2 languages
Ilaiyaraaja
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist
Ilaiyaraaja grew up in a village in Tamil Nadu and as a boy played in his brother's music group. Later he received a Western classical training. With his debut Annakkili (1976) he brought Tamil folk music into the cinema, combined with Western orchestration; later synthesizers and counterpoint were added. He wrote music for more than a thousand films in various South Indian languages. His collaboration with the director Mani Ratnam produced classics such as Mouna Ragam (1986), Nayakan (1987) and Thalapathi (1991). A generation of Indian composers, among them A.R. Rahman, began in his circle.
Listening
Listening tip. Listen to the interplay between the singing voice and the countermelodies in the strings and flute, and to the folk rhythms on Indian drums.
Nilaave Vaa · S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, 1986
Thenpandi Cheemayile · Ilaiyaraaja, 1987
Sundari · S.P. Balasubrahmanyam & S. Janaki, 1991
Discography
Studio albums
- 197716 Vayathinile (soundtrack)
- 1978Mullu Puvvu (soundtrack)
- 1978Mullum Malarum (soundtrack)
- 1978Priya (soundtrack)
- 1978Sigappu Rojakkal (soundtrack)
- 1979Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (soundtrack)
- 1979Moodu Pani
- 1979Pattakaththi Bairavan (soundtrack)
- 1979Ponnu Oorukku Pudhusu (soundtrack)
- 1979Rosapoo Ravikkaikkaari (soundtrack)
- 1979Urvasi Neeve Naa Preyasi (soundtrack)
- 1979Uthirippookkal (soundtrack)
- 1980Guru (soundtrack)
- 1980Jhonny (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 1980Nizhalgal (soundtrack)
- 1980Ullasa Paravaigal (soundtrack)
- 1981Alaigal Oyivathillai (soundtrack)
- 1981Do Dil Deewane (soundtrack)
- 1981Geetha (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (soundtrack)
- 1981Koil Puraa (soundtrack)
- 1981Nee Nanna Gellalare (soundtrack)
- 1981Tik... Tik... Tik... (soundtrack)
- 1982Anandha Ragam (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 1982Ilamai Kaalangal (soundtrack)
- 1982Kozhi Koovudhu (soundtrack)
- 1982Moondram Pirai (soundtrack)
- 1982Nereekshana (soundtrack)
- 1982Ninivellam Nithya (soundtrack)
- 1982Olangal (soundtrack)
- 1982Payanangal Mudivadhillai (soundtrack)
- 1982Sakalakala Vallavan (soundtrack)
- 1982Sakalakala Vallavan (soundtrack)
- 1983Aa Raathri (soundtrack)
- 1983Aanandha Kummi (soundtrack)
- 1983Malaiyoor Mambattiyan
- 1983Mann Vasanai (soundtrack)
- 1983Mundhanai Mudichchu (soundtrack)
- 1983Mundhanai Mudichu (soundtrack)
- 1983Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu (soundtrack)
- 1983Pallavi Anu Pallavi
- 1983Pinnilavu (soundtrack)
- 1983Sadma (soundtrack)
- 1983Salangai Oli (soundtrack)
- 1983Salangai Oli (soundtrack)
- 1983Thanga Magan (soundtrack)
- 1984Achamillai Achamillai (soundtrack)
- 1984Dhavani Kanavugal (soundtrack)
- 1984Enakkul Oruvan (soundtrack)
- 1984Kairasikkaran (soundtrack)
- 1984Naan Paadum Paadal (soundtrack)
- 1984Nallavanukku Nallavan (soundtrack)
- 1984Nooravathu Naal (soundtrack)
- 1984Poovilangu (soundtrack)
- 1984Sithara (soundtrack)
- 1984Thaai Mookaambikai (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 1984Vaazhkai (soundtrack)
- 1984Vaidehi Kaathirunthaal (soundtrack)
- 1985Aan Paavam (soundtrack)
- 1985Anveshana (soundtrack)
- 1985Chinna Veedu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 1985Geethanjali (soundtrack)
- 1985Idaya Kovil (soundtrack)
- 1985Kakki Sattai (soundtrack)
- 1985Mudhal Mariyadhai (soundtrack)
- 1985Padikkadavan (soundtrack)
- 1985Pagal Nilavu (soundtrack)
- 1985Sindhu Bhairavi (soundtrack)
- 1985Sri Raghavendrar (soundtrack)
- 1985Udhaya Geetham (soundtrack)
- 1985Unn Kannil Neer Vazhindaal (soundtrack)
- 1985Uyarndha Ullam (soundtrack)
- 1985Yathra (soundtrack)
- 1986Amman Kovil Kizhakale (soundtrack)
- 1986Dharma Pathini (soundtrack)
- 1986Kadalora Kavithaigal (soundtrack)
- 1986Kadalora Kavithaigal (soundtrack)
- 1986Ladies Tailor (లేడీస్ టైలర్) (soundtrack)
- 1986Manithanin Marupakkam (soundtrack)
- 1986Mouna Raagam (soundtrack)
- 1986Mouna Raagam (soundtrack)
- 1986Poomukhappadiyil Ninneyum Kaathu (soundtrack)
- 1986Punnagai Manan (soundtrack)
- 1986Punnagai Mannan (soundtrack)
- 1986Saadhanai (soundtrack)
- 1987Aaradhana (soundtrack)
