The music fraternity and fans are in mourning following the tragic death of Sharada Iyer, the elder sister of renowned Malayalam playback singer Chitra Iyer. The 52-year-old former Oman Air manager lost her life in a trekking accident in Oman on 2 January.
Tragedy on the Trails of Jebel Shams
According to reports from NDTV and Gulf News, the unfortunate incident occurred while Sharada Iyer was part of a trekking group exploring the marked trails in the Wadi Ghul region near Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak. The area falls within the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and is known for its breathtaking but perilous landscape.
While authorities have not disclosed the precise cause of her death, they highlighted the inherent dangers of the location. The terrain in this popular trekking destination features steep cliffs, narrow paths, and rugged ground, posing significant risks even to experienced adventurers.
A Life of Spirit and a Family in Grief
Sharada Iyer, originally from Thazhava in Kerala, was the daughter of late agricultural scientists R D Iyer and Rohini Iyer. She had been residing in the Middle East for several years after a career as a manager with Oman Air.
Family members are currently making arrangements to repatriate her body to India. Her final journey will culminate with the last rites, scheduled for 7 January at the family's ancestral home in Thazhava, Kerala.
The loss has left the family shattered. Chitra Iyer confirmed the heartbreaking news through an emotional tribute on Instagram. She remembered Sharada as a spirited and irrepressible force, expressing profound grief and stating she could not imagine life without her sister's constant presence and voice. The post attracted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, fans, and fellow artists.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
The grief extended to the wider family. Actress-singer Anjali Sivaraman, Sharada's niece, posted a moving homage on social media. She described her aunt as a mother, friend, and biggest supporter, calling her "love and light and life."
In her poignant message, Anjali wrote, "I can’t begin to express the grief I’m feeling… it feels like a void of some sort... You lived life to its fullest, right up to the last second. We had so much left to do... I love you more than words can express." The tribute captured the deep personal loss felt by those closest to Sharada.
Sharada Iyer is survived by her sister, Chitra Iyer, whose voice has defined countless melodies in Malayalam cinema. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers associated with adventure sports, even on marked trails.
