Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Felicitates Music Maestro Ilaiyaraaja In Rajya Sabha

Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, honored legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja in Rajya Sabha on March 18, celebrating his remarkable contributions to Indian music and cinema. In a heartfelt five-minute speech, he highlighted Ilaiyaraaja’s achievements, including his historic symphony debut in London on March 8, where he became the first Indian to present a full English-classical symphony with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Calling him a "musical genius," the Vice President praised Ilaiyaraaja’s ability to seamlessly blend classical traditions with contemporary sounds, creating timeless melodies that transcend generations. He acknowledged the maestro’s staggering body of work—over 8,600 songs, music for 1,523 feature films across nine languages—and his numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards, a Padma Bhushan (2010), and a Padma Vibhushan (2018).

Vice President Dhankhar also lauded Ilaiyaraaja’s global impact, recognizing his gold medal in classical guitar from Trinity College, London, and his honorary doctorate conferred by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022. He emphasized that Ilaiyaraaja’s presence in Rajya Sabha since July 2022 has enriched discussions, and his latest milestone is a testament to his brilliance and international recognition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Ilaiyaraaja on his symphony debut, calling him a "trailblazer in every sense." The composer’s sold-out performance in London received overwhelming admiration from fans, further solidifying his legacy.

Ilaiyaraaja’s recent work includes the soundtrack for Vetri Maaran’s Viduthalai: Part 2, continuing his legacy of musical excellence.