A R Rahman’s mother passes away

Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman's mother, Kareema Begum, died in Chennai today, sources close to the family said.

Rahman uploaded a picture of his mother, whom he has always regarded as his inspiration, on his official Twitter page, without a caption.

Condoling her death, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami posted on Twitter, "Sad to know that Kareema Begum, mother of music great A R Rahman died of illness."

Tamil Nadu's main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazagham party President M K Stalin said she played a "big role" in Rahman's musical journey from Tamil cinema to across the globe," he tweeted.

Composer-singer Salim Merchant said, "Very sorry for your loss AR. We pray that Amma gets Jannat-Ul-firdaus."

Rahman's frequent collaborator singer Shreya Ghoshal said Kareema Begum was one of the most affectionate persons she came across.

"Deeply saddened by this news, Rahman sir. She was one of the most gentle and affectionate persons I have met. Praying for her departed soul."

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur tweeted, "Your heart is broken, I know. But your mother left you with an inner strength , an inner resilience and belief .. that I have seen and admired for long. Stay strong, my friend."

Rahman, who started his film music journey with Mani Ratnam''s "Roja"  in 1992 and went on to become a globally-acclaimed artiste, won an Academy Award, Grammy, BAFTA and Golden Globe wins and has always credited his mother for being a constant support as well as an inspiration throughout his musical journey.

At the 81st Academy Awards ceremony Rahman, after winning the Oscar for his work on "Slumdog Millionaire", had paid tribute to his mother.

"There is a Hindi dialogue, mere paas ma hai (from Amitabh Bachchan-Shashi Kapoor-starer movie Deewar), which means ''I have nothing but I have a mother''. So my mother is here, her blessings are there with me. I'm grateful for her to have come all the way," he had said.