Music composer Vanraj Bhatia passes away, Smriti Irani offers heartfelt condolences

Veteran music composer Vanraj Bhatia, who has composed songs for television shows like Yatra and Bharat Ek Khoj and more, bread his last on May 7. 94-year-old noted composer passed away after a brief illness, a former colleague told PTI. Actress turned politician Smriti Irani took to Twitter and condoled death of composer while recalling his marvellous work. 

Smriti Irani pays tribute to Vanraj Bhatia

While mourning huge loss, Union Minister wrote, “Shocked to learn about passing away of Vanraj Bhatia. Wagle ki Duniya, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, leaves behind countless memories in his scores. My condolences to his loved ones & fans.” virtuoso who scored music for Shyam Benegal classics like Ankur and Bhumika, lived alone at his apartment at Rungta Housing Colony on Napean Sea Ro. After gruating from Elphinstone College here, he trained in western classical music in London and Paris.

Post returning home, Vanraj joined vertising world, working for a phenomenal 6,000 jingles, most famously La laaala la refrain for a soap endorsement filmed by a waterfall. He was also one who created soundtracks for Aparna Sen's 36 Chowringhee Lane and Kundan Shah's Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. He also scored some mainstream movies like Ajooba and Damini. 

In his old age, Vanraj h composed an opera titled Agni Varsha which was performed in New York. He was also a recipient of National Award for Best Music for Govind Nihalani's TV series Tamas and also Sangeet Natak Akemi Award. He received Pma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2012. Earlier, Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) h come to aid of music composer following reports about Vanraj’s declining health and poor financial condition through a web portal. According to various media reports, legendary composer was facing trouble while walking properly and was unable to get treatment due to a lack of funds. 

(Image credit: PTI)