Music maestro Ilaiyaraja has been conferred the country's second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan. He is said to have composed over 6500 songs and provided the score for over 1000 films in his career.
In his career spanning over 40 years, Ilaiyaraaja has mainly composed music for Tamil films. But he has done notable work in other South Indian languages and Hindi.
He began his career as an instrumentalist in the 1970s. A gifted musician, he can play the guitar, keyboard and harmonium.
Ilaiyaraaja has won five National Film Awards - three for Music Direction and two for his Background Score.
His debut as music director was reportedly in the Tamil film Annakkili in 1975. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2010.
Ilaiyaraja with his family after the award was announced.
After the award was announced, messages began to pour in for the legend.
"An award for my elder, my Ilaiyaraja. He was deserving of an award when he was very young. The delay in the giving of this award will be forgiven by the fans, just like by Raja. It's a proud moment for the award, for the country and for Tamil Nadu," actor Kamal Haasan wrote.
எனக்கு மூத்தவர் என் இளையராஜாவுக்கு விருது. விருதுக்கான தகுதியை இவர் இளமையிலேயே பெற்றிருந்தார். தாமதமாய் வந்த பெருமையை ராஜா போல் ரசிகரும் மன்னிப்பர்.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 25, 2018
விருதும் நாடும் தமிழகமும் பெருமை கொள்கிறது .
Actor Vishal also congratulated him.
Govt of India announces Nation's 2nd highest civilian award #PadmaVibhushan to the God of music #Ilayaraja sir. Hearty congratulations to you sir!proud moment to all of us. God bless
— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) January 25, 2018
Congratulations to the "Maestro" on being felicitated with "Padmavibhushan" award , much deserved and feel he has a lot more to contribute to music #Ilayaraja #Padmaawards
— sudindra rohit (@rohityerramilli) January 25, 2018
Late but well deserved Award. The one ruling Musical industry for past four decades. and the #padmavibhushan goes to one and only #ilayaraja #Kollywood
— Dhilip Deerkay (@_Dhilip_) January 25, 2018
Great Honour#PadmaVibushan gets "Isaignani" "Maestro" Ilayaraja
— Nikkil (@onlynikil) January 25, 2018