Indian Musiq
Vidyasagar (Tamil: வித்யசாகர்) is an award winning, Indian music director and music composer in the Tamil and Malayalam film industry. [1]His compositions include "Nee Katru", "Orey Manam","Appadi Podu" as well as classical numbers like "VaralManjal", "Anandam Anandam" or "Kana Kandenadi". Vidyasagar has lately been composing fast numbers for movies starring Tamil stars Vikram, Vijay, Ajith, and R. Madhavan.
Biography
[2] Vidyasagar was born to a family of musicians in Chennai. His father U. Ramachander was a musician who could play eight instruments[citation needed] and his grandfather Varaha Narasimha Murthy was the court 'Vidhwan' for the king of Vijayanagaram Bobili in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Vidyasagar started learning vocal classical music and harmonium from his father at the age of four. When he was eight-years-old Vidyasagar joined Dhanraj Master. In fact both A. R. Rahman and Vidyasagar had joined on the same day. Vidyasagar learnt guitar for 3-4 years there, then the piano. Vidyasagar studied Western classical music at the Trinity College of Music, London.
At age of eleven, Vidyasagar knew how to play a dozen musical instruments and signed up to work as a regular musician for many music directors. Vidyasagar could play for all languages because then, most films had their recording at Chennai. Vidyasagar wanted to then compose his own tunes and have someone else play them. He had assisted various music directors and even done ghost music for some of them. So he had the experience and wanted to compose independently.
[edit]
Vidyasagar - 1989 to 1996
Vidyasagar became an independent music director with the song "En Anbe" in the 1989 Tamil movie 'Poomanam' directed by Rajasekhar (Robert). Though Vidyasagar started his music career with a Tamil film, recognition in Tamil music industry came to him much later. He shifted base to Telugu and from 1993 to 1996, Vidyasagar became the top music director in Telugu.
In 1994-95, Vidyasagar was picked up by Tamil actor-director Arjun, with whom he worked for many musically acclaimed films like 'Jai Hind', 'Karna', 'Subash' and 'Sengothai' though the movies themselves didn't do well. Vidyasagar composed some of his best music for Arjun's films with some melodic numbers like 'Malare', 'Bhoomiae', and 'Padu Padu' some of which went unnoticed. After a not so impressive start in Tamil film industry Vidyasagar was discovered by Malayalam film industry.
[edit]
Vidyasagar - 1996 to 2001
From 1996 to 2001 Vidyasagar mainly concentrated on Malayalam films where he became the top music director. In Malayalam right from his first film "Azhagiya Ravanan" to "Meesa Madhavan" he struck the right cord. He has created scores in which ragas and rhythms combined to a good melody, which even bagged him four Kerala State Awards. Vidyasagar's love for melody has made him turn to Malayalam film industry time and again, and the songs in hit films like Azhagiya Ravanan, Meesa Madhavan, Gramaphone, CID Moosa and Kilichundan Mambazham were all well received.
In his music he experienced all kinds of song situations and he explored his talent to the maximum in that period. His film 'Pranayavarnangal' is still considered by many one of the best albums ever cut in Malayalam industry[citation needed]. Malayalee listeners still see Vidyasagar as their hot favourite after Ravindran. Undoubtedly the talented music director has given his best in malayalam film industry.
His career best was "Millennium Stars"(1999),in Malayalam, which was a WorldClass soundtrack.Some songs were Bilingual, and India's best singers,Dr. K.J. Yesudas and Hariharan sang together in these songs.Songs like "Parayan Nhaan Marannu" and "Shravan Gange" in this movie, were truly of the class of the world's top soundtracks.
During this period, Vidyasagar's song compositions in Tamil movies like 1998 Vijay starrer "Nilaave Vaa" and "Uyirodu Uyiraaga" starring Ajith did catch attention and became quite popular but still the bad patch in Tamil films continued for Vidyasagar during this period. Vidyasagar was probably the only composer in South India who has delivered many super hit songs during his early days but was not considered a success. Even today, some of Vidyasagar's prior songs composed for movies are sung by music troupes. But the total success of the film counts ultimately because the music director will be identified with the film.
[edit]
Vidyasagar - 2001 to Present
After a successful Malayalam career he made a come back into Tamil with "Dhill" and "Poovellam Un Vasam". Songs in both of these films were instant hits. Then came "Dhool" which opened new doors in Tamil songs with highly successful folk song 'Ithanadu Kara Kodumae', and great melody in 'Aasai Aasai'. With "Dhool" and "Dhill" under his belt, Vidyasagar was the talk of the town, for which he had to wait for 13 years. With a successful come back he then went on to give music to some of most successful films of the year 2002-2003 like "Anbe Sivam" and Madhavan's "Run" which was a huge musical hit as well as commercial hit. The music composed by Vidyasagar for movies released in 2003 "Iyarkai", "Thithukudhe", "Parthiban Kanavu" were highly popular in spite of the fact that some of these movies failed at the box office. Vijay's "Thirumalai" was another hit album.
[3]The year 2004 saw Vidyasagar come up with "Ghilli" which was an instant hit with song 'Appadi Podu Podu' ruling the charts in Tamil music world. This was followed by other hits like "Madurey", "London" and "Ji" in 2004-05. In the year 2005 Vidyasagar received national award for the Telugu movie 'Swarabhishkam' by K. Vishwanath featuring carnatic classical music.[4] Vidyasagar continued his success spree by composing music for Rajnikanth starrer 'Chandramukhi' (he mentions this as a call from God), which was the biggest hit of the year 2005 and a comeback movie for Rajnikanth. The audio of the movie was a best seller and the BGM (Back Ground Music) of the film was also released for the first time in the Indian music industry. He has composed music for the Hollywood movie "Beyond the Soul" directed by Rajeev Anchal. The 2004-05 year also saw him score music for the Hindi movie "Hulchul" from Priyadarshan. With Mozhi, Vidyasagar once again gave listeners some songs like "Katrin Mozhiye" and "Sevvanam Selaikatti" which were instant hits of 2007. In 2008 Vidyasagar came with chart topping songs for "Kuruvi" starring Vijay. "Kuruvi"'s music was well received by music critics and Vijay's fans.
Vidyasagar is now a well known figure in the Tamil film music, often for his hugely popular numbers composed for movies starring Tamil super stars Vijay and Vikram. As said by Vidyasagar about recognition for music, "When success eludes you, nobody is bothered about you, what you know and what you could do. That is why mediocrity succeeds. If you are successful, nobody questions your knowledge."[citation needed].
[edit]
Awards
He won Prestigious National Award for the best Music Director in 2006
[edit]
FilmographyYear Tamil Year Tamil Year Tamil
1989 Poomanam 2003 Thirumalai 2008 Arai En 305il Kadavul
1989 Seetha 2003 Jhoot 2008 Kuruvi
1989 Nila Penna 2003 Thendral 2008 Jayamkondaan
1996 Edhirum Pudhirum 2003 Aaha Ethanai Azhagu 2008 Alibabha
1997 Aahaa Yenna Porutham 2004 Varnajalam
1998 Nilaave Vaa 2004 Gilli
1998 Uyirodu Uyiraga 2004 Madurey
2001 Snehithiye 2004 Sadhurangam
2001 Dhill 2004 Karmegam
2001 Vedham 2005 Ji
2001 Alli Thandha Vaanam 2005 Chandramukhi
2001 Poovellam Un Vaasam 2005 Kana Kandaen
2001 Thavasi 2005 Ponniyin Selvan
2001 Well Done 2005 Majaa
2002 Anbe Sivam 2006 Aathi
2002 Dhool 2006 Paramasivan
2002 Run 2006 Thambi
2002 Pallavan 2006 Poi
2003 Parthiban Kanavu 2006 Em Mahan
2003 Thithikudhe 2006 Sivappathikaram
2003 Alai 2007 Mozhi
[edit]
Partial Filmography
[edit]
Malayalam
1. Azhakiya Ravanan
2. Indraprastam
3. Ilavankodu Desam
4. Krisnagudiyil Oru pranayakalathu
5. Oru maravathoor Kanavu
6. Pranayavarnangal
7. Chandranudikkunna Dhikkil
8. Varnapakittu
9. Summer In Bethlahem
10. Ustaad
11. Ezhupunnatharakan
12. Millennium Stars
14. Niram
15. Daivathinte Makan
16. Satyam Sivam Sundaram
17. Dubai
18. Dreams
19. Devadoothan
20. Dhosth
21. Rakkilippattu
22. Madhura nombarakkattu
23. Mr. Butler
24. Randam Bhavam
25. Meesamadhavan
26. Gramaphone
27. Kilichundan Mambazham
28. Pattalam
29. CID moosa
30. Rasikan
31. Kochirajavu
32. Chandrolsavam
33. Alice In Wonderland
34. Made In USA
35. Chandhupottu
36. Sidhartha
37. GOAL
38. Rock n Roll
39. Mulla
40. Vande Mataram (Filming)
[edit]
Tamil
Raman Thediya Seethai
Muniyandi Vilangial Moonramandu
Alibaba (film)
Jayam Kondan
Kuruvi
Abhiyum Naanum
Arai Enn 305-il Kadavul
Pirivom Sandhipom
Mozhi
Periyar
Sivapathikaram
Em Magan
Poi
Thambi
Aathi
Paramasivan
Majaa
Kana Kandaen
Chandramukhi
Ji
Ponniyin Selvan
Varnajalam
Sullan
Ghilli
Madhurey
Sathurangam
Thirumalai
Alai
Jhoot
Thithikudhae
Iyarkai
Run
Anbe Sivam
Parthiban Kanavu
Villain
Dhool
Dhill
Ali Thanta Vaanam
Poovelam Un Vaasam
Vedham
Thavasi
Snehitye
Monday, February 2, 2009
M.s.Visvanathan
Indian Musiq
. S. Viswanathan (born June 24, 1928) (or M.S.V.), is a popular south Indian music director for five decades. He is popularly known as "Mellisai Mannar" (Tamil, for "The King of Light Music"). His major works are in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. He has also acted and sung in a few films.
Biography
Viswanathan was born to Subramanian and Narayani Kutti (or Naanikutii), in Manayangath house (from which one of his initials is derived) in Ilappulli village in Kerala, India in 1928. He lost his father when he was four. He was saved by his grandfather when his mother decided to kill him and herself as an escape from abject poverty and lack of support. He sold foodstuff in a movie theater during his childhood and later learned music from Neelakanda Bhagavathar. He gave his first stage performance stage in Trivandrum, when he was 13 years old.
Of Malayalee origin, he settled as a prolific film music composer in the Tamil film industry. His first score is for the film Panam (1952). He dominated film music composing in the South Indian film industry during the 1960s and 1970s and composed scores for over 1000 films. His achievements range from introducing fresher melodies, style and orchestration approaches to incorporating various genres of what is now called world music into Indian cinema music. He sung over 500 of his own songs, as well as those of other music directors like V. Kumar, Shankar Ganesh, Ilayaraaja, Gangai Amaran, Deva and A. R. Rahman. He also scored music for many non-film albums and for political campaigns. He also acted in many films and television series.
