Legendary Composer Ilaiyaraaja Reflects After 1,541 Films: ‘I Don’t Know Music’

Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja has offered a rare glimpse into his creative philosophy, saying he continues to work because he still feels there is more to learn about music,even after composing songs and background scores for 1,541 films.

The Padma Vibhushan awardee, widely regarded as one of India’s most influential film music directors, made the remark on January 29 while being honoured with the Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival held at the MGM University campus in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Addressing the audience, Ilaiyaraaja said he had just finished the background score for his 1,541st film before arriving at the event. Asked how he continued to create fresh music after such a long and prolific career, he responded with characteristic humility: “I don’t know music. That is why I am still working. If I knew everything about music, I would have stayed home thinking I have mastered it.”

The octogenarian composer, a Rajya Sabha member, also reflected on changes in music production over the decades. He noted that when he began his career around 1968, technology played little role in music creation, and composing was a more demanding craft. Today, with electronic instruments and keyboards widely available, he said, “making music has become easy,” with tools that allow many more people to experiment with composition.

Despite technological advances, Ilaiyaraaja emphasised the continued importance of live orchestral recording. He said he writes notations for each instrument and still prefers to record with live musicians, believing that the emotional depth of music can only be fully realised through live performance.

The Padmapani Award recognised his enduring contributions to Indian cinema and music over a career spanning more than five decades.

Ilaiyaraaja’s comments come as part of broader conversations within the industry about the evolving nature of music production and creativity in an era increasingly dominated by technology, even as the maestro continues to demonstrate the enduring value of orchestral craft.