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Ilayaraaja

Born: 1943-06-02
FAN SCORE
95
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Emerging Star
Last Updated on 06 Nov 2025
Ilayaraaja Poster

Ilaiyaraaja is a legendary Indian music composer, singer, and songwriter known for his groundbreaking contributions to Tamil and Indian cinema, composing over 7,000 songs and scores for more than 1,000 films.

Ilaiyaraaja is a legendary Indian music composer, singer, and songwriter known for his groundbreaking contributions to Tamil and Indian cinema, composing over 7,000 songs and scores for more than 1,000 films.

Ilaiyaraaja, born on 2 June 1943 in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is an iconic Indian music composer, singer, and songwriter widely regarded as one of the greatest film composers in India. Often referred to as the "Maestro" or "Isaignani" -Musical Genius, he has composed over 7,000 songs and provided music for more than 1,000 films across multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Ilaiyaraaja is celebrated for his unique fusion of Indian classical music with Western musical elements, creating rich, orchestral soundscapes that revolutionized film music. Over his career, he has won numerous awards, including the National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian music. Renowned for his ability to evoke deep emotions through melody, rhythm, and instrumentation, Ilaiyaraaja has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and continues to influence generations of musicians and composers.
Ilaiyaraaja, born on 2 June 1943 in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is an iconic Indian music composer, singer, and songwriter widely regarded as one of the greatest film composers in India. Often referred to as the "Maestro" or "Isaignani" -Musical Genius, he has composed over 7,000 songs and provided music for more than 1,000 films across multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Ilaiyaraaja is celebrated for his unique fusion of Indian classical music with Western musical elements, creating rich, orchestral soundscapes that revolutionized film music. Over his career, he has won numerous awards, including the National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian music. Renowned for his ability to evoke deep emotions through melody, rhythm, and instrumentation, Ilaiyaraaja has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and continues to influence generations of musicians and composers.

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Personal details

Alternative names Isaignani, Isaignani
Height 5'9"/
Born June 02, 1943 · Pannaipuram, Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Children Yuvan Shankar Raja Karthik Raja Bhavatharini
Parents Daniel Ramaswamy Chinnathayee
Relatives Siblings: Gangai Amaran, Daniel Bhaskar, Pavalar Varadarajan, Kamalammal Rajayya, Padmavathi Rajayya
Other works
Playback Singer, Music Director/Composer, Live Performances, Independent Albums

FAQ

Francis Antony Cyril Raja.

July 24, 1975.

Sukran -2005.

"Naaka Mukka" from Kadhalil Vizhunthen -2008.

Naan -2012.

Did you know

Trivia

Ilaiyaraaja is often called the "Maestro" or "Isaignani" -Musical Genius for his unparalleled contributions to music.

He has composed music for over 1,000 films and more than 7,000 songs across multiple Indian languages.

Ilaiyaraaja was the first Asian composer to score a full symphony performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.

Quotes

"Music is the universal language that connects all hearts."

"I do not compose for fame or awards; I compose for the soul and emotion of the listener."

"Western music taught me structure, Indian music taught me feeling; my compositions are the fusion of both."

"A melody should touch the heart before it reaches the ears."

"I believe simplicity in music can evoke the deepest emotions."

Trademarks

Fusion of Indian and Western Music: Seamlessly blends classical, folk, and orchestral styles.

Prolific Composer: Composed over 7,000 songs and scores for more than 1,000 films.

Orchestration Genius: Known for complex arrangements and innovative use of instruments.

Emotionally Resonant Melodies: Creates music that deeply connects with listeners' emotions.

Nicknames

Isaignani, Maestro, Raja

Salaries

Per Film -Composer: Rs: 50 lakh - 1.5 crore, depending on the film's scale and production budget.

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