The voice of K J Yesudas and music of Ilayaraja will take anyone who was young and in love in the mid-‘80s on a nostalgic journey.ġ6. This song added lustre to a film that was a light-hearted romance. Thendral Vandhu Ennai Thodum, Thendrale Ennai Thodu Shot in a cave in Kodaikanal, the song also made the location famous.ġ5. Kamal Haasan sang for friend and mentor Ilayaraja in this song. This was also the time when the maestro began to include table pieces in his film songs. The superb lyrics of Pulamai Pitthan meet their match in the music of Ilayaraja in this 1991 hit. Atho Megha Oorvalam, from Eeramana Rojave This song from Nizhalgal is made wondrous with its haunting violin pieces.ġ3. When it comes to classical tunes, Ilayaraja is in supreme control. Poongkathave Thaazh Thiravai, from Nizhalgal S P Balasubramaniam’s voice and the maestro’s music combine to make a super-hit number.ġ2. In the film, this song is a prelude to a tragedy when the young lovers decide to commit suicide. Enna Sattham Indha Neram, from Punnagai Mannan Ilayaraja chose Jency to render the song.ġ1. The guitar pieces are the highlight of the interludes.Īnother gem from the ‘80s, this song is from the Rajinikanth-Sridevi starrer, Johnny. This fast-paced number made extensive use of acoustic guitar. If Ilayaraja reigned over the ‘80s it was because of songs such as this one. Ilaya Nila Pozhigirathe, Payanangal Mudivathillai The lyrics do justice to the maestro’s music.ĩ. This one, in the rich voice of K J Yesudas, is from the 1978 black & white film Aval Appadithan. It’s the magic of Ilayaraja that the songs he composed 30 years and more ago still continue to delight listeners. Uravugal Thodarkathai, from Aval Appadithan The song, from Kamal Haasan’s period film, was sung by Asha Bhonsle and Hariharan. Here’s another gentle, haunting melody from the master composer. Nee Paartha Parvaikkoru Nandri, from Hey Ram With its classical overtones and beautifully constructed wordplay, it creates a mellow mood.ħ. This song, featuring Mammootty and Amala, is another of the maestro’s super-hit romantic melodies. The video features Rajinikanth and a ravishing Shobana.Ħ. Set to the maestro’s favourite Kalyani raga, it combines soft melody, rousing scores and superb lyrics. This song is from Thalapathy, the last film on which Mani Ratnam and Ilayaraja worked together. This one in Shyam Kalyani, sung by Chitra and Mano, makes it to the top ten of most people’s favourite love songs.

In this beautifully shot song, featuring Kamal Haasan and Saranya, from Mani Ratnam’s Nayagan, Ilayaraja displayed his flair for working with classical ragas. The song featured a young Rajinikanth and the very lovely Madhavi.Ĥ. This evergreen song from the ’80s brought together the very best talent of the time: the golden voices of SP Balasubramaniam and Janaki, lyrics by Vairamuthu and, of course, the maestro’s music. Kannil Enna Kaarkaalam, from Un Kannil Neer Vazhindhal More than a few fans of this song say it transports them to another plane. Ilayaraja himself sang this song from Metti, by Mahendran, with Janaki providing the humming.

The ‘80s were marked by dozens of melodies of this sort. This vibrant song in the sweet voice of Janaki will always remain a favourite with those who listened to the radio in the late ‘70s. For the songs in this sensitive, black & white film about unrequited love Ilayaraja combined folk rhythms with the film music techniques of the times. It marked the arrival of a phenomenon on the South Indian film scene.

In 1975, a young man who had come to Chennai seeking his fortune was given the opportunity to score the music for Annakili. And which music lover isn’t? We attempt the impossible, drawing up a list of 20 most-loved Ilayaraja songs, conceding there are hundreds more that should have made it. Balki, the film’s director, is a devoted fan of the master composer. One of the talked about aspects of Shamitabh, the upcoming big-ticket release, is the music of Ilayaraja.

Ilayaraja music