He often worked with the well-known Tamil poet and lyricist Kannadasan. In recent times, Viswanathan has focused on composing devotional music and anchoring as judge in Malayalam TV reallity shows.
[edit]
Awards
M.S. Viswanathan has won many awards include the following:
Paramacharya Award, meaning 'The Ultimate Guru' in 2006.
Doctorate conferred by Sathyabama University in 2006.
Madhavapeddi Satyam Award by Siva Foundation in 2005.
Won Gold Remi Award for the best music score for movie Vishwa Thulasi in 2005.
Life Time Achievement Award by Sangam Kala group in 2004.
Isai Sangam honored him with Isai Peraringnar, meaning "Great Scholar in Music", in 2004.
Kalaimamani - A jewel for art - from State Govt of Tamil Nadu
Seventh Kamukura Award - given by Kerala Cultural Ministry.
WorldFest Houston (USA)
People and Media describe him as "University of Music".
Media gave him title "Mellisai Mannar" along with T.K. Rammoorthy, meaning "King of Light Music" or "Kind of melodies".
'Sangeetha Saraswathi' title to be awarded by Poojya Sri Guruji Viswanath of Manava Seva Kendra on June 25th, 2008 at a function at Chennai.
[edit]
Filmography
[edit]
Tamil Films
Panam, 1952
Sandirani, 1953
Jenova, 1954
Marumagal, 1954
Pona Machhan Thirumbivanthan
Sorga Vasal
Sugam Engey
Vairamalai
Gulebagavali, 1955
Jayagopi
Neethibathi
Porter Kandan
Paasavalai, 1956
Thenaliraman
Baktha Markandeya, 1957
Mahadevi
Patthini Deivam
Pudhaiyal
Kudumba Gauravam, 1958
Maalai Itta Mangai
Pathi Bhakthi
Petramaganai Vitra Annai
Mamudhavalli, 1959
Bagapirivinai
Raja Malayasimhan
Sivagangai Cheemai
Thalai Kodutthan Thambi
Thanga Padhumai, 1960
Aalukku Oru Veedu
Kavalai Illatha Manithan
Mannadhi Mannan
Ondru Pattal Undu Vazhavu
Rathhinapuri Ilavarasi
Baagiya Lakshmi, 1961
Manappanndal
Paalum Pazhamum
Paasamalar
Paavamannippu
Aalayamani, 1962
Bale Paandiya
Bandha Pasam
Katthiruntha Kangal
Nenjil Oor Alayam
Nichiya Thamboolam
Paadha Kaanikkai
Padithhal Mattum Podhuma
Paarthal Pasi Theerum
Paasam
Policekaran Magal
Senthamarai
Sumaithaangi
Thendral Veesum
Veerathirumagan
Aanandha Jothi, 1963
Idhayathil Nee
Idhu Satthiyam
Karpagam
Maniyosai
Nenjam Marappadhillai
Paar Magale Paar
Panathottam
Periya Idatthu Pen
Aandavan Kattalai, 1964
Deivathaai
Enkadamai
Kaikoduttha Deivam
Kalaikoyil
Karnan
Karuppu Panam
Kathalikka Neramillai
Pacchai Vilakku
Padagotti
Panakkara Kudumbam
Pudiya Paravai
Server Sundaram
Vazhkai Vazhvadarke
Aanandhi, 1965
Aayiratthil Oruvan
Enga Veettu Pillai
Hello Mr. Zamindar
Kalangarai Villakkam
Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum
Magane Kel
Nee
Neelavanam
Panam Padaithavan
Panjavarnakkili
Pazhani
Poojaikku Vandha Malar
Santhi
Vaazhkai Padagu
Vennira Aadai
Anbe Vaa, 1966
Chandrodayam
Chitthi
Engapappa
Gowrikalyanam
Kodimalar
Kumarippen
Motor Sundaram Pillai
Naan Aanai Ittal
Nadodi
Namma Veethu Lakshmi
Parakkum Pavai
Petralthan Pillaiya
Ramu
Thattungal Thirakkapadum
Anubhavam Pudumai, 1967
Anubhavi Raja Anubhavi
Bama Vijayam
Bhavani
Iru Malargal
Kavalkaran
Nenjirukkumvarai
Ooty Varai Oravu
Pen Endral Pen
Selvamagal
Thangai
Anbu Vazhi, 1968
En Thambi
Enga Oor Raja
Galatta Kalyanam
Kallum Kaniyagum
Kanavan
Kannan En Kadhalan
Kudi Irundha Koil
Kuzhandhaikkaga
Lakshmi Kalyanam
Neeyum Naanum
Nimirndhunil
Oli Vilakku
Pudhiya Bhoomi
Ragasiya Police 115
Thaamarai Nenjam
Vuyarntha Manithan
Vuyira Manama
Anbalippu, 1969
Annaiyum Pithavum
Atthai Maga
Deivamagan
Kanne Pappa
Kannippen
Namnadu
Nil Gavani Kadhali
Odum Nadhi
Paalkudam
Poova Thalaiya
Saanthi Nilayam
Sivandha Mann
Thirudan
Edhir Kalam, 1970
Enga Mama
Engal Thangam
Enginrundho Vandhal
Kaaviyathlaivi
Maalathi
Namma Kuzhandaigal
Nilave Nee Satchi
Paadhukappu
Raaman Etthanai Ramanadi
Sorgam
Thedivandha Mappillai
Veetukku Veedu
Anbukkor Annan, 1971
Avalukendru Oor Manam
Babu
Iru Dhuruvam
Kumarikottam
Mugmadhu Bin Thuklak
Meendum Vazhven
Moondru Deivangal
Naangu Suvargal
Neerum Neruppum
Oru Thaai Makkal
Praptham
Punnagai
Rikshawkaran
Savale Samali
Soodhattam
Sudarum Sooravaliyum
Sumathi En Sundari
Thangaikkaga
Thenum Paalum
Uttharavindri Ulle Vaa
Veettuku Oru Pillai
Aasirvadham, 1972
Dharmam Engey
Dikku Theriyadha Kattil
Enna Mudalali Sowkiyama
Gnana Oli
Idho Enthan Deivam
Kanna Nalama
Kasedan Kadavulada
Mister Sampath
Nawab Naarkali
Needhi
Pattikkada Pattanama
Pillaiyo Pillai
Raja
Raaman Thedia Seethai
Sange Muzhangu
Thangadurai
Thavapudhalvan
Alaigal, 1973
Bagdad Perazhagi
Bharatha Vilas
Engal Thai
Ganga Gowri
Gauravam
Manidharil Manikkam
Manippayal
Nalla Mudivu
Paasa Deepam
Ponoonjal
Pookkari
Rajapart Rangadurai
School Master
Sollatthan Ninaikiren
Sondham
Suriya Gandhi
Thalaiprasavam
Ulagam Sutrum Valiban
Vaayadi
Akkaraipachhai, 1974
Anbai Thedi
Atthaiya Mamiya
Aval Oru Thodarkathai
Dheerga Sumangali
En Magan
Engal Kula Deivam
Kanmani Raja
Magalukkaga
Manikka Thottil
Naan Avanillai
Netru Indru Naalai
Panatthukkaga
Pen Ondru Kanden
Roshakkari
Samayalkaran
Sirithu Vazhavendum
Sivakamiyin Selvan
Thaai
Thaai Pirandhal
Thanga Padakkam
Thirudi
Thirumangalyam
Urimaikural
Aboorva Ragangal, 1975
Amudha
Anaya Vilakku
Anbe Aaruyire
Avanthan Manithan
Dr. Siva
Idhyakkani
Mannavan Vandhanadi
Naalai Namadhe
Ninaithadhai Mudippavan
Paattum Bharathamum
Thaai Veetu Seedhanam
Vaira Nenjam
Vazhndhu Kattugiren
Akka, 1976
Chitra Pournami
Grihapravesam
Idhaya Malar
Lalitha
Magarasi Vazhga
Manmada Leela
Mayor Meenatchi
Moondru Mudichu
Mutthana Mutthallavo
Needhikku Thalai Vanangu
Neeyindri Naanillai
O Manju
Oorukku Uzhaippavan
Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal
Payanam
Perum Pughazhum
Rojavin Raja
Sandhadhi
Thunivey Thunai
Unakkaga Naan
Ungalil Orutthi
Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna
Uzhaikkum Karangal
Vazahvu En Pakkam
Veeduvarai Uravu
Aaru Pushpangal, 1977
Annan Oru Kovil
Avan Oru Sarithhiram
Avargal
Deviyin Thirumanam
Ellam Avale
Enna Thavam Seidhen
Gas Light Mangamma
Ilaya Thalaimurai
Indru Pol Endrum Vazhga
Meenava Nanban
Naam Pirandha Mann
Nee Vazhavendum
Pattina Pravesam
Pennai Solli Kutramillai
Perumaikkuriyaval
Punidha Anthoniar
Punniyam Seidaval
Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal
Thani Kudithhanam
Aayiram Jenmangal, 1978
Agni Pravesam
Andaman Kadali
Aval Thandha Uravu
En Kelvikkenna Badhil
Ennai Pol Oruvan
Ganga Yamuna Kaveri
General Chakkaravarthi
Ilayarani Rajalatchumi
Iraivan Kodutha Varam
Justice Gopinath
Kungumam Kadai Solgiradhu
Maduraiyai Meetta Sundarapandian
Nizhal Nijamagiradhu
Oru Nadigai Nadagam Paarkiral
Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam
Pilot Premnath
Punniya Bhoomi
Rudra Thandavam
Sankar Salim Saiman
Seer Varisai
Taxi Driver
Thanga Rangan
Vandikaran Magan
Vannakathhukuriya Kadaliye
Varuvan Vadivelan
Vayasupponnu
Aadu Paambe, 1979
Aasaikku Vayasillai
Chellakkili
Chittira Chevvanam
Disai Mariya Paravaigal
Imayam
Kama Sasthiram
Kizhakkum Merkum Sandikkindrana
Kuppathu Raja
Maayandi
Mahalakshmi
Mangalavadhhiyam
Needhikkumun Neeya Naana
Neela Malargal
Neelakkadalin Orrathile
Ninaithale Inikkum
Noolveli
Ore Vaanam Ore Bhoomi
Porter Ponnusami
Sivappukal Mookuthhi
Sri Ramajayam
Suprabatham
Thirisoolam
Velli Radham
Avan Aval Adhu, 1980
Azhaithhal Varuven
Bama Rukmani
Billa
Bombai Mail
Deiveegaragangal
Dharmaraja
Engal Vadhhiyar
Geetha Oru Shenbagappoo
Ivargal Vidhhiyasamanavargal
Mazhalai Pattalam
Megathukkum Dagam Vundu
Oru Kai Osai
Oru Velladu Vengaiyagiradhu
Polladhavan
Rattha Pasam
Savithri
Sujatha
Varumaiyin Niram Sigappu
Viswaroopam
47 Natkal, 1981
Amarakaviyam
Anbulla Atthan
Andha Ezhu Natkal
Arumbugal
Deiva Thirumanangal
Devi Dharisanam
Enga Oor Kannagi
Kalthoon
Keezhvaanam Sivakkum
Kudumbam Oru Kadhambam
Kulakozhundhu
Lorry Driver Rajakannu
Maadi Veetu Eazhai
Mohana Punnagai
Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru
Pattam Padavi
Rani
Raanuva Veeran
Satthiya Sundaram
Saval
Thanneer Thanneer
Thee
Thillu Mullu
Thiruppangal
Agni Satchi, 1982
Anu
Deviyin Thiruvilayadal
Erattai Manidhan
Garuda Sowkiyama
Hitler Vumanath
Kanmani Poonga
Manal Kayiru
Murai Ponnu
Naan Kudhitthukonde Iruppen
Oorukku Oru Pillai
Oru Varisu Vuruvagiradhu
Paritchaikku Neramachu
Pokkiri Raja
Sangili
Simla Special
Thambathyam Oru Sangeetham
