In a tragic incident, Sharada Iyer, the sister of renowned playback singer and actor Chitra Iyer, passed away following an accident during a trek in Oman. The 55-year-old Indian expatriate was exploring the rugged terrain of the Jebel Shams region with friends when the mishap occurred on Friday, January 2.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In From Family
Days after the tragedy, Chitra Iyer took to social media to share an emotional and characteristically banter-filled note for her departed sister. Posting photographs of Sharada on Instagram, the singer promised her sister she would "catch up" soon. Chitra's message blended love with the raw pain of loss, addressing Sharada as a "feisty little banshee" and an "insufferable monster," highlighting the deep bond they shared.
She expressed her struggle to imagine life without her sister's constant presence, writing about the void left by her "annoying voice" and vibrant energy. The grief was compounded for the family as this is the second tragedy in less than a month. Their father, agricultural scientist Dr. RD Iyer, had passed away on December 11, 2025. Sharada had travelled to her hometown in Kerala for the funeral and had returned to Oman only on December 24.
A Niece's Profound Grief
Chitra's daughter, actor Anjali Sivaraman, known for her role in 'Bad Girl (2025)', also penned a moving tribute to her aunt. She described Sharada as more than an aunt—a mother, friend, and biggest cheerleader. "You were love and light and life," Anjali wrote, expressing her heartbreak over unfinished plans and memories. She stated her heart was "broken forever" and she would carry her aunt's memory with her always.
Who Was Sharada Iyer?
Sharada Iyer, 55, was an Indian expatriate residing in Muscat, Oman. Hailing from Thazhava in Karunagappally, Kollam district of Kerala, she had previously worked as a manager at Oman Air. She was the daughter of the late agricultural scientists Dr. RD Iyer and Dr. Rohini Iyer, and sister to playback singer Chitra Iyer.
Her mortal remains were flown to Kerala for the last rites, which were scheduled to be performed at her ancestral home in Thazhava on Wednesday, January 7. Further specific details regarding the nature of the trekking accident in the Jebel Shams area have not been disclosed by authorities yet.
The family, well-known in South Indian artistic circles, is receiving an outpouring of support. Chitra Iyer, famed for her collaborations with Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, has sung numerous hits in Malayalam and Tamil and recently appeared in the anthology series 'Manorathangal'.
