‘Directors who earned crores using his songs and even I switched to that new composer, but…’: Rajinikanth on Ilaiyaraaja’s ability to thrive despite new talents

At a recent event, Rajinikanth pointed out how Ilaiyaraaja has weathered the storm of emerging talents in the industry and remained a strong presence over the decades.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | Updated: September 15, 2025 02:29 PM IST

3 min read

At a recent event, Rajinikanth pointed out how Ilaiyaraaja has weathered the storm of emerging talents in the industry and remained a strong presence over the decades.

Ilaiyaraaja with Rajinikanth. (Credit: X/@ilaiyaraaja)

Having made their foray into the film industry around the same time — in the mid-70s — it’s no exaggeration to say that music maestro Ilaiyaraaja and ‘Superstar’ Rajinikanth grew up together in cinema. Since their debuts with Annakili (1976) and Apoorva Raagangal (1975), respectively, the two have joined forces several times, gifting Tamil cinema with many unforgettable movies and soundtracks. The icons also share a deep personal bond, which shone the brightest in their fond recollections about each other during their addresses at a recent event organised by the Tamil Nadu government to mark Ilaiyaraaja’s 50 years in cinema.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajinikanth heaped praise on the “Isaignani” and pointed out how Ilaiyaraaja has weathered the storm of emerging talents in the industry and remained a strong presence over the decades. He also shared that the music maestro lives in a parallel universe of music, unfazed by the happenings of the mortal world. Referring to the arrival of a new composer, who soon became beloved by all film professionals, Rajinikanth stated that the talent and popularity of Ilaiyaraaja remained the same even after that. Although the actor did not name the new composer, it seems he was referring to AR Rahman.

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“If you face success alone, you won’t realise its greatness. Failure should also come once in a while. Failures are like speed bumps. While Ilaiyaraaja was reigning supreme, another composer entered the scene. Filmmakers gradually began making a beeline for him. Even those directors and producers who earned lakhs and crores through Ilaiyaraaja’s songs started choosing this new composer. Artistes, including Rajinikanth, also began moving in that direction. But none of it shook Ilaiyaraaja,” he stated.

Rajinikanth added, “Every morning at 6.30 am, a car left T Nagar (the neighbourhood where the composer lives) for Prasad Studios. That harmonium kept playing, and the recordings continued. Meanwhile, Ilaiyaraaja’s brother RD Bhaskar passed away. Then, his beloved wife Jeeva passed away. And later, his only daughter, Bhavatharini — whose mere presence lit up his face — also passed away. Yet that car never stopped leaving T Nagar at 6.30 am. And that harmonium never stopped playing. His world is totally different from ours. He lives in the world of music and simply visits ours once in a while.”

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