Eminent flautist N Ramani passes away

Acclaimed flute maestro N Ramani credited with taking instrumental Carnatic music several notches high, died on Friday in Chennai.

Ramani (82) is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

Expressing grief over his death, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said in a statement she was "deeply anguished to learn the death of N Ramani today due to illness." "Ramani brought specialty and uniqueness to flute and elevated it (flute) which was once an accompaniment and he was a genius of flute music," she said.

He carved a niche for himself in flute music and got a host of recognitions like Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan. His name was synonymous with Carnatic flute music and such was his fame, she said.

"Ramani's passing away is a big loss for the world of Tamil music. I convey my condolences to his family, and Carnatic music fans...," she said.