Body of veteran singer PB Srinivas consigned to flames

The mortal remains of veteran playback singer PB Srinivas, who had lent his voice to hundreds of popular hits in south Indian cinema, was on Monday consigned to flames, as fans bade him a tearful farewell.

The celebrated multi-lingual singer's eldest son lit the funeral pyre amid chanting of mantras during the last rites performed as per Hindu rituals at the Kannamapettai burial ground this afternoon, sources said.

State Minister KT Rajenthra Bhalaji and Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy were among those who paid their tributes and attended the funeral.

Several playback singers from southern tinsel world, including Vani Jayaram, P Suseela and S Janaki, took part in the funeral of 82-year-old Srinivas, who died after a brief illness yesterday at his CIT Nagar residence here.

The family members chose to conduct the funeral using firewood and did not opt for the electric furnace, sources close to the family said.

Popularly known as PBS, the veteran singer lent his voice in all four South Indian languages besides Hindi.

He was the voice of Kannada film icon Rajkumar and Tamil veteran Gemini Ganesan, besides several lead actors of the time.

Srinivas' famous numbers Kaalangalil Aval Vasantham and Mayakkama Thayakkama, among many others, are still hummed and remain in his fans' hearts. His last song was in Tamil film Ayirathil Oruvan in 2010.

Srinivas was honoured with various awards including the state government's Kalaimamani Award.