Chennai: Composer Ilaiyaraaja has said that many admirers look at him as a “god of music”, a remark he made while reflecting on his long journey in cinema.
His first film as an independent music director, Annakili, directed by Devaraj Mohan and starring Sivakumar and Sujatha among others, completed 50 years since its release.
In an interview, Ilaiyaraaja said he does not measure his life in years, adding that he is currently composing for a Tamil film by Balki. “Years keep moving, but I remain where I have always been,” he said, noting that he feels unchanged from where he began.
He said that while composing he is not occupied by any particular thoughts, and described music as something that brings mental calm. He added that even if he is not around, the celebration of his music would continue.
Recalling his early training, he said he played instruments for several noted composers including G.K. Venkatesh, M.S. Viswanathan and Salil Chowdhury, and worked as an assistant on 200 to 250 films. Yet, he said, when he first composed on his own he felt as if he had been left alone in a forest, and that the songs of Annakili emerged only after days of practice and self-understanding.
