioned the decision, pointing out Shivaji’s lack of historical connection to Ladakh. Retired Major General Birender Singh Dhanoa criticised the move, remarking, “Are all fixed-class units now erecting statues of their ancestral notables in Corps Zones?” He also called the publicity surrounding the installation unnecessary.
Retired Colonel Sanjay Pande suggested installing a statue of Zorawar Singh, the Dogra general who led Himalayan conquests in the 19th century, instead of Shivaji. Other critics expressed concerns about setting a precedent for similar installations across the country.
However, some veterans defended the initiative, citing its potential to boost troop morale. Brigadier (Retired) Hardeep Sohi argued that Shivaji’s legacy provides inspiration to infantry units engaged in high-stakes combat.
This controversy follows recent efforts by the government to incorporate Shivaji into military traditions, including changes to naval insignia. Critics argue that such moves politicise the armed forces, with some veterans fearing repercussions for openly opposing these initiatives.
