Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja will be proposed for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, during a felicitation event in Chennai on Saturday marking the maestro’s 50 years in the film industry. CM Stalin presented Ilaiyaraaja with a commemorative memento and lauded his lifelong contributions to music. “Ilaiyaraaja proves that with dedication and skill, anything is possible. Music has been like a mother to him, expressing love, inspiring success, and soothing sorrow. From now on, the Tamil Nadu government will institute an annual award in his name to encourage musical talent. Additionally, we will propose him for the Bharat Ratna on behalf of the people of the state and music lovers across the country,” he said. The event was attended by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister Saminathan, and prominent actors including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
Born in 1943 in a modest family in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, Ilaiyaraaja, originally named Gnanadesikan, developed a passion for folk music from an early age. He performed with his brother Pavalar Varadarajan in village dramas and musical events. In 1968, he moved to Chennai to study music formally and later worked as an assistant to composer G.K. Venkatesh. He made his debut as a music director in 1976 with the Tamil film *Annakili*, whose songs became instant hits and established him as a rising talent in the industry.
Ilaiyaraaja is credited with pioneering a unique musical style by blending Carnatic music, folk tunes, and Western orchestration. He became the first Asian composer to record a symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. Over his illustrious career, he has won five National Film Awards for Best Music Direction and has been honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2018, solidifying his status as one of India’s most influential music composers.