Theerpu
Thiyagi
Thunaivi
Vaa Kanna Vaa
Vadai Malai
Vasanthathil Oor Nal
Brammacharigal, 1983
Dowry Kalyanam
Idhu Engga Naad
Mridhanga Chakkravarthi
Naalu Perukku Nandri
Ore Indiya Kanavu
Poikkal Kudhirai
Police Police
Sandhippu
Saranalayam
Silk Silk Silk
Sivappu Sooriyan
Sumangali
Thambadhigal
Unmaigal
Yamirukka Bayamen
Yuddha Kaandam
Aalaya Deepam, 1984
Iru Medaigal
Nenjatthai Alli Thaa
Puyal Kadandha Boomi
Raja Thandhiram
Raja Veetu Kannukutti
Saritthira Nayagan
Sirai
Siranjeevi
Tharasu
Thiruppam
Ammavum Neeye Appavum Neeye, 1985
Aval Sumangalidhan
Erimalai
Janani
Mookkanankayiru
Navagraha Nayaki
Nermai
Partha Gyabagam Illaiyo
Sugamana Raagangal
Unnai Vidamatten
Aval Oru Thamizhachi, 1986
Deiva Magal
Jeeva Nadhi
Kanne Kaniyamudhe
Manakannakku
Meendum Pallavi
Mella Thirandhathu Kadavu
Nambinar Keduvadhillai
Nilave Malare
Sivappu Malargal
Vasantha Raagam
Elangeswaran, 1987
Kaalam Marudhu
Kadhai Kadhaiyam Karanamaam
Kootu Puzhukkal
Mupperum Deviyar
Needhikku Dhandanai
Neram Nallayirukku
Sattam Oru Vilayattu
Thaali Dhanam
Valayal Chattham
Velundu Vinai Illai
Oomaithurai, 1988
Sudandhira Nattin Adimaigal
Thannga Kalasam
Thappu Kanakku
Dravidan, 1989
En Arumai Manaivi
Meenatchi Thiruvilayadal
Raja Nadai
Rasatthi Kalyanam
Varam
Eerikarai Poongaatre, 1990
Silambu
Gnanaparavai, 1991
Irumbu Pookkal
Jodi Sendhachhu, 1992
Neenga Nalla Irukkanum
Senthamizhpattu
Dhool Parakkudhu, 1993
Patthinippen
Senthamizh Selvan, 1994
Engirundho Vandhan, 1995
Manikandan Mahimai
Vetri Vinayagar, 1996
Om Saravana Bhava, 1997
Vishwa Thulasi, 2004
Kaalam Badil Sollum
Mamiyar Vijayam
Ilakkiya Solai
[edit]
Telugu Films
Manase Mandiram (Remake Of Nenjil Oru Alayam)
Praja Rajyam
Santhosham
Tenali Raman
Baktha Markandeya
Maa Gopi
Raja Malayasimhan
Intiki Deepam Illale
Aasha Jeevulu
Ammai Kaarisi
Premalu Pellillu
Anthuleni Kadha
Chilakamma Chepindhi
Idhi Kadha Kaadhu
Agali Rajyam
Tholi Koodi Kuusindhi
47 Rojulu
Maanasa Veena
Simha Baludu
Chatte Kaladi Chattaiya
Samrat Asoka
Triloka Sundari
Maro Charithra
Ramu
Mahadevi
Swathi kiranam
[edit]
Malayalam Films
Janova
Lanka Dahanam
Manthrakodi
Pani Theeratha Veedu
Jesus
Divya Darsanam
Chandrakaantham
Jeevikkan Marannupoya Sthree
Babu Mon
Ullasayathra
Dharma Kshethre Kurukshethre
Aval Oru Thudarkadha
Panchami
Ajayanum Vijayanum
Yakshaganam
Themmadi Velappan
Rajayogam
Ayiram Janmangal
Kuttavum Sikshayum
Hridayame Saakshi
Ormakal Marikkumo
Akshaya Pathram
Rathi Manmadhan
Amme Anupame
Parivarthanam
Sangamam
Chila Nerangalil Chila Manushyar
Madhurikkunna Rathri
Randu Penkuttikal
Sundarimarude Swapnangal
Muhammadum Musthafayum
Velluvili
Snehathinte Mukhangal
Itha Oru Manushyan
Randilonnu
Viswa Roopam
Iniyum Kanam
Indra Dhanussu
Simhasanam
Pathivrtha
Venalil Oru Mazha
Vadaka Veedu
Oru Ragam Pala Thalam
Jeevitham Oru Ganam
Manikoya Kurup
Ezham Kadalinakkare
Lorry
Theeram Thedunnavar
Swarga Devatha
Avan Oru Ahankari
Kolilakkam
Panchapandavar
Jeevikkan Padikkanam
Thirakal Ezhuthiya Kavitha
Ankuram
Marmaram
Kaikeyi
Sneha Bandhanam
Ariyatha Vedhikal
Minimol Vathikkanil
Athirathram
Thennal Thedunna Poovu
Idanilangal
Priyamvadakkoru Pranayageetham
Amme Bhagavathi
Bhagavan
Ariyatha Bandham
Samskaram
Kai Ethum Doorathu (Old)
Iyyer The Great
Oliyambukal
Veeralippattu
Sthreekku Vendi Sthree
Sabarimalayil Thanka Sooryodayam
Amma Ammayiyamma
Valkannezhuthi (Hold)
KeeraVani
Indian Musiq
M. M. Kreem alias Maragadamani alias M. M. Keera Vaani (also spelt M. M. Keeravani) is a film composer in India. He is also a singer. He is the cousin of Tollywood director S.S. Rajamouli.His youngest brother kalyani malik (a music composer), S.S.Kanchi(Actor-Amrutham(telugu serial) Fame), are all dedicated to the film industry.Keeravani is known for his own footprint in telugu film industry with his compilations for annamayya(telugu film).Liked also by bollywood for his songs in Jism, Paheli, Criminal, etc.
He has given music in Hindi films such as Is raat ki Subah Nahi,Sur, Zakhm, Saaya and Rog.
Filmography
Gunde Jhallumandi{2008}
Pandurangadu{2008}
Krishnarjuna (2008)
Yamadonga(2007)
Okkadunnadu (2007)
Bookailas(2007)
Khatarnak(2006)
Amma Cheppindi (2006)
Vikramarkudu (2006)
Sri Ramadasu (2006)
Chatrapati (2005)
Anukokunda Oka Roju (2005)
Allari Bullodu (2005)
Sye (2004)
Naa Autograph (2004)
Nenunnanu (2004)
Simhadri (2003)
Gangotri (2003)
Piliste Palukutha (2003)
student No. 1 (2001)
Akasa Veedhilo (2001)
Bava nachaadu (2001)
Arundhati (1999)
Devaraagam (1999)
Paradesi (1998)
Pelli Kanuka (1998)
W/O V.Varaprasad(1998)
BombaiPriyudu
Pellichesukundam (1997)
Annamayya (1997)
Pelli Sandadi (1997)
Oho Naa Pellanta (1996)
Rambantu (1996)
Sahasa Veerudu Sagara Kanya (1996)
Suryaputrulu (1996)
Real Hero (1995)
Gharana Bullodu (1995)
Mounam (1995)
Subha Sankalpam (1995)
Allari Premikudu(1994)
Gandeevam (1994)
Pelli Koduku (1994)
S.P. Parshuram (1994)
Allari Priyudu (1993)
Mr. Pellam (1993)
Rajeshwari Kalyanam (1993)
Rowdy Mogudu (1993)
Aapathbandavudu (1992)
Allari Mogudu (1992)
Gharaana Mogudu (1992)
Hello Darling(1992)
Sundara Kanda (1992)
Azhagan (Tamil) (1991)
Kshana Kshanam (1991)
People's Encounter (1991)
Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu (1991)
Manasu Mamata (1990)
Deva
Indian Musiq
Deva (Tamil: தேவா) is an Indian film composer and singer. He has composed songs and provided background music for Tamil films in a career spanning about 20 years. Many know his gaana pattu (songs in which the lyrics have little or no substance, written mostly using (Tamil: மெட்ராஸ் பாஷை, English: 'Madras Tamil'). He is widely acknowledged as the 'Father of Gaana Genre' in Tamil moviedom.
Music director Deva has the reputation of having composed music for so many number of films within the ambit of a very short period! He got introduced as film music director through the picture "Manasukkeththa Maharaasaa", in the year 1989. In the intervening years he has composed music for a total of more than 400 films. His son Srikanth Deva is also an upcoming music director in the industry.
Life
Deva, whose original name was Devanesan, was born to the couple M.C.Chokkalingam-M.C.Krishnaveni. Even at the small age, Deva was attracted towards the world of music. Teaming with Chandra Bose, he staged so many musical programmes. He started learning classical music under Dhanraj and successfully finished a course in Western music conducted by London Trinity Music college.
[edit]
Career
Before coming to Cinema, Deva worked for some time in the Television field. In those days Deva's brothers were working in the musical troupes of Illayaraja and other music directors as instrumentalists. But Deva took special interests for self-improvement in his profession and at the same time he was looking for chances to enter movies. But the benefits of those efforts didn't bear fruits that easily. Only after much hardship he managed to enter the field with the help of some friends and his four brothers. Just after his entry, the production work of those films, for which negotiations were on for fixing Deva as the music director, couldn't get completed and some other films with his music couldn't be released at all.
Deva continued his efforts to knock every polls and pillars for an opening which finally began yielding results in the year 1989. His first film, "Manasukkeththa Maharaasaa" was released in 1989. Even though this film was not a hit in box office he was called to work on the movie "Vaikaasi Poranthaachu". This was a huge hit and Deva was praised for his work. After the release of "Vaikaasi Poranthaachu", his name became a common one all across the Tamil community. After this, he was flooded with offers from many production houses for their upcoming projects.
So far he has composed music for more than 400 films which include Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. He is also famous for his compositions for religious films. He was widely acclaimed for his scores for Rajinikanth starrer Basha. His other famous compositions include Annamalai and Baasha both starring Rajnikanth which helped him rise to the level of top composers in Tamil industry for a brief period.
