Ragas and symphonies: Indian maestro Ilaiyaraaja is still reshaping music 50 years on
Fifty years after his debut, Ilaiyaraaja remains one of the most celebrated composers in Indian cinema.
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Notable Quotes
"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."
— TM Krishna , Academic
"It's God's gift. Learning and mastering musical instruments came to him naturally."
— Gangai Amaran , Celebrity
"GK Venkatesh was my teacher, guru and encouraged me to write orchestra scores."
— Ilaiyaraaja , Celebrity
Key People
Gangai Amaran is a celebrated music director and Ilaiyaraaja's younger brother.
GK Venkatesh was a popular film composer and mentor to Ilaiyaraaja.
Ilaiyaraaja is a celebrated composer in Indian cinema known for transforming the sound of Tamil film music.
Paavalar Varadharajan was a singer-playwright and Ilaiyaraaja's eldest brother.
TM Krishna is a celebrated Carnatic musician.
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All Coverage
Fifty years after his debut, Ilaiyaraaja remains one of the most celebrated composers in Indian cinema.
Ilaiyaraaja, o maestro indiano, completa 83 anos mantendo influência decisiva na música, com mais de 1.000 composições em nove idiomas, moldando sonoridades de cinema, palco e rádio.
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