Dr. Asha Bhat (79), a senior physician and wife of Dr. K.S.S. Bhat, Consultant Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, passed away on December 24 at her residence in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, after a brief illness.

She is survived by her husband, son Dr. Shyam Bhat, a renowned psychiatrist in Bengaluru, and daughter Deepa Bhat, a management consultant.

Dr. Asha Bhat, a General Practitioner, worked in various countries like New Zealand, Libya, the prestigious Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, and clinics in Bengaluru.

An accomplished artist, she specialized in Tanjore and Mysore-style paintings. She was also a vocalist in Carnatic music and a skilled harmonium player. In addition, she was an active member and founder of a ladies’ walking group.

Dr. K.S.S. Bhat hails from Kasaragod, while Dr. Asha Bhat was originally from Madikeri.

Dr. Bhat maintained close ties with Dr. Ramdas Pai, Chancellor of MAHE University, and T. Satish U. Pai, Executive Chairman of Manipal Media Network Ltd., among other prominent members of the Pai family from Manipal.