[edit]
Honours
Famous veteran music director M.S.Viswanathan conferred Deva with title, "Thenisai Thentral" for his contributions.
[edit]
Awards
In 1990, he received his first 'Best Music Director' Award from Tamilnadu Government. He was confined with Tamilnadu Government's 'Kalai Maamani Award' in the year 1992. Again in 1995, the film "Aasai" enabled him to receive Tamilnadu Government's 'Best Music Director' award. For Basha, he got Tamilnadu Arts and Cultural Academy award. He has also been honoured by awards from popular journals like "Dinakaran", "Cinema Express" and "Screen".
[edit]
Criticisms
One of the major criticisms against Deva is plagiarism[1]. He is known for lifting snippets and sometimes even the full song from famous old and recent English pop songs and using them as his own. Some of the alleged lifts include famous Boy band "Backstreet Boys", Pakistani band "Junoon", English band "Sasha" etc. His popularity has diminished since English pop music became more popular among Tamil audiences.
[edit]
Notable Films
Aasai
Annamalai
Avvai Shanmugi
Bhagavathi
Basha
Chocolate
Citizen
Chokka Thangam
Devadhayai Kanden
Dum
Kaadhal Kottai
Kaalamellam Kaadhal Vaazhga
Kushi
Minsara Kanna
Mugavari
Nerukku Ner
The Prince (Malayalam)
Ninaithen Vandhai
Ninaivirukkum Varai
Pancha Thanthiram
Porkaalam
Priyamudan
Red
Thirumagan
Vaali
Vallarasu
Viyapari
Deva (Tamil: தேவா) is an Indian film composer and singer. He has composed songs and provided background music for Tamil films in a career spanning about 20 years. Many know his gaana pattu (songs in which the lyrics have little or no substance, written mostly using (Tamil: மெட்ராஸ் பாஷை, English: 'Madras Tamil'). He is widely acknowledged as the 'Father of Gaana Genre' in Tamil moviedom.
Music director Deva has the reputation of having composed music for so many number of films within the ambit of a very short period! He got introduced as film music director through the picture "Manasukkeththa Maharaasaa", in the year 1989. In the intervening years he has composed music for a total of more than 400 films. His son Srikanth Deva is also an upcoming music director in the industry.
Life
Deva, whose original name was Devanesan, was born to the couple M.C.Chokkalingam-M.C.Krishnaveni. Even at the small age, Deva was attracted towards the world of music. Teaming with Chandra Bose, he staged so many musical programmes. He started learning classical music under Dhanraj and successfully finished a course in Western music conducted by London Trinity Music college.
[edit]
Career
Before coming to Cinema, Deva worked for some time in the Television field. In those days Deva's brothers were working in the musical troupes of Illayaraja and other music directors as instrumentalists. But Deva took special interests for self-improvement in his profession and at the same time he was looking for chances to enter movies. But the benefits of those efforts didn't bear fruits that easily. Only after much hardship he managed to enter the field with the help of some friends and his four brothers. Just after his entry, the production work of those films, for which negotiations were on for fixing Deva as the music director, couldn't get completed and some other films with his music couldn't be released at all.
Deva continued his efforts to knock every polls and pillars for an opening which finally began yielding results in the year 1989. His first film, "Manasukkeththa Maharaasaa" was released in 1989. Even though this film was not a hit in box office he was called to work on the movie "Vaikaasi Poranthaachu". This was a huge hit and Deva was praised for his work. After the release of "Vaikaasi Poranthaachu", his name became a common one all across the Tamil community. After this, he was flooded with offers from many production houses for their upcoming projects.
So far he has composed music for more than 400 films which include Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. He is also famous for his compositions for religious films. He was widely acclaimed for his scores for Rajinikanth starrer Basha. His other famous compositions include Annamalai and Baasha both starring Rajnikanth which helped him rise to the level of top composers in Tamil industry for a brief period.
[edit]
Honours
Famous veteran music director M.S.Viswanathan conferred Deva with title, "Thenisai Thentral" for his contributions.
[edit]
Awards
In 1990, he received his first 'Best Music Director' Award from Tamilnadu Government. He was confined with Tamilnadu Government's 'Kalai Maamani Award' in the year 1992. Again in 1995, the film "Aasai" enabled him to receive Tamilnadu Government's 'Best Music Director' award. For Basha, he got Tamilnadu Arts and Cultural Academy award. He has also been honoured by awards from popular journals like "Dinakaran", "Cinema Express" and "Screen".
[edit]
Criticisms
One of the major criticisms against Deva is plagiarism[1]. He is known for lifting snippets and sometimes even the full song from famous old and recent English pop songs and using them as his own. Some of the alleged lifts include famous Boy band "Backstreet Boys", Pakistani band "Junoon", English band "Sasha" etc. His popularity has diminished since English pop music became more popular among Tamil audiences.
[edit]
Notable Films
Aasai
Annamalai
Avvai Shanmugi
Bhagavathi
Basha
Chocolate
Citizen
Chokka Thangam
Devadhayai Kanden
Dum
Kaadhal Kottai
Kaalamellam Kaadhal Vaazhga
Kushi
Minsara Kanna
Mugavari
Nerukku Ner
The Prince (Malayalam)
Ninaithen Vandhai
Ninaivirukkum Varai
Pancha Thanthiram
Porkaalam
Priyamudan
Red
Thirumagan
Vaali
Vallarasu
Viyapari
Devi Sri Prasad (Telugu: దేవి శ్రీ ప్రసాద్) (born on August 2, 1982) is a film composer and playback singer in Tamil and Telugu films.
Devi Sri Prasad (Telugu: దేవి శ్రీ ప్రసాద్) (born on August 2, 1982) is a film composer and playback singer in Tamil and Telugu films.
Early life and career
He was born in a small village in Amalapuram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh and later moved to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He completed his schooling in Sir M. Venkata Subba Rao Boys High School, T. Nagar, Chennai. He has won several prizes in the culturals organised at inter-school level for both dance and singing competitions.
His debut music album Dance Party, along with S. P. B. Charan and a few more debutants at the time, was the kick start of his music career. He began his musical-direction career in 1999 in the Telugu film Devi. Devi Sri Prasad was a disciple of the renowned mandolinist, U. Srinivas, and he has directed music for dozens of South Indian films, including several box-office successes.
Devi Sri Prasad is known to be a big fan of Ilaiyaraaja. He also has a twin named Sagar who is currently a playback singer.
[edit]
Awards
Filmfare Best Telugu Music Director Award for Varsham (2004)
Santosham Best Music Director Award for Varsham (2004)
Filmfare Best Telugu Music Director Award for Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (2006)
Santosham Best Music Director Award for Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (2007)
Filmfare Best Telugu Music Director Award for Bommarillu (2007)
[edit]
Filmography/Discography2002 Sontham Telugu
2002 Kalusukovalani Telugu
2001 Anandam Telugu
2000 Navvutu batakalira Telugu
1999 Devi Telugu
[edit]
External links
Yuvan shankar Raja
Yuvan Shankar Raja (Tamil: யுவன் சங்கர் ராஜா) is a film composer and singer from Tamil Nadu, India.
Family
Yuvan is the youngest son of film composer Ilaiyaraaja, the younger brother of music director, Karthik Raja and the elder brother of playback singer and music director Bhavatharini. Yuvan said that his brother Karthik Raja is more talented than him, but did not get a successful break into the music business.[1]
[edit]
Personal life
Yuvan Shankar Raja graduated from the St. Bede's School in Chennai. In 2005, he married his long time girlfriend Sujaya Chandran. Two years later the couple had filed for divorce through mutual consent and in February 2008, they finally had been granted divorce. The reason for the separation has been cited as 'irrevocable differences'.[2] He broke off his friendship with Selvaraghavan due to certain untold issues and left the movie Aayirathil Oruvan.[3][citation needed]
[edit]
Career
His first composition was soundtrack for the Tamil language movie Aravindhan. Subsequently he broke into the Kollywood music scene with album Thulluvadho Ilamai. Other soundtracks on which he has worked include Manmadhan, Kadhal Kondein, 7G Rainbow Colony, and Kanda Naal Mudhal.
His soundtracks for the films Silambattam, Aegan, Saroja, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Billa, Satham Podathey,Manmadhan and Vallavan established him as a leading composer. Soundtracks of films like Pudhupettai, which featured a traditional orchestral score played by Chapraya Symphony Orchestra in Bangkok[4], or Katrathu Tamil were critically acclaimed[5] Yuvan Shankar Raja’s collaborations with the directors Selvaraghavan, Ameer Sultan, Silambarasan, Venkat Prabhu, Vasanth and Vishnuvardhan have resulted in successful soundtracks. Upcoming features include Kettavan, Yogi, and Sarvam. He has been heralded as one of the top music composers in Chennai.
[edit]
Filmography
[edit]
Forthcoming soundtracks
2009 - Paiyya
2009 - Kadhal 2 Kalyanam
2009 - Kettavan
2009 - Aaranya Kaandam
2009 - Surangani
2009 - Goa
2009 - 16
2009 - Maa
2009 - Vamanan
2009 - Eerpuu
2009 - Kaattupaya
2009 - Yogi
2009 - Muthirai
2009 - Sarvam
[edit]
Released soundtracksYear Tamil Telugu Other Languages
1997 Aravinthan
1998 Velai
1999 Poovellam Kettuppar Deal
Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga
Kalyana Galatta
2000 Rishi
2001 Dheena
Manadhai Thirudivittai
Nandha Aakrosham (2006)
Thulluvadho Ilamai
2002 April Madhathil
Mounam Pesiyadhe Kanchu (2006)
Kadhal Samrajyam
Malli Malli Chudali
Seshu
2003 Bala
Junior Senior
Winner
Thennavan
Pudhiya Geethai
Aadanthe Ado Type
Punnagai Poove
Kurumbu
Pudhukottayilirundhu Saravanan Sowrya (2006)
Pop Carn
Kadhal Kondein
2004 Ullam
Perazhagan Sundarangadu
Manmadhan Manmadha
Bose
Aethiree
Adhu
7G Rainbow Colony 7G Brindhavan Colony
2005 Arinthum Ariyamalum Kalisunte
Sandakozhi Pandhem Kodi (2006)
Raam
Oru Kalluriyin Kathai College Days (2008)
Kanda Naal Mudhal
Daas
2006 Happy Happy(Malayalam)
Raam
Kalvanin Kadhali Chilipi
Pattiyal Gayam
Madana (Kannada)
Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu Maha
Pudhupettai Dhoolpeta
Thimiru Pogaru
Kedi Jadoo
Vallavan Vallabha
2007 Thamirabharani Bharani
Deepavali
Paruthiveeran
Agaram
Chennai 600028 Kodithe Kottali Raa
Raju Bhai
Satham Podathey Kelkaatha Shabdam (Malayalam)
Vel Deva
Thottal Poo Malarum
Kannamoochi Yenada
Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008) Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule Anthu Inthu Preethi Banthu (2008) (Kannada)
Katrathu Tamil
Machakaaran
Billa
2008 Vaazhthukal
Saroja Saroja
Aegan
Silambattam Maa Vaadu
2009 Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum
Siva Manasula Sakthi
[edit]
Awards
Filmfare Best Music Director Award (Tamil) for 2004 for the movie 7G Rainbow Colony
Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for 2006 for Pattiyal
Cyprus International Film Festival Award For Best Musical Score Feature Film for the movie Raam in 2006[6]
South Indian Cinematographers Association Awards for 2007[7]
Cine Critics' Award for 2007[8][9]
Cinema Rasigargal Sangam Awards for the movie Billa for 2007[10]
State award for the movie Paruthiveeran in the year 2007
State Award for the song "Arabu nadae" from the movie "Thottal Poo Malarum"
[edit]
External links
Tamil Movie Database of Yuvan Shankar Raja
Yuvan Shankar Raja at the Internet Movie Database
Hits of Yuvan Shankar Raja
Yuvan at Paadal.com
Profile at Nilacharal
A.r.Rahman
Allah Rakkha Rahman (Tamil: ஏ.ஆர்.ரகுமான்) (born January 6, 1966 as A. S. Dileep Kumar in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India), is an Academy Award nominated and National Film Award as well as Golden Globe winning Indian film composer, record producer and musician. His work has garnered considerable acclaim and a large global fanbase since his film scoring career began in the early 1990s.
