
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London once performed a symphony crafted by him. In 2010, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour in India, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2018, the second-highest civilian award by the government of India. From being an assistant to a maestro, here are some lesser-known facts about Isai Gnani Ilayaraja. Whether soulful melodies or peppy numbers, Ilayaraja's songs have always mesmerised. He is best known for integrating Indian folk music and traditional Indian instrumentation with western classical music techniques. Ilayaraja is best known to Hindi music buffs for his work in Kamal Hassan, Sridevi-starrer Sadma. This song from the super hit film Chinna Gounder starring Vijayakanth is one of those songs which was in repeat mode during the early 90’s.Ilayaraja turned a year older on June 2, and many celebrities and fans are extending their best wishes on social media. Enge Sellum Intha PaathaiĪ song which created a huge impact among the audience! This popular song from the super-hit film Sethu is undoubtedly a complete package of best lyrics, best tune and best voice. Ilayaraja is one of those musicians who can bring you to tears with the depth of melody in their songs. The raw texture of his voice lets one have a rather soulful experience during the course of the song. The sad version of this song is as popular as the happy one. One of the most popular songs of the 90s, which was hummed by all those who left their home-town for any random reason! It reveals the yearning of every man who understands the uniqueness of his birth place in a rather fun tone.

It certainly provides one with a sense of freshness. Intha MaanĪ melody which wrapped people with its raw and beautiful rural touch! This song from the popular film “Karagaatakaran” is one of the best songs to listen to on a breezy evening. The chorus of this song undoubtedly adds to the strength of the song. The composition is neither too fast nor too slow. The beat of the song makes everyone irrespective of their age, wanna shake their leg. One of the best item numbers composed by the “ God of music”. The protagonists are married to different people but share emotions of how fate decided to play in their lives. Yet another wonderful creation of the maestro which provoked the sense of pathos among listeners! This song from the film Azhagi, is about an undying love story. It was one of those songs which played in every devotional gathering during the 80’s. This song from the 1982 film Thaai Moogambhigai has been one of the most popular Tamil devotional songs ever since its release. A song which has such a sharp, strong impact on the listeners! Mani Ratnam and Ilayaraja made a great combo and all of their songs were a theatrical feast! Janani Janani The composition and the visual of this song go hand-in-hand in filling our eyes with tears. Thenpaandi CheemayileĪn evergreen song from an evergreen movie, Nayagan!! One does not have to understand the words to get the feel of it. Did you know that this directorial debut of Nasser did not initially have any song sequence in it? But when the Nasser approached Ilayaraja, impressed by his brilliance, the maestro added his touch of excellence to the film. This song has quite a story behind its composition. This song from the film Avatharam is one of those songs which one would wish to take along to their grave.


His talent cannot be categorized into any particular genre of music as he ruled all genres like a king. His non-film albums such as “How to name it” and “Nothing but wind” stand as an evidence to this. His mesmerizing and soulful composition was not just admired in India but by foreign countries as well.

His music made everyone feel as though words just glided through the breeze and into our hearts. His name became the new musical identity. Although there were several other composers in the film industry at that time, the songs of the maestro definitely ruled out everything else. His first breakthrough film was Annaikili (1976), with which he caught the attention of millions. He later migrated to Madras (Chennai) where he learnt to play guitar and piano in western style. This was the time when he slowly observed and understood audiences’ taste in music. Raja, learnt to play harmonium which was considered to be an ideal instrument for street music, and traveled across Tamil Nadu accompanying theater artists. This legend had the love for music running through his veins right as he hailed from a musical family. Born and brought up in a small village in Theni district, Southern Tamil Nadu ,Ilayaraja became the first Asian to score a symphony for the London philharmonic orchestra.
