Ilaiyaraaja

Date of Birth: June 2, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Ilaiyaraaja, born Gnanathesikan on June 2, 1943, in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is a legendary Indian film composer, conductor, and songwriter. Over his illustrious career, he has composed over 7,000 songs and scored more than 1,000 films, predominantly in Tamil cinema but also in other Indian languages. Known for his innovative fusion of Indian classical music with electronic music, western classical music, and traditional Indian instrumentation, Ilaiyaraaja is often referred to as “Isaignani” (The Musical Genius) and “The Maestro.” Ilaiyaraaja’s journey in music began at an early age. He grew up in a rural environment where traditional folk music was a significant part of the cultural fabric. He joined his elder brother Pavalar Varadarajan’s traveling musical troupe and honed his skills in singing and composing. In the 1970s, he formally studied western classical music at the Trinity College of Music in London and earned a gold medal for his proficiency. Ilaiyaraaja made his debut as a film composer in 1976 with the Tamil film “Annakili,” and his unique style quickly gained popularity. He revolutionized the Indian music industry by introducing intricate orchestration and sophisticated harmonies that were previously uncommon in Indian film music. Over the decades, his work has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including several National Film Awards and a Padma Bhushan in 2010.

5 Interesting Facts about Ilaiyaraaja

1. Ilaiyaraaja was the first Asian composer to score a symphony for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.

2. He has been awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan (2010) and Padma Vibhushan (2018) by the Government of India.

3. Ilaiyaraaja is a gold medalist in classical guitar from Trinity College of Music, London.

4. He has composed music for films in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English.

5. Ilaiyaraaja’s song “Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu” from the film “Thalapathi” was voted as one of the top 10 songs of all time in a BBC World Service poll.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ilaiyaraaja

1. “Music is an ocean, and I am just a drop in it.”

2. “True music comes from the heart, and it speaks a universal language.”

3. “Innovation is not about creating something new, but about seeing the world in a new way.”

4. “Every note has a story to tell, and every melody has a soul.”

5. “The purpose of music is to elevate the soul and bring joy to the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ilaiyaraaja’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Ilaiyaraaja has three children, all of whom have made their mark in the music and film industry: 1. Karthik Raja – A music composer who has worked in Tamil and Hindi films. 2. Yuvan Shankar Raja – A popular music composer known for his work in Tamil cinema. 3. Bhavatharini – A playback singer and music director who has won a National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.