Ilaiyaraaja

Date of Birth: June 2, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Ilaiyaraaja, born as Gnanathesikan on June 2, 1943, is a legendary Indian film composer, singer, and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the Indian music industry. He is often referred to as “Isaignani” (The Musical Genius) and “The Maestro.” Ilaiyaraaja’s contributions to the Indian music scene, particularly in Tamil cinema, have left an indelible mark and earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Ilaiyaraaja was born in Pannaipuram, a small village in Tamil Nadu, India. His early exposure to the folk music of his region profoundly influenced his musical style. He joined a traveling musical troupe at a young age, which gave him practical knowledge and exposure to various musical forms. He went on to study Western classical music and earned a degree from Trinity College of Music, London. Ilaiyaraaja’s career took off in the mid-1970s when he composed music for his first film, “Annakili” (1976). The film’s success catapulted him to fame, and he became a sought-after composer in the South Indian film industry. Over the years, he has composed music for over 1,000 films in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. His unique ability to blend Indian folk music with Western classical elements and his innovative use of orchestration have set him apart from his contemporaries. Some of his most notable works include the soundtracks for films like “Punnagai Mannan,” “Thalapathi,” “Nayakan,” and “Sagara Sangamam.” In 2010, he became the first Asian composer to score a symphony for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. Ilaiyaraaja has received numerous awards, including several National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and state awards. In 2018, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the arts.

5 Interesting Facts about Ilaiyaraaja

1. Ilaiyaraaja has composed music for over 1,000 films, making him one of the most prolific composers in the world.

2. He was the first Indian to compose a full symphony for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.

3. Ilaiyaraaja is also a skilled instrumentalist, proficient in the harmonium, guitar, and piano.

4. He is known for his ability to compose a song in just a few minutes, often completing entire film scores in record time.

5. Ilaiyaraaja has collaborated with numerous legendary filmmakers and artists, including directors like Mani Ratnam and Bharathiraja.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ilaiyaraaja

1. “Music is like a divine gift, and it should be treated with respect and devotion.”

2. “I don’t see music in terms of language or genre; for me, it is a universal language that transcends boundaries.”

3. “The most beautiful moments in life are those that are accompanied by the right music.”

4. “Creativity is about transcending the ordinary and touching the divine.”

5. “Every note, every melody has a story to tell, and it’s my job to bring that story to life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ilaiyaraaja’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Ilaiyaraaja has three children: Karthik Raja, Yuvan Shankar Raja, and Bhavatharini. All three have followed in their father’s footsteps and have made significant contributions to the music industry. Karthik and Yuvan are well-known music composers, while Bhavatharini is a singer and composer.