Music Director · Tamil cinema
Ilaiyaraaja
Ilaiyaraaja (Gnanathesikan) is an Indian Music Director, Music Composer, Singer, Lyricist and instrumentalist. He is popularly Known as 'Ilaiyaraaja' and 'Maestro'. He predominantly works in "South Indian" Film Industry. He also worked in Bollywood film industry. He is the first Asian Composer to score a Symphony. He is one of the greatest music composer in India. Ilaiyaraaja has composed more than 6000 songs and he worked in more than 1000 films. He is a "Gold Medalist" from Trinity College of Music from London. Ilaiyaraja is known for creating music by fusing 'Symphonic Orchestration' with traditional Indian Instrumentation and often performed by 'Budapest Symphony Orchestra'. He has won the title called Isaignani, means 'savant of music'. He has awarded with the "Padma Bhushan" by Government of India. He has received five "National Awards" for Best Music Director. He composed many non-Film music, he also composed a variety of music like Religious, Melody, Devotional songs, an Oratorio and World music.
83 yearsBorn Jun 2, 1943Pannaipuram
Career at a glance
The ring shows where Ilaiyaraaja ranks among Tamil music directorsHow it works
Each ring compares Ilaiyaraaja with every one of the Tamil music directors on Clapnumber, one measure at a time. A fuller ring means higher: Top 4% means only 4 in 100 have as much. Critics compares review averages, out of 5 claps. A ring shows only when there are enough people to compare fairly and Ilaiyaraaja is in the top half; otherwise you see just the number.
Now and next
Videos
Known for
Hits, ranked within the career
Awards
1 wonHonours
- Padma AwardsPadma Vibhushan · 2018Won
Film awards
- Filmfare Awards SouthBest Music Director – Tamil · 2023Nominated
- South Indian International Movie AwardsTamil · 2020Nominated
- South Indian International Movie AwardsTamil · 2012Nominated
- South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Music Director (Telugu) · 2011 · Sri Rama RajyamNominated
Family tree
13
Ilaiyaraaja’s generation
Children
Ilaiyaraaja’s children
Gangai Amaran’s children
Photos
10Ilaiyaraaja works with
About Ilaiyaraaja
Ilaiyaraaja is a music director in Tamil cinema and Telugu cinema. Clapnumber holds 1004 titles for Ilaiyaraaja, from Avalukkendru Oru Manam in 1971 to Valmiki Ramayana in 2026. By decade, that is 70 in the 1970s, 405 in the 1980s, 298 in the 1990s, 92 in the 2000s, 68 in the 2010s and 48 in the 2020s. Those titles are mostly drama, action and comedy.
Common questions
How many films has Ilaiyaraaja been in?
Clapnumber lists 1004 titles for Ilaiyaraaja.
What was Ilaiyaraaja's first film?
The earliest release on file is Avalukkendru Oru Manam (1971).
What is Ilaiyaraaja's latest film?
The most recent release on file is Valmiki Ramayana (2026).
Who has Ilaiyaraaja worked with most?
Aachi Manorama, on 108 titles in this catalogue.
Where can I watch Ilaiyaraaja's films?
Titles featuring Ilaiyaraaja are listed on Amazon Prime, SunNext and VI movies and tv. Clapnumber records where each one streams rather than hosting any of it.
Where is Ilaiyaraaja from?
Ilaiyaraaja is from Pannaipuram.