Neesha Maharaj|Published
Rajen Pillay, founder of South African Tamil band Luxmi Raagam and a longtime Shree Mariammen Temple office-bearer, has died aged 59.
Pillay, of Rockford in Phoenix, died this morning of a suspected heart attack.
The cultural doyen was a longstanding member of the Shree Mariammen Temple, and served as a member and secretary over the last two decades.
He also served as a metro police officer for the eThekwini Municipality.
His close friend, Seelan Archary, the chairman of the Shree Mariammen Temple Society said, his friendship with Pillay dated back 40 years.
The two went to the Mount Edgecombe School.
“Rajen was a singer and composer in both the Tamil and Hindi vernacular.
“He was a scholar of the Tamil language. He composed both Hindi and Tamil songs. He was known throughout South Africa for his music. He composed both devotional and modern music. He was fluent in singing Hindi songs even though that wasn’t his mother tongue,” Archary added.
He said Pillay was an award-winning song writer who won music competitions hosted by Lotus FM.
“He was a calm and composed family man. He was dedicated to his family and the temple society,’ added Archary.
Pillay leaves behind his wife, Alice and three daughters, Treveni, Kirlona and Ria.
His funeral details are yet to be confirmed.