Stalin appeals to Central govt. to confer Bharat Ratna on Ilaiyaraaja

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday urged the Central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, on maestro Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja at an event organised by the State governmentto commemorate Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s 50 years in the film industry.

“I am making this request not just on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, but also on behalf of Ilaiyaraaja’s fans across the world. I hope it will be fulfilled,” he said.

The Chief Minister also announced that the State government would institute the “Isaignani Ilaiyaraja Award” for young musicians who achieve a milestone in the field of music. “When I learnt that he was going to perform a symphony in London, I visited his house and congratulated him on his achievement,” he said. 

Mr. Stalin said that if Mr. Ilaiyaraaja had composed music for Sangam literary works such as Natrinai, Purananooru, Kuruntokai, and other texts, it would have been easier for everyone to memorise the verses.

“Normally, a request is made to a Chief Minister at a function. But I would like to make a request to Ilaiyaraaja. He should set the Sangam literary works to music. Your music will help carry these literary works to the next generation. I am sure that Raaja kaiya vecha adhu wrong-a pogadhu (Nothing will go wrong if it has Raaja’s touch),” he said.

Actor Rajinikanth said Mr. Stalin remains a ‘star of Indian and Tamil Nadu politics’ and a challenge to both new and established parties.

Mr. Ilaiyaraaja said he had delved deeply into music, composing and writing symphonies, which left him with little time to spend with his children. “You need not complain now. The time I was supposed to allot for you went into making great music. You can take pride in that,” he said, pointing to his sons Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja. Mr. Ilaiyaraaja said he had no words to express his gratitude to the Chief Minister. “When I suggested that the symphony could be conducted in Chennai, he gave his consent without hesitation. The officials, particularly Mr. Shanmugam, the Chief Minister’s Secretary, attended to all the requirements of the artistes and made it happen,” he said.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra performed Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s Valiant Symphony I to a packed audience at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here.

The orchestra also performed some of the songs, preludes, and interludes from Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s film compositions. The crowd went into a frenzy when they played popular numbers including Raja Kaiya Vacha, Poove Sempoove, and Kanne Kalaimane.

The conductor of the orchestra said: “It is a huge honour, pleasure, and privilege to play the compositions of maestro Ilaiyaraaja,” then invited him to the dais to render a song.

Mr. Ilaiyaraaja performed Idhayam Poguthe from the film Puthiya Vaarpugal, noting that it was inspired by composer Hubert.

Earlier, Ilaiyaraaja’s troupe rendered 10 songs, beginning with Amuthe Tamile. Ilaiyaraaja, seated with Mr. Stalin, actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, and others, sang the song. Mr. Haasan said all the songs for the programme were personally chosen by the Chief Minister himself.