Karunanidhi expressed grief over the death of Ramani, who also hailed from the DMK President's native Tiruvarur.
"He brought laurels to Tiruvarur and was known as 'Flute' Ramani," he said, adding that the musical instrument was an inseparable part of the flautist.
The acclaimed flute maestro, credited with taking instrumental Carnatic music several notches high, died here yesterday at the age of 82.
In a statement, Karunanidhi recalled that Ramani had never approached him for any recommendations while he was Chief Minister or even otherwise.
The DMK patriarch expressed his sympathies with the family of Ramani and the world of music.