Swamigal has always composed better songs for Kamal Haasan’s films than mine”, Rajinikanth said. “Music is the best art, as musicians are blessed by God, and have the power to control us. Some ‘Lingas’ are created in water, man makes some, while some evolve on their own – they are called Suyambu Lingams. When they come out, their impact and attraction are unimaginable. Ilayaraja is a Suyambu Lingam and he’s a rarity and I am seeing his musical power right from his debut film Annakili till today,” the Superstar went on to say. He was speaking on the concluding day of the Ilayaraaja 75 show.
Rajini went on to add after a pause, “I used to address him as Sir earlier. One day, I saw him changing his attire from pant and shirt to veshti and kurta. From that days onwards, I started calling him ‘Swamigal’.” Interrupting Rajini, Ilaiyarajaa said, “I also call him — Rajini — as Swami only”.
Rajini continued, “He made me sing in my film Mannan. He has given me many hits. But more than for me, he composes better tunes for Kamal Haasan.”
Ilaiyarajaa, in an instant response, said, “While he says so, even Kamal asks why I am not giving him songs like I give for Rajni”, and Kamal who was sitting in the front row responded saying Ilaiyarajaa was right.
When the actor-turned-politician came to the dais, he revealed that maestro Ilaiyaraaja was the one who predicted and prodded him to enter politics. “Among my two ‘Annas’ – Charuhaasan was dead against me foraying into politics, but this Anna (Ilaiyarajaa) asked me to get into the political arena, which has come true today.”
The actor who has rendered many songs for the maestro enthralled the audiences by singing a few songs at the live concert. Interestingly, Ulaganayagan along with his daughter Shruti Haasan crooned duet songs including ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’ from Sigappu Rojakkal and ‘Ram Ram’ from Hey Raam.
Ilaiyarajaa revealed that Kamal came to visit his studio when he was composing for Sigappu Rojakkal and he made him sing a track and after listening to his great rendition, he recorded the song with him, leaving out the original singer.
Oscar winner AR Rahman, who has worked in 500 films in keyboard with Ilaiyarajaa before turning independent, also shared the stage with the ‘Isaignani’ on the first day.
ARR said, “When I met him first, it was like I was in front of a headmaster. His discipline and way of life has inspired me a lot. We have only one bad habit and that is indulging in music. Ilaiyaraaja Sir’s words of appreciation make me happy, because maestros don’t appreciate that easily, and when he does, it’s only because there’s real talent.”
While Ilaiyarajaa sang a classic number Mandrm Vandha Thendralluku from Mouna Raagam , ARR played the keyboard for it.
TFPC president Vishal said, “All countries will have Rajas (kings) to rule. But when it comes to music, there’s only one Raja, and that is Ilaiyaraaja sir. He is the reason that long drives in cars are possible. Even before checking whether petrol has been filled in their cars, people would first take a look to see if Raja sir’s songs are loaded.”
Members of TFPC and Nadigar Sangam presented a golden violin to the ‘Isaignani’ on the memorable occasion.