Working in several of India's various film industries, international cinema and theatre, by 2003, Rahman, in a career spanning over a decade, has sold more than 100 million records of his film scores and soundtracks worldwide,[1] and sold over 200 million cassettes[2] making him one of the world's all-time top selling recording artists.
Working in several of India's various film industries, international cinema and theatre, by 2003, Rahman, in a career spanning over a decade, has sold more than 100 million records of his film scores and soundtracks worldwide,[1] and sold over 200 million cassettes[2] making him one of the world's all-time top selling recording artists.
His acclaimed music compositions have led TIME Magazine to declare him the "Mozart of Madras" and several Tamil commentators have given him the title Isai Puyal (Tamil: இசைப் புயல்; English: Musical Storm).
Early life and influences
A. R. Rahman was born to a Tamilian family — his father R. K. Shekhar was a composer and conductor for Malayalam-language films of Keralite cinema. His father died when Rahman was nine years old, and his family rented out musical equipment as a source of income.
He converted to Islam (Sufism) from Hinduism in 1989 along with his family.[3] During these early years, Rahman served as a keyboard player and an arranger in bands such as "Roots" with childhood friend and percussionist Sivamani, John Anthony, JoJo and Raja.[4] Rahman is the founder of the Chennai-based rock group, "Nemesis Avenue".[5] He played the keyboard and piano, the synthesizer, the harmonium and the guitar. His curiosity in the synthesizer in particular increased because, he says, it was the “ideal combination of music and technology".[6] He began early training in music under Master Dhanraj. At the age of 11, he joined, as a keyboardist, the troupe of Ilaiyaraaja,[6] one of many composers to whom musical instruments belonging to Rahman's father were rented. Rahman later played in the orchestra of M. S. Viswanathan and Ramesh Naidu, accompanied Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and L. Shankar on world tours and obtained a scholarship to Trinity College of Music in London, where he graduated with a degree in Western classical music.[3]
[edit]
Summary of career
[edit]
Film scoring and soundtracks
In 1992, Rahman began his own music recording and mixing studio attached to the backyard of his house called the Panchathan Record Inn, which was developed into India's most advanced recording studio.[7] He initially composed music jingles for advertisements, Indian Television channels and music scores in documentaries, among other projects. In 1992, he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and soundtrack for Ratnam's Tamil film Roja.[7] The debut led Rahman to receive the Rajat Kamal award for Best Music Director at the National Film Awards, the first time ever by a first-time film composer. Rahman has since then gone on to win the award three more times (for his scores for Minsara Kanavu (Electric Dreams, Tamil) in 1997, Lagaan (Tax, Hindi) in 2002, Kannathil Muthamittal (A kiss on the Cheek, Tamil) in 2003, the most ever by any composer.[8]
Roja's score met with high sales and acclaim, in its original and dubbed versions, bringing about a marked change in film music at the time, and Rahman followed this with successful scores for Tamil–language films of the Chennai film industry including Ratnam's political Bombay, the urbanite Kadhalan, Bharathiraaja's Karuththamma, the saxophonic Duet, Indira, and the romantic comedies Minsaara Kanavu and Love Birds, which gained him considerable notice.[9][10] His fanbase in Japan increased with Muthu 's success there.[11] His soundtracks gained him recognition in the Tamil Nadu film industry and across the world for his stylistic versatality in his pieces including in Western classical, Carnatic, Tamil traditional/folk, jazz, reggae and rock music.[12][13][14] The Bombay Theme — from Ratnam's Bombay, — would later reappear in Deepa Mehta's Fire and various compilations and media. Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, marked Rahman's debut for Hindi–language films, made in the Mumbai film industry. Many successful scores for films including Dil Se and the percussive Taal followed.[15][16] Sufi mysticism would form the basis of Chaiyya Chaiyya from the former and the composition "Zikr" from his score of the film Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero for which he created large orchestral and choral arrangements.[4] Musical cues in scores for Sangamam and Iruvar employed Carnatic vocals and instruments such as the veena with leads of rock guitar and jazz.[17] In the 2000s Rahman created hit scores for Rajiv Menon's Kandukondain Kandukondain, Alaipayuthey, Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades and Rang de Basanti.[18] He composed songs with Hindustani motifs for Water (2005).
Rahman has worked with Indian poets and lyricists such as Gulzar, Mehboob, Vairamuthu and T. S. Rangarajan (Vaalli). His collaborations with some film directors have always resulted in successful soundtracks, particularly with the director Mani Ratnam who he has worked with since Roja, all of which have been hits, and the director S. Shankar in the films Gentleman, Kadhalan, Indian, Jeans, Mudhalvan, Nayak, Boys and Sivaji.[19]
Rahman attached and opened a developed extension studio to his Panchathan Record Inn in 2005 called AM Studios in Kodambakkam, Chennai — considered to be the most developed, equipped and high tech studio in Asia.[20][21] In 2006, Rahman launched his own music label, KM Music.[22] Its first release was his score to the film Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. Rahman scored the Mandarin language picture Warriors of Heaven and Earth in 2003 after researching and utilizing Chinese and Japanese classical music, and co-scored the Shekhar Kapoor helmed Elizabeth: The Golden Age in 2007. His compositions have been reused in scores within India[23] and have made appearances in Inside Man, Lord of War and The Accidental Husband.
[edit]
Other works
Rahman has been involved in several projects aside from film. He made an album Vande Mataram (1997) on India's 50th anniversary of independence to commercial success.[24][25] He followed it up with an album for the Bharat Bala–directed video Jana Gana Mana, a conglomeration of performances by many leading exponents/artists of Indian classical music. Rahman has written jingles for ads and composed several orchestrations for athletic events, T.V. and internet media publications, documentaries and short films.
In 1999, Rahman, along with choreographers Shobhana and Prabhu Deva Sundaram and a Tamil cinema dancing troupe performed with Michael Jackson in Munich, Germany, for his "Michael Jackson and Friends Concert." In 2002, he composed his maiden stage production Bombay Dreams (2002) following a commission from musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, a success in London's West End. With Finnish folk music band Värttinä, he wrote the music for The Lord of the Rings theatre production and in 2004, Rahman composed the piece "Raga's Dance" for Vanessa-Mae's album Choreography.[8]
In the last six years, Rahman has performed three successful world tours of his concerts to audiences in Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, UK, Canada, the US (Hollywood Bowl and 3d tour) and India.[8] He has been collaborating with Karen David for her upcoming studio album. A two-disc soundtrack, Introducing A. R. Rahman (2006) featuring 25 pieces he composed from his Tamil film scores was released in May 2006. His latest non-film album, Connections was launched on 12th December, 2008.
[edit]
Music style and impact
Skilled in Carnatic music,[26] Western classical, Hindustani music and the Qawwali style of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahman has been noted to write film songs that amalgamate elements of these music systems and other genres, layering instruments from differing music idioms in an improvisatory manner.[4] Symphonic orchestral themes have accompanied his scores, where he has employed leitmotif. In the 1980s, Rahman recorded and played arrangements on mono, synonymous with the era of predecessors such as K. V. Mahadevan and Vishwanathan–Ramamoorthy, but later his methodology changed. Rahman worked and experimented on fusing traditional instruments with new electronic sounds and technology.[4]
His interest and outlook in music stems from his love of experimentation.[3] Rahman's compositions, in the vein of past and contemporary Chennai film composers, bring out auteuristic uses of counterpoint, orchestration and the human voice, evolving Indian pop music with unique timbres, forms and instrumentation. By virtue of these qualities, broad ranging lyrics and his syncretic style, his themes appeal to several sections of Indian society.[27]
His first soundtrack Roja was listed in TIME's "Top 10 Movie Soundtracks of All Time" in 2005. Film critic Richard Corliss felt the "astonishing debut work parades Rahman's gift for alchemizing outside influences until they are totally Tamil, totally Rahman."[28] Rahman's initial global reach is attributed to the South Asian diaspora. Described as one of the most innovative composers to ever work in the industry, his unique style and immense success transformed film music in the 1990s prompting several film producers to take film music more seriously.[29]
The director Baz Luhrmann notes
"I had come to the music of A. R. Rahman through the emotional and haunting score of Bombay and the wit and celebration of Lagaan. But the more of AR's music I encountered the more I was to be amazed at the sheer diversity of styles: from swinging brass bands to triumphant anthems; from joyous pop to West-End musicals. Whatever the style, A. R. Rahman's music always possesses a profound sense of humanity and spirit, qualities that inspire me the most.[30]
[edit]
Awards
Main article: List of A. R. Rahman awards
Rahman is the 1995 recipient of the Mauritius National Award and the Malaysian Award for contributions to music. He was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for his first West-End production. A four time National Film Award winner and conferred the Padma Shri from the Government of India, Rahman has received six awards for Best Music at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and eleven awards for his scores at the Filmfare and Filmfare Awards South each. In 2006, he received an honorary award from Stanford University for contributions to global music.[31] A 2008 Critics Choice Awards winner for Best Composer, Rahman became the first Indian national to win a Golden Globe, winning for Slumdog Millionaire in the category of Best Original Score.[32] Rahman received three Academy Award nominations in 2009—Best Original Score and two different Best Original Songs for the same movie.[33]
[edit]
Personal life
A. R. Rahman is married to Saira Bano. The couple have three children, Khatija, Rahima, and Aman. Rahman is related to the southern Indian actor Rashin Rahman. Rahman is the uncle of composer G. V. Prakash Kumar.
