ILAIYARAAJA

Ilaiyaraaja – Full Biography, Year-wise Movie List, and Awards

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Gnanathesikan (Later changed to Ilaiyaraaja)
  • Born: June 2, 1943, Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Occupation: Music Composer, Singer, Instrumentalist, Songwriter
  • Years Active: 1976 – Present

Ilaiyaraaja is one of India’s greatest music composers, known for blending Indian classical music with Western harmonies. He has composed music for over 1,000 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. His innovative use of orchestration and unique melodies earned him the title “Isaignani” (Musical Genius).

Music Career

he composed music for over 200 Malayalam films                                

1970s (Debut in Malayalam)

  • 1978 – Aaravam (First Malayalam Film)
  • 1978 – Thacholi Ambu
  • 1979 – Choola
  • 1979 – Eenadu

1980s (Golden Era, Numerous Hits)

  • 1980 – Manjil Virinja Pookkal (Fazil’s debut, huge success)
  • 1981 – Arayannangalude Veedu
  • 1982 – Eenam Thettaatha Kaatil
  • 1983 – Koodevide
  • 1984 – Sandhya Mayangum Neram
  • 1985 – Kanamarayathu
  • 1986 – Karimpinpoovinakkare
  • 1987 – Amritam Gamaya
  • 1988 – Moonnam Pakkam
  • 1989 – Dasharatham

1990s (More Melodic & Emotional Scores)

  • 1991 – Kilukkam (Evergreen songs)
  • 1992 – Yodha (Superhit with Mohanlal)
  • 1993 – Devasuram (Massive blockbuster, still celebrated)
  • 1994 – Pidakkozhi Koovunna Noottandu
  • 1995 – Manthrikakuthira
  • 1996 – Kaanaakkinaavu
  • 1997 – Guru (National Award-winning film)
  • 1998 – Harikrishnans

2000s-Present (Selective but Powerful Compositions)

  • 2000 – Life Is Beautiful
  • 2001 – Kaithapram’s Kannaki
  • 2003 – Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum
  • 2005 – Achuvinte Amma
  • 2008 – Nandhalala
  • 2016 – Thaarai Thappattai (Background Score Influence in Malayalam)
  • 2023 – Aalankam

Special Mention: Iconic Malayalam Songs by Ilaiyaraaja

  • “Nee Partha Parvai” (Guru – 1997)
  • “Kaathirunna Kannamma” (Kilukkam – 1991)
  • “Devanganangal Kayyozhinja Thaarakam” (Nandhalala – 2008)

Awards and Recognitions

  • National Film Award for Best Music Direction – 5 Times
  • Padma Bhushan (2010) – India’s third-highest civilian award
  • Padma Vibhushan (2018) – India’s second-highest civilian award
  • Filmfare Awards South – Multiple Wins
  • Tamil Nadu State Film Awards – Best Music Director

Personal Life & Legacy

Ilaiyaraaja is known for his deep knowledge of Carnatic and Western music, and his compositions continue to influence Indian film music. He remains active in the music industry and is regarded as a legend in Indian cinema.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ROvucF0Bgs&pp=ygU7bW9sbHl3b29kIG11c2ljIGRpcmVjdG9yIElsYWl5YXJhYWphIGJpb2dyYXBoeSBpbiBtYWxheWFsYW0%3D

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