Ilaiyaraaja defends his legacy, Says "Pride belongs to those who know their craft

Ilaiyaraaja, often hailed as the musical genius of Tamil cinema, has composed music for over 1500 films, leaving an indelible mark on Indian music. His melodies have resonated with countless listeners across generations, making him a revered figure in the industry. Recently, the veteran composer made headlines for his candid remarks during an interview, where he spoke about his contributions to music and the recognition he believes he deserves. His statements have sparked widespread discussions on social media.
In the interview, Ilaiyaraaja highlighted his role in introducing Western classical music to Indian audiences. "How do you know names like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven? Who told you about them? I introduced them to you through my compositions," he asserted. He emphasized his contributions to expanding the musical horizon of listeners, making diverse global music accessible through his work. Reflecting on his creation of the Valiant Symphony, the first of its kind by an Indian composer, he described it as a testament to his deep passion for music. "Creating a symphony reveals my love for music. This has naturally sparked jealousy among some people," he remarked.
Addressing criticisms about his perceived arrogance, the maestro was unapologetic. "People say I’m prideful when I share stories, like how a child’s life was saved by my music or how a herd of elephants gathered to listen to one of my songs. But who else should be proud if not me? Pride belongs to those who know their craft," he said confidently. He also dismissed the notion of yielding to all demands for his music, comparing it to becoming a mass-producer like a food chain. The interview, along with his forthright remarks, has sparked a divide among listeners — while some applaud his confidence and unparalleled legacy, others criticize his tone as overly self-assured. Nonetheless, Ilaiyaraaja continues to stand tall as a beacon of Indian music, unyielding in his passion and pride for his craft.