Award is for Tamil Nadu, Tamil people: Ilaiyaraaja

Speaking to the press at his residence in T Nagar, Ilaiyaraaja was graceful in his acceptance of the award. “I received a call in the evening from the Joint Secretary, Shri Prakash of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. He informed me that I have been awarded the Padma Vibhushan and asked if I would accept the award. 

I conveyed my acceptance and confirmed my participation in the ceremony. He responded that the award has been honoured by my acceptance. His kind words gave me an idea of the standing I have among the people. I consider this award by the central government not as a personal recognition and honour — but as one for Tamil Nadu and Tamil people,” he said.

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan were among the first to wish the music composer directly over the phone, within minutes of the news breaking. Kamal also took to Twitter to post his appreciation. “It’s an award for my elder, my Ilaiyaraaja. He deserved to win the award much earlier, but I’m sure like his fans — he will also forgive the tardiness. The award, Tamil Nadu and the nation are honoured by this,” he posted.

Read More: Padma Vibhushan for maestro Ilaiyaraaja

Several other celebrities including Vishal and Vijayakanth also took to social media immediately to wish the 74-year-old, who first debuted as a composer in 1976 with the Tamil film Annakkili.

In a career spanning over four decades, the ‘Isaignani’ has seen several highs, such as being the first Indian to organise a full symphony, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, and composing music for evergreen film albums such as Nayagan, Sindhu Bhairavi, Thevar Magan, etc. 

He has won five National Awards. Last year, he was also in the news for filing a suit in court on the copyright to his songs, sending legal notices to singers, prohibiting them from singing his compositions at concerts. Active in his work even today, his recent work was the film Kalathur Gramam in October 2017.