AR Rahman's mother Kareema Begum passes away

Musician A R Rahman's mother, Kareema Begum, died here on Monday, sources close to the family said.

Rahman uploaded a picture of his mother on his official Twitter page.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and DMK President M K Stalin condoled the death.

"Sad to know that Kareema Begum, mother of music great A R Rahman died of illness," Palaniswami said in a tweet.

The chief minister conveyed his condolences to Rahman and the bereaved family.

Stalin also extended his condolences.

He said she played a "big role" in Rahman's musical journey from Tamil cinema to across the globe.

Music composers Thaman, Devi Sri Prasad and many others paid tributes to Begum.