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.

Born : June 2, 1943