Fans of Ilaiyaraaja went on a nostalgic journey as they clapped and sang along to his musical hits at ‘Ilaiyaraaja 75,’ a grand two-day event put together by the Tamil Film Producers Council to celebrate the legendary music composer.
Sunday evening at YMCA Nandanam saw thousands of fans queue up to drench in the magic of the many memorable songs he has composed over the years.
With leading singers Mano, Chitra, Usha Uthup and Haricharan, among others, dishing out evergreen hits such as Ninnukori Varnam and Poove Sempoove , the event was a happy occasion for everyone, whose childhood was filled with songs tuned by Ilaiyaraaja.
The maestro himself sang some of his popular songs, including Idhayam Oru Koil , much to the delight of his fans.
Actor Rajinikanth picked Podhuvaga En Manasu Thangam and Raman Aandalum among his favourite songs of the maestro. “I have even sung for him in Mannan . Those six lines took me six hours to sing,” he said, even as fans had a hearty laugh. “I’m drawn to his spirituality as much as I love his music. That’s why I still call him ‘Swamy’. From his first film, Annakili , till today, his musical vibration reigns supreme.”
The other leading star of Tamil cinema, Kamal Hassan, announced his entry with a goosebumps-inducing rendition of a song from Hey Ram . He went on to sing Ninaivo Oru Paravai and Unna Vida .
Director Mani Ratnam, who had a successful association with Ilaiyaraaja in the 1980s, said, “It has been a big honour to have worked with him. He will always remain a genius.”
Bollywood director Balki, who has worked with the maestro in Hindi films like Paa and Shamitabh , said, “Raja Sir is not about words; it’s about a feel. To me, he is precious because he gave Tamil Nadu a sound, and it’s a beautiful sound that is unmatched.”
Celebs participate
The two-day celebration saw the participation of film celebrities who shared interesting anecdotes about their association with the maestro.
The highlight of Saturday evening’s programme was the coming together of Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman on stage.
“I first worked for Ilaiyaraaja in Moondram Pirai . Going to his studio was like going to the headmaster’s room,” said Rahman.
