Ragas and symphonies: Indian maestro Ilaiyaraaja is still reshaping music 50 years on

Ragas and symphonies – Five decades into his career, Ilaiyaraaja continues to captivate audiences with his groundbreaking work in Indian cinema. Revered as “the Maestro” by his ardent followers, the 83-year-old composer from Tamil Nadu has not only defined the sound of film music across nine languages but has also redefined the boundaries of musical expression in South Asia. With over 1,000 film scores to his name, he remains a towering figure in the industry, his influence spanning decades and transcending cultural and genre barriers.

A Revolution in Sound

Ilaiyaraaja’s impact on Tamil film music was cemented in 1976 with the release of *Annakili*, a film that marked a pivotal shift in the industry. Before this, Indian film music was largely rooted in classical traditions, with Western symphonic elements rarely integrated into mainstream soundtracks. But *Annakili* introduced a new era, blending folk rhythms, Carnatic scales, and Western instrumentation in a way that felt both innovative and authentic.

“Ilaiyaraaja’s arrival was a watershed moment. It was an intervention by a person from an entirely different social and aesthetic background who had imbued a distinct aural soundscape,” says TM Krishna, a celebrated Carnatic musician. This statement underscores how Ilaiyaraaja’s unique approach not only transformed film music but also bridged traditional and contemporary styles, creating a cohesive yet diverse auditory identity.

His ability to synthesize disparate musical forms into a seamless narrative has been a hallmark of his work. From the soulful melodies of Tamil folk songs to the grandeur of orchestral compositions, Ilaiyaraaja’s music resonates with a universal appeal. His influence has extended beyond the silver screen, with concert halls and homes across India still echoing his compositions. As Krishna notes, “What’s unique is that he creates a cohesiveness to all the different forms he’s taken from different genres of music. That is the genius of Ilaiyaraja.”

From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

Ilaiyaraaja’s journey began in the small village of Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, where he was born in June 1943 as R Gnanathesikan. Growing up, he was immersed in the musical traditions of his father, a cardamom estate supervisor whose folk songs and ballads shaped his early understanding of rhythm and melody. However, his life took a dramatic turn at the age of seven when his father passed away, leaving his mother, Chinnathayammal, to shoulder the family’s financial and emotional burden.

“My mother Chinnathayammal bore the entire burden of the household after that. We went through a difficult period,” Gangai Amaran, Ilaiyaraaja’s younger brother and a respected music director, told the BBC. This hardship, however, became a catalyst for his passion for music, which would eventually propel him to international acclaim.

Despite limited resources, Ilaiyaraaja found inspiration in his surroundings. His eldest brother, Paavalar Varadharajan, a singer and playwright, played a crucial role in his early exposure to music. Varadharajan’s performances for Communist Party events in the 1950s brought the family into contact with a wide range of musical influences. “We travelled from village to village with our elder brother. That’s how we learned folk and rural musical traditions,” Amaran explained.

When Varadharajan fell ill before a performance, their mother encouraged Ilaiyaraaja to step in, marking his first public appearance. This early opportunity sparked his ambition, leading him to leave school at 14 and move to Madras (now Chennai) in 1968 with his brothers. The city, then known as Madras, became his launching pad, where he immersed himself in Western classical music under the tutelage of Dhanraj Master. Master’s guidance helped him master the guitar and piano while exploring the works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert.

Forging a New Path in Film Music

Ilaiyaraaja’s career took shape in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during which he worked as an assistant to prominent composer GK Venkatesh. “GK Venkatesh was my teacher, guru, and encouraged me to write orchestra scores,” Ilaiyaraaja recalled in an interview. This experience honed his technical skills and deepened his understanding of orchestration, eventually leading him to compose his own music.

His early years in Madras were grueling, with a demanding schedule that included music lessons at dawn, recording sessions throughout the day, and returning home close to midnight. Yet, this relentless dedication paid off, as he contributed to over 200 films, building connections that would later define his success. His breakthrough came in 1976 when Panchu Arunachalam, the writer-lyricist of *Annakili*, invited him to showcase his talent to the film’s team. With no instruments available, Ilaiyaraaja used a wooden table as a percussion tool and sang, impressing the producer and earning his first major recognition.

Arunachalam, impressed by Ilaiyaraaja’s creativity, renamed him “Ilaiyaraaja,” meaning “the young king of music.” This title reflected the transformative power of his work, which not only elevated Tamil film music but also redefined the role of composers in Indian cinema. As the 1970s and 1980s progressed, his music became synonymous with emotional depth and cultural richness, shaping the way audiences experienced and appreciated film soundtracks.

Legacy and Global Reach

Ilaiyaraaja’s legacy extends far beyond his home country. Last year, he made history by becoming the first Indian to compose and perform a Western classical symphony in London, collaborating with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The ensemble hailed this endeavor as “a milestone in global music history,” highlighting his ability to transcend regional boundaries and adapt his craft to international contexts.

His work also reflects the evolution of music consumption in India. During the late 1970s, the advent of cassettes and affordable music systems revolutionized how people accessed and enjoyed music. Ilaiyaraaja entered this new era at the right time, leveraging technology to reach wider audiences. “The advent of cassettes and affordable music systems enabled people to listen to music whenever they wanted. Ilaiyaraaja entered the music scene at the right time as the technology was changing,” noted a BBC correspondent, capturing the intersection of innovation and artistry in his career.

From humble beginnings in a rural Tamil Nadu village to global recognition as a maestro, Ilaiyaraaja’s journey is a testament to his perseverance and visionary approach. Even as he approaches his 80s, his influence remains undiminished, with fans and critics alike acknowledging his enduring contribution to the world of music. As he continues to compose and perform, his legacy endures—a symphony of tradition and transformation that will be celebrated for generations to come.