The musical legend Ilaiyaraaja will be 75 years old this June and after recently hitting the amazing milestone of 1000 feature films music composing, he has got many interesting things to share about- on and off the recording studio. For an interview given to a leading English daily, the Maestro has shared much brilliant facts which would amaze his fans for sure.
Speaking of his workplace Prasad Labs, Chennai- Maestro said that he witnessed the brilliant transformation of the studio from single room and floor to much equipped workstation which he has now. He also said that he stayed most of his life in the studio than in his own house! He also reminisced his walks around Santhome Beach , Chennai when his first Tamil film Annakili songs were released. The radios in the street used to play his song and people used to gather just to listen to it. This, he feels is the real success of a music composer than any award or recognition.
When asked whether filmmakers should understand the nuances of music composing, Maestro has given a stunning answer. He feels that a film can succeed if every craft person makes their work sincerely. Hence, the filmmaker neednt know about music composing at all!
Ilaiyaraaja also spoke about his working style which includes him being in the studio at 7AM sharp everyday and start writing western classical notation for each piece he composes. He also has the habit of writing the date and time of the recording and used to fill the available singer’s name in the sheet. When nobody was available, he writes his name and that’s how he becamea playback singer!
The journey of Maestro Ilaiyaraaja is indeed quite inspirational and exemplary for many younger musicians to come. Telugu360 wishes the Maestro a very happy golden jubilee birthday!