[edit]
Social service
Rahman is involved in various charitable causes. In 2004, he was appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a project by WHO.[8] He has shown support to charities including Save the Children, India, and worked with Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam for his song "Indian Ocean" . The song featured a-ha keyboard player Magne Furuholmen and Travis drummer, Neil Primrose. The proceeds of the song went towards helping orphans in Banda Aceh, one of the areas worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. He also supports charities such as Save the Children and has also produced the single "We Can Make It Better" by Don Asian alongside Mukhtar Sahota.[34] In 2008, Rahman opened his KM Music Conservatory partnered with Audio Media Education facility to tutor and train aspiring musicians in vocals, instruments, music technology and sound design. The conservatory — with preeminent musicians on its panel and a newly founded symphony orchestra — is located near his studio in Kodambakkam, Chennai, offering courses at Beginners, Foundation and Diploma level.[35] In 2008, Rahman, along with percussionist Sivamani created a song titled Jiya Se Jiya, (released through Universal Music) which was inspired by the Free Hugs Campaign and promoted it through a video shot in various cities in India.
[edit]
Filmography
Main article: A. R. Rahman discography
[edit]
as Music DirectorYear Film Language/Industry Notes
1992 Roja Tamil Winner, National Film Award
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award
Yodha Malayalam
1993 Pudhiya Mugam Tamil
Gentleman Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award
Kizhakku Cheemayile Tamil
Uzhavan Tamil
Thiruda Thiruda Tamil
1994 Vandicholai Chinraasu Tamil
Super Police Telugu
Duet Tamil
May Madham Tamil
Kadhalan Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award
Pavithra Tamil
Karuththamma Tamil
Pudhiya Mannargal Tamil
Manitha Manitha Tamil
Gangmaster Telugu
1995 Bombay Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award
Indira Tamil
Rangeela Hindi
Muthu Tamil
1996 Love Birds Tamil
Indian Tamil
Kadhal Desam Tamil
Fire Hindi
Mr. Romeo Tamil
1997 Anthimanthaarai Tamil
Minsara Kanavu Tamil Winner, National Film Award
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award
Iruvar Tamil
Daud: Fun On The Run Hindi
Ratchagan Tamil
Mona Lisa Tamil
Vishwavidhaata Hindi
Kabhi Na Kabhi Hindi
1998 Jeans Tamil
Dil Se… Hindi
Earth Hindi
Doli Saja Ke Rakhna Hindi
1999 En Swasa Kaatre Tamil
Padayappa Tamil
Kadhalar Dhinam Tamil
Taal Hindi
Sangamam Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award
Jodi Tamil
Takshak Hindi
Mudhalvan Tamil
Taj Mahal Tamil
2000 Pukar Hindi
Alaipayuthey Tamil
Kandukondain Kandukondain Tamil
Fiza Hindi 1 song
Rhythm Tamil
Thenali Tamil
Zubeidaa Hindi
2001 One 2 Ka 4 Hindi
Nayak: The Real Hero Hindi
Love You Hamesha Hindi
Lagaan Hindi Winner, National Film Award
Star Tamil
Parthale Paravasam Tamil
2002 Alli Arjuna Tamil
Kannathil Muthamittal Tamil Winner, National Film Award
The Legend of Bhagat Singh Hindi
Baba Tamil
Kadhal Virus Tamil
Saathiya Hindi
2003 Parasuram Tamil
Boys Tamil
Warriors of Heaven and Earth Mandarin / Japanese
Enakku 20 Unakku 18 Tamil
Kangalal Kaithu Sei Tamil
Tehzeeb Hindi
2004 Udhaya Tamil
Warriors of Heaven and Earth English
Lakeer - Forbidden Lines Hindi
Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities Hindi
Aayitha Ezhuthu Tamil
Yuva Hindi
New Tamil
Naani Telugu
Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa Hindi 3 songs
Swades Hindi
Kisna - The Warrior Poet Hindi 2 song
2005 Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero Hindi
Mangal Pandey - The Rising Hindi
Anbe Aaruyire Tamil
Water Hindi 5 songs
2006 Rang De Basanti Hindi
Sillunu Oru Kaadhal Tamil
Varalaru Tamil
2007 Guru Hindi
Provoked Hindi
Sajni Kannada
Sivaji: The Boss Tamil
Azhagiya Thamizh Magan Tamil
Elizabeth: The Golden Age English With Craig Armstrong
2008 Jodhaa Akbar Hindi
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na Hindi
ADA: A Way of Life Hindi
Sakkarakatti Tamil
Yuvvraaj Hindi
Ghajini Hindi
Slumdog Millionaire English / Hindi Winner, Golden Globe Award
Nominated, Academy Award for Best Orginal Score
Nominated, Academy Award for Best Original Song "O..Saya"
Nominated, Academy Award for Best Original Song "Jai Ho"
2009 Delhi 6 Hindi Filming
Eight by Ten Hindi Filming
Nairsan English / Japanese / Mandarin Filming
Blue Hindi Filming
Puli Telugu Filming
Ashokavanam Tamil Filming
Raavan Hindi Filming
Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikalam Tamil Filming
Sultan The Warrior Tamil Filming
Manavar Dhinam Tamil Filming
The 19th Step English / Tamil / Japanese Filming
2010 Endhiran Tamil
Ilayaraja
Ilaiyaraaja (help·info) (Tamil: இளையராஜா, IPA: [ɪləjəɹɑːdʒɑː]) (born June 2, 1943 as Daniel Rasaiah), also known as 'Isai Gnani', 'Raaja', 'Gnanadesika', 'Music Maestro', is a critically acclaimed Indian film composer, singer, and lyricist and the first Indian Composer to score a Symphony. He is a gold medalist from Trinity College of Music, London has composed over 4,000 songs and provided film scores for more than 800 Indian films in various languages in a career spanning more than 30 years.[1][2] He is based in Chennai, the fourth largest city in India and the centre of the Tamil film industry (colloquially known as Kollywood).
Ilaiyaraaja is a prominent composer of film music in Indian cinema from the late 1970s till date.[3] His work integrated Tamil folk lyricism and introduced broader Western musical sensibilities into the South Indian musical mainstream. He has thrice won the Indian National Film Award for best film scoring.[4]
In the 2000s, he composed a range of non-film music, including religious and devotional songs, an oratorio, and world music. He is married to Jeeva, and the couple's two sons (Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja) and daughter (Bhavatharini) are film composers and singers.[5][6]
Early life
Ilaiyaraaja was born into a poor rural family in Pannaipuram, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India, as the third son of Ramaswamy and Chinnathayammal. Growing up in a rural area, Ilaiyaraaja was exposed to a range of Tamil folk music.[7] At the age of 14, he joined a travelling musical troupe headed by his elder step-brother, Pavalar Varadarajan, and spent the next decade performing throughout South India. [8][9] While working with the troupe, he penned his first composition, a musical setting of an elegy written by the Tamil poet laureate Kannadasan for Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister.[10]
In 1968, Ilaiyaraaja began a music course with Professor Dhanraj in Madras (now Chennai), which included an overview of Western classical music, compositional training in techniques such as counterpoint, and study in instrumental performance.[11] Ilaiyaraaja specialized in classical guitar and had done a course in it with the Trinity College of Music, London.[12]
[edit]
Session musician and film orchestrator
In the 1970s in Chennai, Ilaiyaraaja played guitar in a band-for-hire, and worked as a session guitarist, keyboardist, organist for film music composers and directors such as Salil Chowdhury from West Bengal.[13][14][15] After his hiring as the musical assistant to Kannada film composer G K Venkatesh, he worked on 200 film projects, mostly in the Kannada language.[16] As G K Venkatesh's assistant, Ilaiyaraaja would orchestrate the melodic outlines developed by Venkatesh. During this period, Ilaiyaraaja also began writing his own scores. To hear his compositions, he would persuade Venkatesh's session musicians to play excerpts from his scores during their break times.[8] Ilaiyaraaja would also hire instruments from composer R. K. Shekhar, father of composer A. R. Rahman who would later join Ilaiyaraaja's orchestra as a keyboardist.
[edit]
Film composer
In 1976, film producer Panchu Arunachalam commissioned him to compose the songs and film score for a Tamil-language film called Annakkili ('The Parrot'). For the soundtrack, Ilaiyaraaja applied the techniques of modern popular film music orchestration to Tamil folk poetry and folk song melodies, which created a fusion of Western and Tamil idioms.[17][18] Ilaiyaraaja's use of Tamil music in his film scores injected new influence into the Indian film score milieu.[19] By the mid-1980s Ilaiyaraaja was gaining increasing stature as a film composer and music director in the South Indian film industry.[3] Besides Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films, he has scored music for Hindi (or Bollywood) film productions such as Sadma (1983), Mahadev (1989), Lajja (2001) and Cheeni Kum (2007). He has worked with Indian poets and lyricists such as Gulzar, Kannadasan, Vairamuthu and T.S. Rangarajan (Vaali),[20] and film directors such as K. Balachander, K. Vishwanath, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, Balu Mahendra and Mani Ratnam.[21]
His background score in the 1996 Malayalam film Kaalapani (dubbed into Tamil as Sirai Chalai), was lavish and symphonic and was compared to the best of John Williams, Richard Strauss and Max Steiner. The original score (background) of the 1999 Malayalam film Guru, was conducted with Hungarian Symphony Orchestra.
