Ilaiyaraaja sparks controversy over his bold remark, claims "No one like me before or after"

Ilaiyaraaja makes a controversial remark

Ilaiyaraaja, one of the names that immediately springs to mind when one thinks of music in Indian cinema, has composed thousands of films and created some timeless gems that still stir emotions across generations.

One of the most celebrated composers in Indian music history, his legacy transcends time and language. But a recent remark from the maestro has brought a flood of mixed feelings from fans.

In a recent interaction with him, Ilaiyaraaja said he felt that before him, there was no one in the music industry, and after him, there would be no one in the music industry. Although he meant it well, that been-there-done-that attitude was rather self-congratulatory and gave me a douchey vibe that I think also rubbed several watchers the wrong way.

Going further into details in the interview, the senior composer revealed about growing up in a small village and evolving as a musician by working with seniors, learning, growing and coming up with something unique. He also made the point that he had truly been a DIY success story, not shaped by industry support or family direct lines but just by life.

The reaction from critics was universally derisive, but others have come to his defence, saying the claims are not completely off base. After all, how many composers can claim Ilaiyaraaja’s sheer output, artistic dexterity and that his music is still relevant today?

Simply considering the sheer volume of his work — more than 1,000 films and innumerable classics — there aren’t many contemporaries who could compete with that sort of legacy, one film after another.

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On the one hand, supporters seem to believe that Ilaiyaraaja’s words are not those of an arrogant man so much as one who is fair to have a sense of pride about a life’s work of groundbreaking originality. There is nothing wrong in acknowledging the rarity of something great by a man who made his way through against all odds and changed Indian film music.

More than 5 decades after he made his debut, Ilaiyaraaja has slowed down, yes, but not his love for music. He has just done the music for Shashtipoorthi, adding to the realm he played a part in creating.

Ultimately, whether you view his statement as arrogance or just pride may be a matter of perspective. But, undeniably, it is Ilaiyaraaja’s towering legacy — one that seriously has no parallels or comparisons in the history of Indian cinema.