The demise of Vani Jairam is an irreplaceable loss for the world of music, said noted singer K S Chithra, who had spoken to the veteran as recently as Wednesday.

“On January 28, a function was organised at Music Academy in Chennai to felicitate Vaniamma for winning the Padma Bhushan in which I too took part. I also met her there and gave her a gift. Vaniamma accepted my gift and blessed me. She also gave me a kiss. I never knew that it would be our last meeting,” Chithra told Manorama Online.
Vaniamma’s death is a big personal loss for me, added Chithra. “It was with Vaniamma that I sang the greatest number of female duets. She learnt songs very quickly. Vaniamma had the greatest respect for music and even removed her footwear while entering the stage and studio.
In every language, Vaniamma grasped the meaning of each word of the song she sang,” recalled Chithra.

On Wednesday, Chithra received a call from Vani. “She asked me whether I had presented her with a saree. I said that it could be replaced if Vaniamma didn’t like it. But she told me that she loved my gift,” said Chithra. Chithra also said that Vani had difficulty in walking at the function in Chennai on January 28.

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