‘I don’t know music, that’s why I still work’: Ilaiyaraaja after composing 1,541 films

Legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja has once again inspired fans by saying that despite composing songs and background scores for over 1,500 films, he still believes he does not truly “know” music — and that is what keeps him going.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 11th Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday evening, the Padma Vibhushan awardee said he had just completed work on the background score of his 1,541st film before arriving at the event.

“People ask me how I come up with a particular song or tune. I tell them, I don't know music. That is why I am still working. If I knew everything about music, I would have stayed home thinking I have mastered it,” Ilaiyaraaja said.

The octogenarian maestro was honoured with the Padmapani Award at the ceremony, presented by AIFF Chairperson Nandkishore Kagliwal, MGM University Chancellor Ankushrao Kadam, and Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty.

During his address, Ilaiyaraaja spoke about how music-making has changed over the decades. He recalled starting his career in the late 1960s, when technology played almost no role in composition.

“Music was different when I started off 50 years ago around 1968, because there was no technology in those times. Today, making music has become easy with electronic instruments and keyboards. This has led to composers in every household,” he said, adding that while he respects modern tools, he still prefers recording with a live orchestra.

“I still record with a live orchestra. I write down the notations for every single instrument for my musicians. I am not against electronic instruments, but the emotion from the music can only come with live instruments,” he explained.

The event also began with attendees paying tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who passed away in a plane crash earlier in the day.