[edit]
Impact and musical style
Ilaiyaraaja was one of the early Indian film composers to use Western classical music harmonies and string arrangements in Indian film music.[22] This allowed him to craft a rich tapestry of sounds for films, and his themes[23] and background score gained notice and appreciation amongst Indian film audiences.[24] The range of expressive possibilities in Indian film music was broadened by Ilaiyaraaja's methodical approach to arranging, recording technique, and his drawing of ideas from a diversity of musical styles.[22]
According to musicologist P. Greene, Ilaiyaraaja's "deep understanding of so many different styles of music allowed him to create syncretic pieces of music combining very different musical idioms in unified, coherent musical statements".[3] Ilaiyaraaja has composed Indian film songs that amalgamated elements of genres such as pop,[25] acoustic guitar-propelled Western folk,[26] jazz,[27] rock and roll, dance music (e.g., disco),[28] psychedelia,[29] funk,[30] doo-wop,[31] march,[32] bossa nova,[33] flamenco,[34] pathos,[35] Indian folk/traditional,[36] Afro-tribal,[37] and Indian classical.[38]
By virtue of this variety and his interfusion of Western, Indian folk and Carnatic elements, Ilaiyaraaja's compositions appeal to the Indian rural dweller for its rhythmic folk qualities, the Indian classical music enthusiast for the employment of Carnatic ragams,[39] and the urbanite for its modern, Western-music sound.[40]
Although Ilaiyaraaja uses a range of complex compositional techniques, he often sketches out the basic melodic ideas for films in a very spontaneous fashion.[7][3] The Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam illustrates:
"Ilayaraja (sic) would look at the [film] scene once, and immediately start giving notes to his assistants, as a bunch of musicians, hovering around him, would collect the notes [(musical parts)] for their instrument[s] and go to their places... A [film] director can be taken by surprise at the speed of events."[41]
[edit]
Musical characteristics
Ilaiyaraaja's music is characterised by the use of an orchestration technique that is a synthesis of Western and Indian instruments and musical modes. He used electronic music technology that integrated synthesisers, electric guitars and keyboards, drum machines, rhythm boxes and MIDI with large orchestras that feature traditional instruments such as the veena, venu, nadaswaram, dholak, mridangam and tabla as well as Western lead instruments such as saxophones and flutes.[3][42]
He uses catchy melodies fleshed out with a variety of chord progressions, beats and timbres.[43][44][45] Ilaiyaraaja's songs typically have a musical form where vocal stanzas and choruses are interspersed with orchestral preludes and interludes.[46] They often contain polyphonic melodies, where the lead vocals are interwoven with supporting melody lines sung by another voice or played by instruments.[47]
The bass lines in his songs tend to be (melodically) dynamic, rising and falling in a dramatic fashion[44], a characteristic also found in the music of an earlier South Indian music director, M.S. Viswanathan. Polyrhythms are also apparent, particularly in songs with Indian folk or Carnatic influences. The melodic structure of his songs demand considerable vocal virtuosity, and have found expressive platform amongst some of India's respected vocalists and playback singers, such as K.J. Yesudas, S.P. Balasubramaniam, S. Janaki, Sujatha, P. Susheela, K.S. Chithra, Malaysia Vasudevan, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar.[48] Ilaiyaraaja has sung over 400 of his own compositions for films,[49][50] and is recognisable by his stark, nasal voice. He has penned the lyrics for some of his songs in Tamil and other languages.[51][52][53] Ilaiyaraaja's film scores are known both for the dramatic and evocative melodies, and for the more subtle background music that he uses to provide texture or mood for scenes in films such as Mouna Raagam (1986) and Geethanjali (1989). [19]
[edit]
Non-cinematic output
Ilaiyaraaja's first two non-film albums were explorations in the fusion of Indian and Western classical music. The first, How To Name It? (1986),[54] is dedicated to the Carnatic master Tyāgarāja and to J. S. Bach. It features a fusion of the Carnatic form and ragas with Bach partitas, fugues and Baroque musical textures.[55] The second, Nothing But Wind (1988), was performed by flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia and a 50-piece orchestra and takes the conceptual approach suggested in the title — that music is a natural phenomenon akin to various forms of air currents (e.g., the wind, breeze, tempest etc.).[56]
He has composed a set of Carnatic kritis that was recorded by electric mandolinist U. Srinivas for the album Ilayaraaja's Classicals on the Mandolin (1994).[57] Ilaiyaraaja has also composed albums of religious/devotional songs. His Guru Ramana Geetam (2004) is a cycle of prayer songs inspired by the Hindu mystic Ramana Maharishi,[58] and his Thiruvasakam in Symphony (2005) is an oratorio of ancient Tamil poems transcribed partially in English by American lyricist Stephen Schwartz and performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.[59][60] Ilaiyaraaja's most recent release is a world music-oriented album called The Music Messiah (2006).[61] Its musical concept is based against a mythological narrative.[46]
[edit]
Notable works
The cover of the Ilaiyaraaja album Thiruvasakam in Symphony (2005)
Ilaiyaraaja's composition Rakkama Kaiya Thattu from the movie Thalapathi (1991) was amongst the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll.[62] He composed the music for Nayakan (1987), an Indian film ranked by TIME Magazine as one of the all-time 100 best movies,[63] a number of India's official entries to the Oscars, such as Anjali (1990)[64] and Hey Ram (2000),[65] and for Indian art films such as Adoor Gopalakrishnan's FIPRESCI Prize-winning Nizhalkkuthu ('The Dance of Shadows') (2002).[66] Ilaiyaraaja has composed music for events such as the 1996 Miss World beauty pageant that was held in Bangalore, India, and for a documentary called India 24 Hours (1996).[67][68] The pop/hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas sampled an Ilaiyaraaja composition called "Unakkum Ennakum", from the film Sri Raghavendra (1985), for their tune "The Elephunk Theme" from their breakout album, Elephunk (2003).[69] The alternative artist M.I.A. sampled his composition "Kaatukuyilu," from the film Thalapathi (1991) for her song "Bamboo Banga" on the album Kala (2007).
[edit]
Live performances
Ilaiyaraaja rarely performs his music live, which may be due to the time he devotes to his composing activities.[70] His last major live performance, the first in 25 years, was a four-hour concert held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, India on October 16, 2005.[71] The show was widely televised both in India and abroad. Less well-known was his live 2004 performance in Italy at the Teatro Comunale di Modena, an event-concert presented for the 14th edition of Angelica, Festival Internazionale Di Musica, co-produced with the L'Altro Suono Festival.[72][73] He had done a few small-scale shows early in his career in Sri Lanka and Malaysia and was involved in a charity concert to raise funds for the construction of a Hindu temple in India.[70] A television retrospective titled Ithu Ilaiyaraja ('This is Ilaiyaraja') was produced, chronicling his career.[74]
[edit]
Awards and honours
Ilaiyaraaja has won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the films Saagara Sangamam (1984), Sindhu Bhairavi (1986) and Rudraveena (1989).[75] He won the Gold Remi Award for Best Music Score jointly with film composer M. S. Viswanathan at the WorldFest-Houston Film Festival for the film Vishwa Thulasi (2005).[76]
He was conferred the title Isaignani ('savant of music') in 1988 by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and received the Kalaimamani Award, an annual award for excellence in the field of arts from the Government of the State of Tamil Nadu, India.[77] He also received State Government Awards from the governments of Kerala (1995), Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (The Lata Mangeshkar Award) (1998) for excellence in music.[78][79]
He was awarded honorary doctorates by Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India (Degree of Doctor of Letter (Honoris causa)) (March, 1994), the World University Round Table, Arizona, U.S.A. (Cultural Doctorate in Philosophy of Music) (April, 1994), and Madurai Kamarajar University, Tamil Nadu (Degree of Doctor of Letters) (1996).[78] He received an Award of Appreciation from the Foundation and Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (1994), and later that year was presented with an honorary citizenship and key to the Teaneck township by Mr. John Abraham, Mayor of Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.A.[78]
He is being considered for the "Guinness Book of World Records" for having composed the songs for maximum number of films (above 800 films in all languages) and for having the highest number of full-album hits (ie., all songs in a film are rated as No.1 on the charts).
[edit]
Partial discography
Limited lists of some key soundtrack albums (in terms of film-score and song-content values) are provided below, classified by language. For extended discographies, see external links.
[edit]
InstrumentalYear Album
1986 How to Name it
1988 Nothing but wind
[edit]
TamilYear Album Year Album
1978 Sigappu Rojakkal 1991 Thalapathi
1981 Raja Paarvai, Tik Tik Tik, Paneer Pushpangal 1992 Guna
1983 Moondram Pirai 1997 Kadhalukku Mariyadhai
1985 Muthal Mariyathai, Sindhu Bhairavi 1999 Sethu
1986 Mouna Raagam, Punnagai Mannan 2002 Azhagi
1987 Nayakan 2005 Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam
1989 Apoorva Sagodharargal, Vetri Vizha 2008 Danam, Uliyin Osai
2009 Naan Kadavul,Nandalala
[edit]
MalayalamYear Album Year Album
1982 Olangal 1996 Kaalapani
1983 Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu 1997 Guru, Kaliyuunjal
1984 My Dear Kuttichathan 2000 Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal
1985 Yatra 2001 Friends
1986 Poomukhapadiyil Ninneyum Kathu 2003 Manasinakkare
1988 Moonnam Pakkam 2005 Achuvinte Amma
1989 Adharvam 2006 Rasathanthram
1992 Pappayude Swantham Appoos 2007 Vinodayathra
[edit]
TeluguYear Album Year 'Album
1983 Mantrigari Viyyankudu, Saagara Sangamam 1990 Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Rudranetra
1985 Swathi Muthyam 1991 Nirnayam, Chaitanya
1987 Anweshana, Sankeertana 1992 Abhinandana
1988 Aakhari_Poratam,Rudraveena, Swarna Kamalam 2007 Anumanaspadam, Sunny
1989 Geethanjali,Shiva_(film)
[edit]
KannadaYear Album Year Album
1978 Maathu Tappada Maga 1981 Geeta
1983 Accident 1983 Pallavi Anu Pallavi
1996 Nammoora Mandara Hoove 1998 Hoomale
2004 Namma Preetiya Ramu 2007 Aa dinagalu
[edit]
References and notes
Ilaiyaraaja is a prominent composer of film music in Indian cinema from the late 1970s till date.[3] His work integrated Tamil folk lyricism and introduced broader Western musical sensibilities into the South Indian musical mainstream. He has thrice won the Indian National Film Award for best film scoring.[4]
In the 2000s, he composed a range of non-film music, including religious and devotional songs, an oratorio, and world music. He is married to Jeeva, and the couple's two sons (Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja) and daughter (Bhavatharini) are film composers and singers.[5][6]
Early life
Ilaiyaraaja was born into a poor rural family in Pannaipuram, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India, as the third son of Ramaswamy and Chinnathayammal. Growing up in a rural area, Ilaiyaraaja was exposed to a range of Tamil folk music.[7] At the age of 14, he joined a travelling musical troupe headed by his elder step-brother, Pavalar Varadarajan, and spent the next decade performing throughout South India. [8][9] While working with the troupe, he penned his first composition, a musical setting of an elegy written by the Tamil poet laureate Kannadasan for Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister.[10]
In 1968, Ilaiyaraaja began a music course with Professor Dhanraj in Madras (now Chennai), which included an overview of Western classical music, compositional training in techniques such as counterpoint, and study in instrumental performance.[11] Ilaiyaraaja specialized in classical guitar and had done a course in it with the Trinity College of Music, London.[12]
[edit]
Session musician and film orchestrator
In the 1970s in Chennai, Ilaiyaraaja played guitar in a band-for-hire, and worked as a session guitarist, keyboardist, organist for film music composers and directors such as Salil Chowdhury from West Bengal.[13][14][15] After his hiring as the musical assistant to Kannada film composer G K Venkatesh, he worked on 200 film projects, mostly in the Kannada language.[16] As G K Venkatesh's assistant, Ilaiyaraaja would orchestrate the melodic outlines developed by Venkatesh. During this period, Ilaiyaraaja also began writing his own scores. To hear his compositions, he would persuade Venkatesh's session musicians to play excerpts from his scores during their break times.[8] Ilaiyaraaja would also hire instruments from composer R. K. Shekhar, father of composer A. R. Rahman who would later join Ilaiyaraaja's orchestra as a keyboardist.
