Chennai (Commonwealth Union)_ In a grand tribute to one of India’s most cherished music legends, the Tamil Nadu government recently celebrated Music Maestro Ilayaraja’s 50-year journey in the film industry with a special event that brought together icons from both cinema and politics. Held with glory and heartfelt emotion, the evening also marked the global debut of his first symphony, Valiant, performed in collaboration with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the historic Eventim Apollo in London.
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A celebration to honor the 50-year saga
The event was not just a felicitation; it was a deeply personal evening filled with nostalgia, admiration, and music. Actor and MP Kamal Haasan, who has shared a decades-long creative bond with Ilayaraja, set the tone with a touching tribute. “There’s too much history, too many emotions tied to this man,” he said, speaking fondly of their shared past. Kamal recalled how the late CM Karunanidhi had conferred upon Ilayaraja the title Isaignani (The Musical Genius), a name that has since become synonymous with the maestro. “To me, he’s more than a composer. He’s like an elder brother,” Kamal said before singing a few lines in his honor, stirring emotions across the hall.
Rajinikanth expressed gratitude
Superstar Rajinikanth brought his usual charm and wit to the stage. Reflecting on the making of Rajathi Raja, he recalled Ilayaraja telling him that if the film did not succeed, he would give up music altogether. “That kind of belief—I don’t have it even in myself,” Rajinikanth admitted. He could not resist a bit of playful ribbing either: “Ilayaraja saves something special for Kamal’s films,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience. But his respect for the composer was clear: “He’s a one-of-a-kind genius. Hats off to him.”
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Udhayanidhi Stalin’s salute to the Maestro
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin described Ilayaraja’s music as the backdrop to every Tamil household. “Though we may have been raised by different mothers, the lullabies we grew up with were his,” he said. “Our childhood, our youth, our love stories—they all carry his tunes.” He praised Valiant as a bold and inspiring project from a composer still evolving at 82.
CM Stalin’s humble request and major announcement
Chief Minister MK Stalin took a more personal approach in his address. Quoting lines from the evergreen “Raaja Raajaathi,” he declared Ilayaraja as Tamil Nadu’s eternal king of music. “There’s hardly a Tamilian who hasn’t sung, danced, or wept to one of his songs,” Stalin said. In a heartfelt appeal, he urged the composer to consider working on classical Tamil literature. “I’m not asking as a CM, but as a fan,” he added. Stalin also announced a new state award in Ilayaraja’s name to recognize musicians every year and reiterated the call for the maestro to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
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The Maestro’s words from the heart
When Ilayaraja finally took the stage, he was humble and candid. Speaking about Valiant, he shared how he had to consciously step away from his cultural roots to create something universally original. “I had to strip away my identity to ensure the music was entirely mine—nothing borrowed, nothing familiar. And when I saw your eyes well up, I knew it connected,” he said. He took a moment to thank his children, Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja, acknowledging the sacrifices they made during his years of dedication. “I gave them so little time. Yet, without that time, these songs wouldn’t exist,” he said. Ending on a light note, he shared a late-night story involving Rajinikanth and director Mahendran. “After a bit of beer, I became a romantic,” he laughed, prompting Rajinikanth to confirm, “That’s why his songs are filled with so much love!”
A timeless journey that will continue forever
With more than 7,000 songs and 1,000 film scores, Ilayaraja’s work remains deeply personal for generations. As the evening came to a close, he announced that Valiant would be performed again with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, promising that his musical journey is far from over. The celebration was not just for a composer. It was for a man whose music has comforted, moved, and inspired millions. Ilayaraja’s melodies have become a part of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heartbeat, a legacy that will echo for generations to come.
