Singer Sheela Divakar dies

Mangaluru: Renowned singer Sheela Divakar passed away after a brief illness at a private hospital, here on Wednesday. She was aged 53. She was hospitalised a week ago, said family sources. H Subrahmanya Rao, vice-president, Sangeetha Parishath, said that she had dedicated her life to music. She has been teaching Carnatic music and popular music for the past 25 years.She had been the lead singer for several Bharatanatyam dance schools, and has presented several programmes. Sangeetha Parishath had honoured her during the silver jubilee celebration three years ago. She has served as an examiner for the music exams conducted by the government, and has won several state and district awards, he said. She is survived by her husband and two children.