[edit]
Film composer
In 1976, film producer Panchu Arunachalam commissioned him to compose the songs and film score for a Tamil-language film called Annakkili ('The Parrot'). For the soundtrack, Ilaiyaraaja applied the techniques of modern popular film music orchestration to Tamil folk poetry and folk song melodies, which created a fusion of Western and Tamil idioms.[17][18] Ilaiyaraaja's use of Tamil music in his film scores injected new influence into the Indian film score milieu.[19] By the mid-1980s Ilaiyaraaja was gaining increasing stature as a film composer and music director in the South Indian film industry.[3] Besides Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films, he has scored music for Hindi (or Bollywood) film productions such as Sadma (1983), Mahadev (1989), Lajja (2001) and Cheeni Kum (2007). He has worked with Indian poets and lyricists such as Gulzar, Kannadasan, Vairamuthu and T.S. Rangarajan (Vaali),[20] and film directors such as K. Balachander, K. Vishwanath, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, Balu Mahendra and Mani Ratnam.[21]
His background score in the 1996 Malayalam film Kaalapani (dubbed into Tamil as Sirai Chalai), was lavish and symphonic and was compared to the best of John Williams, Richard Strauss and Max Steiner. The original score (background) of the 1999 Malayalam film Guru, was conducted with Hungarian Symphony Orchestra.
[edit]
Impact and musical style
Ilaiyaraaja was one of the early Indian film composers to use Western classical music harmonies and string arrangements in Indian film music.[22] This allowed him to craft a rich tapestry of sounds for films, and his themes[23] and background score gained notice and appreciation amongst Indian film audiences.[24] The range of expressive possibilities in Indian film music was broadened by Ilaiyaraaja's methodical approach to arranging, recording technique, and his drawing of ideas from a diversity of musical styles.[22]
According to musicologist P. Greene, Ilaiyaraaja's "deep understanding of so many different styles of music allowed him to create syncretic pieces of music combining very different musical idioms in unified, coherent musical statements".[3] Ilaiyaraaja has composed Indian film songs that amalgamated elements of genres such as pop,[25] acoustic guitar-propelled Western folk,[26] jazz,[27] rock and roll, dance music (e.g., disco),[28] psychedelia,[29] funk,[30] doo-wop,[31] march,[32] bossa nova,[33] flamenco,[34] pathos,[35] Indian folk/traditional,[36] Afro-tribal,[37] and Indian classical.[38]
By virtue of this variety and his interfusion of Western, Indian folk and Carnatic elements, Ilaiyaraaja's compositions appeal to the Indian rural dweller for its rhythmic folk qualities, the Indian classical music enthusiast for the employment of Carnatic ragams,[39] and the urbanite for its modern, Western-music sound.[40]
Although Ilaiyaraaja uses a range of complex compositional techniques, he often sketches out the basic melodic ideas for films in a very spontaneous fashion.[7][3] The Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam illustrates:
"Ilayaraja (sic) would look at the [film] scene once, and immediately start giving notes to his assistants, as a bunch of musicians, hovering around him, would collect the notes [(musical parts)] for their instrument[s] and go to their places... A [film] director can be taken by surprise at the speed of events."[41]
[edit]
Musical characteristics
Ilaiyaraaja's music is characterised by the use of an orchestration technique that is a synthesis of Western and Indian instruments and musical modes. He used electronic music technology that integrated synthesisers, electric guitars and keyboards, drum machines, rhythm boxes and MIDI with large orchestras that feature traditional instruments such as the veena, venu, nadaswaram, dholak, mridangam and tabla as well as Western lead instruments such as saxophones and flutes.[3][42]
He uses catchy melodies fleshed out with a variety of chord progressions, beats and timbres.[43][44][45] Ilaiyaraaja's songs typically have a musical form where vocal stanzas and choruses are interspersed with orchestral preludes and interludes.[46] They often contain polyphonic melodies, where the lead vocals are interwoven with supporting melody lines sung by another voice or played by instruments.[47]
The bass lines in his songs tend to be (melodically) dynamic, rising and falling in a dramatic fashion[44], a characteristic also found in the music of an earlier South Indian music director, M.S. Viswanathan. Polyrhythms are also apparent, particularly in songs with Indian folk or Carnatic influences. The melodic structure of his songs demand considerable vocal virtuosity, and have found expressive platform amongst some of India's respected vocalists and playback singers, such as K.J. Yesudas, S.P. Balasubramaniam, S. Janaki, Sujatha, P. Susheela, K.S. Chithra, Malaysia Vasudevan, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar.[48] Ilaiyaraaja has sung over 400 of his own compositions for films,[49][50] and is recognisable by his stark, nasal voice. He has penned the lyrics for some of his songs in Tamil and other languages.[51][52][53] Ilaiyaraaja's film scores are known both for the dramatic and evocative melodies, and for the more subtle background music that he uses to provide texture or mood for scenes in films such as Mouna Raagam (1986) and Geethanjali (1989). [19]
[edit]
Non-cinematic output
Ilaiyaraaja's first two non-film albums were explorations in the fusion of Indian and Western classical music. The first, How To Name It? (1986),[54] is dedicated to the Carnatic master Tyāgarāja and to J. S. Bach. It features a fusion of the Carnatic form and ragas with Bach partitas, fugues and Baroque musical textures.[55] The second, Nothing But Wind (1988), was performed by flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia and a 50-piece orchestra and takes the conceptual approach suggested in the title — that music is a natural phenomenon akin to various forms of air currents (e.g., the wind, breeze, tempest etc.).[56]
He has composed a set of Carnatic kritis that was recorded by electric mandolinist U. Srinivas for the album Ilayaraaja's Classicals on the Mandolin (1994).[57] Ilaiyaraaja has also composed albums of religious/devotional songs. His Guru Ramana Geetam (2004) is a cycle of prayer songs inspired by the Hindu mystic Ramana Maharishi,[58] and his Thiruvasakam in Symphony (2005) is an oratorio of ancient Tamil poems transcribed partially in English by American lyricist Stephen Schwartz and performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.[59][60] Ilaiyaraaja's most recent release is a world music-oriented album called The Music Messiah (2006).[61] Its musical concept is based against a mythological narrative.[46]
[edit]
Notable works
The cover of the Ilaiyaraaja album Thiruvasakam in Symphony (2005)
Ilaiyaraaja's composition Rakkama Kaiya Thattu from the movie Thalapathi (1991) was amongst the songs listed in a BBC World Top Ten music poll.[62] He composed the music for Nayakan (1987), an Indian film ranked by TIME Magazine as one of the all-time 100 best movies,[63] a number of India's official entries to the Oscars, such as Anjali (1990)[64] and Hey Ram (2000),[65] and for Indian art films such as Adoor Gopalakrishnan's FIPRESCI Prize-winning Nizhalkkuthu ('The Dance of Shadows') (2002).[66] Ilaiyaraaja has composed music for events such as the 1996 Miss World beauty pageant that was held in Bangalore, India, and for a documentary called India 24 Hours (1996).[67][68] The pop/hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas sampled an Ilaiyaraaja composition called "Unakkum Ennakum", from the film Sri Raghavendra (1985), for their tune "The Elephunk Theme" from their breakout album, Elephunk (2003).[69] The alternative artist M.I.A. sampled his composition "Kaatukuyilu," from the film Thalapathi (1991) for her song "Bamboo Banga" on the album Kala (2007).
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Live performances
Ilaiyaraaja rarely performs his music live, which may be due to the time he devotes to his composing activities.[70] His last major live performance, the first in 25 years, was a four-hour concert held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, India on October 16, 2005.[71] The show was widely televised both in India and abroad. Less well-known was his live 2004 performance in Italy at the Teatro Comunale di Modena, an event-concert presented for the 14th edition of Angelica, Festival Internazionale Di Musica, co-produced with the L'Altro Suono Festival.[72][73] He had done a few small-scale shows early in his career in Sri Lanka and Malaysia and was involved in a charity concert to raise funds for the construction of a Hindu temple in India.[70] A television retrospective titled Ithu Ilaiyaraja ('This is Ilaiyaraja') was produced, chronicling his career.[74]
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Awards and honours
Ilaiyaraaja has won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the films Saagara Sangamam (1984), Sindhu Bhairavi (1986) and Rudraveena (1989).[75] He won the Gold Remi Award for Best Music Score jointly with film composer M. S. Viswanathan at the WorldFest-Houston Film Festival for the film Vishwa Thulasi (2005).[76]
He was conferred the title Isaignani ('savant of music') in 1988 by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and received the Kalaimamani Award, an annual award for excellence in the field of arts from the Government of the State of Tamil Nadu, India.[77] He also received State Government Awards from the governments of Kerala (1995), Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (The Lata Mangeshkar Award) (1998) for excellence in music.[78][79]
He was awarded honorary doctorates by Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India (Degree of Doctor of Letter (Honoris causa)) (March, 1994), the World University Round Table, Arizona, U.S.A. (Cultural Doctorate in Philosophy of Music) (April, 1994), and Madurai Kamarajar University, Tamil Nadu (Degree of Doctor of Letters) (1996).[78] He received an Award of Appreciation from the Foundation and Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (1994), and later that year was presented with an honorary citizenship and key to the Teaneck township by Mr. John Abraham, Mayor of Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.A.[78]
He is being considered for the "Guinness Book of World Records" for having composed the songs for maximum number of films (above 800 films in all languages) and for having the highest number of full-album hits (ie., all songs in a film are rated as No.1 on the charts).
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Partial discography
Limited lists of some key soundtrack albums (in terms of film-score and song-content values) are provided below, classified by language. For extended discographies, see external links.
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InstrumentalYear Album
1986 How to Name it
1988 Nothing but wind
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TamilYear Album Year Album
1978 Sigappu Rojakkal 1991 Thalapathi
1981 Raja Paarvai, Tik Tik Tik, Paneer Pushpangal 1992 Guna
1983 Moondram Pirai 1997 Kadhalukku Mariyadhai
1985 Muthal Mariyathai, Sindhu Bhairavi 1999 Sethu
1986 Mouna Raagam, Punnagai Mannan 2002 Azhagi
1987 Nayakan 2005 Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam
1989 Apoorva Sagodharargal, Vetri Vizha 2008 Danam, Uliyin Osai
2009 Naan Kadavul,Nandalala
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MalayalamYear Album Year Album
1982 Olangal 1996 Kaalapani
1983 Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu 1997 Guru, Kaliyuunjal
1984 My Dear Kuttichathan 2000 Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal
1985 Yatra 2001 Friends
1986 Poomukhapadiyil Ninneyum Kathu 2003 Manasinakkare
1988 Moonnam Pakkam 2005 Achuvinte Amma
1989 Adharvam 2006 Rasathanthram
1992 Pappayude Swantham Appoos 2007 Vinodayathra
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TeluguYear Album Year 'Album
1983 Mantrigari Viyyankudu, Saagara Sangamam 1990 Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Rudranetra
1985 Swathi Muthyam 1991 Nirnayam, Chaitanya
1987 Anweshana, Sankeertana 1992 Abhinandana
1988 Aakhari_Poratam,Rudraveena, Swarna Kamalam 2007 Anumanaspadam, Sunny
1989 Geethanjali,Shiva_(film)
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KannadaYear Album Year Album
1978 Maathu Tappada Maga 1981 Geeta
1983 Accident 1983 Pallavi Anu Pallavi
1996 Nammoora Mandara Hoove 1998 Hoomale
2004 Namma Preetiya Ramu 2007 Aa dinagalu
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References and notes
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