Ilaiyaraaja was born as Gnanathesikan in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, on June 2, 1943. He showed an early interest in music and started learning classical music at a young age. He later graduated with a degree in Western classical music from the Trinity College of Music in London.
Ilaiyaraaja began his career as a session musician, working as a guitarist and conductor for various music directors. His breakthrough as an independent composer came with the 1976 Tamil film “Annakili,” for which he composed the iconic song “Senthoora Poove.”
Ilaiyaraaja’s musical contributions are vast and diverse. He is known for blending Indian classical music, folk music, Western classical elements, and innovative sounds to create unique compositions. His ability to understand the emotional context of a film and translate it into his music is highly regarded.
He has composed music for over 1,000 films in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. Some of his notable works include “Sagara Sangamam,” “Mouna Ragam,” “Nayakan,” “Dalapathi,” “Geethanjali,” “Indian,” and “Thalapathi,” among many others.
Ilaiyaraaja is credited with introducing new soundscapes to Indian cinema. He was one of the pioneers in using electronic instruments and synthesizers in film music during the 1980s. His ability to experiment with different musical styles and genres while maintaining a deep emotional connection with the audience set him apart.
His compositions range from soulful melodies to energetic folk numbers to intricate orchestral arrangements. His work has left a lasting impact on Indian film music and continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
Ilaiyaraaja has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music, including several National Film Awards in India. He has also received international recognition, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2010.
| Name | Ilaiyaraaja |
|---|---|
| Also Known as | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Date of Birth | 02/06/1943 |
| Current Residence | Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 162 CM |
| Father | Daniel Ramaswamy |
| Mother | Chinnathayammal |
| Sibling | Pavalar Varatharajan, Amar Singh, Daniel Baskar, Kamalammal, Padmavathi |
| Spouse | Jeeva |
| Children | Yuvan Shankar, Karthik Raja, Bhavatharini |
| Educational Qualification | Music Course(1968), Degree in Western Art Music |
| College (s) | Trinity College of Music, London |
| Debut Movies | |
|---|---|
| Language | Movie Name |
| Awards List | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Award | Category | Movie Name | |
| 1977 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Music Director | 16 Vayathinile | |
| 1980 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Music Director | Zizhalgal | |
| 1981 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Music Director | Alaigal Oivathillai | |
| 1981 | Nandi Award | Best Music Director | Seethakoka Chiluka | |
| 1983 | National Film Award | Best Music Director | Saagara Sangamam | |
| 1985 | National Film Award | Best Music Director | Sindhu Bhairavi | |
| 1988 | National Film Award | Best Music Director | Rudra Veena | |
| 1988 | Tamil Nadu State Government Awards | |||
| 1988 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Music Director | Agni Natchathiram | |
| 1988 | Nandi Award | Best Music Director | Rudraveena | |
| 1989 | Filmfare Awards | Lifetime Achievement | ||
| 1989 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Music Director | Varusham Padhinaaru, Karagattakaran | |
| 1990 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Bobbili Raja | |
| 1990 | Nandi Award | Best Music Director | Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari | |
| 1991 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Thalapathi | |
| 1994 | Kerala State Film Awards | Best Background Music | Sammohanam | |
| 1995 | Kerala State Film Awards | Best Music Director | Kalapani | |
| 1998 | Kerala State Film Awards | Best Background Music | Kallu Kondoru Pennu | |
| 2001 | Screen Awards | Best Background Music | Hey Ram | |
| 2003 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Manassinakkare | |
| 2005 | Nandi Award | NTR National Award | Many movies | |
| 2005 | Filmfare Awards | Best Music Director | Achuvinte Amma | |
| 2005 | Golden Remi Award | Vishwa Thulasi | ||
| 2009 | National Film Award | Best Background Score | Pazhassi Raja | |
| 2009 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Music Director | Ajantha | |
| 2010 | Padma Bhushan | |||
| 2011 | Nandi Award | Best Music Director | Sri Rama Rajyam | |
| 2011 | Norway Tamil Film Festival Award | Best Music Director | Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai | |
| 2012 | Nandi Award | Best Music Director | Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu | |
| 2012 | Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | Creative and experimental music | ||
| 2015 | National Film Award | Best Background Score | Tharai Thappattai | |
| 2015 | International Film Festival of India | Centenary Award for Lifetime Achievement | ||
| 2016 | Kerala State Government Awards | |||
| 2018 | Padma Vibhushan | |||
| 2020 | Kerala State Government Awards | |||
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