- 1987Enga Ooru Pattukaran (soundtrack)
- 1987Iniya Uravu Pootthadhu
- 1987Manaivi Ready
- 1987Manathil Uruthi Vendum (soundtrack)
- 1987Nayakan (soundtrack)
- 1987Paadu Nilave (soundtrack)
- 1987Per Sollum Pillai (soundtrack)
- 1987Poovizhi Vasalile (soundtrack)
- 1987Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (soundtrack)
- 1988Aakhari Poratam (soundtrack)
- 1988Agni Natchathiram (soundtrack)
- 1988En Bommukutty Ammavukku
- 1988Enga Ooru Kaavakkaaran
- 1988Gharshana (soundtrack)
- 1988Gharshana (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 1988Guru Sishyan (soundtrack)
- 1988How To Name It
- 1988Irandil Ondru
- 1988Maharshi (soundtrack)
- 1988Moonnam Pakkam (soundtrack)
- 1988Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam
- 1988Paasa Paravaigal (soundtrack)
- 1988Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran (soundtrack)
- 1988Raktabhishekam
- 1988Solla Thudikuthu Manasu (soundtrack)
- 1988Swarna Kamalam (soundtrack)
- 1988Unnaal Mudiyum Thambi (soundtrack)
- 1989Adharvam (soundtrack)
- 1989Apoorva Sagodharargal (soundtrack)
- 1989Ashoka Chakravarthy (soundtrack)
- 1989Chettu Kinda Pleader (soundtrack)
- 1989Geethanjali (soundtrack)
- 1989Karagaattakkaran (soundtrack)
- 1989Karagattakaran (soundtrack)
- 1989Karakattakkaran (soundtrack)
- 1989Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (soundtrack)
- 1989Raaja Raajathan
- 1989Raja Chinna Roja (soundtrack)
- 1989Rajathi Raja (soundtrack)
- 1989Shiva (soundtrack)
- 1989Siva (soundtrack)
- 1989Thiruppu Munai (soundtrack)
- 1989Varusham 16 (soundtrack)
- 1989Vetri Vizha (soundtrack)
- 1990Amman Kovil Thiruvizha
- 1990Anjali (soundtrack)
- 1990Anjali (soundtrack)
- 1990Bobbili Raja (soundtrack)
- 1990Chatriyan (soundtrack)
- 1990Kavithai Paadum Alaigal (soundtrack)
- 1990Keladi Kanmani (soundtrack)
- 1990Killer (soundtrack)
- 1990Kizhakku Vaasal (soundtrack)
- 1990Michael Madana Kama Rajan (soundtrack)
- 1990Nadigan (soundtrack)
- 1990Nava Vasantham (soundtrack)
- 1990O Papa Lali (soundtrack)
- 1990Ooru Vittu Ooru Vanthu (soundtrack)
- 1990Pondatti Theavai
- 1990Pulan Visaranai (soundtrack)
- 1990Raja Kaiya Vacha (soundtrack)
- 1990Thalattu Padava (soundtrack)
- 1990Urudhi Mozhi (soundtrack)
- 1991Aditya 369 (soundtrack)
- 1991Anaswaram (soundtrack)
- 1991April 1st Vidudala (soundtrack)
- 1991Bramma (soundtrack)
- 1991Captain Prabhakaran (soundtrack)
- 1991Chinna Thambi (soundtrack)
- 1991Coolie No. 1 (soundtrack)
- 1991Dalapathi (soundtrack)
- 1991Ennarukil Nee Irunthal
- 1991Gopura Vasalile (soundtrack)
- 1991Guna (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (soundtrack)
- 1991Idhayam (soundtrack)
- 1991Premalekhalu (soundtrack)
- 1991Pudhiya Raagam (soundtrack)
- 1991Saami Potta Mudichu (soundtrack)
- 1991Thalapathi (soundtrack)
- 1992Ashwamedham
- 1992Chanti (soundtrack)
- 1992Chanti (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 1992Chembaruthi (soundtrack)
- 1992Chinna Gounder (soundtrack)
- 1992Chinna Thayee (soundtrack)
- 1992Chinnavar (soundtrack)
- 1992Dharmakshetram
- 1992Dharmakshetram (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (soundtrack)
- 1992Mannan (soundtrack)
- 1992Meera (soundtrack)
- 1992Pandiyan (soundtrack)
- 1992Pappayude Swantham Appoos (soundtrack)
- 1992Singara Velan (soundtrack)
- 1992Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen (soundtrack)
- 1993Aa Okkati Adakku (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (soundtrack)
- 1993Amma Koduku
- 1993Aranmanai Kili
- 1993Athma (soundtrack)
- 1993Athma (soundtrack)
- 1993Chinna Mapillai (soundtrack)
- 1993Devar Magan (soundtrack)
- 1993Ejamaan (soundtrack)
- 1993Enga Thambi (soundtrack)
- 1993I Love India (soundtrack)
- 1993Kalaingnan (soundtrack)
- 1993Kili Pechu Ketkava (soundtrack)
- 1993Mahanadhi (soundtrack)
- 1993Marupadiyum (soundtrack)
- 1993Ponnumani (soundtrack)
- 1993Udan Pirappu (soundtrack)
- 1993Uthama Raasa (soundtrack)
- 1993Uzhaippali (soundtrack)
- 1994Mahanadhi (soundtrack)
- 1994Sakthivel (soundtrack)
- 1994Sethupathi IPS (soundtrack)
- 1994Veera (soundtrack)
- 1995Avatharam (soundtrack)
- 1995Ellame En Rasathan
- 1995Paattu Vaathiyaar
- 1995Sathi Leelavathi (soundtrack)
- 1996Kaalapani (soundtrack)
- 1996Mettukudi (soundtrack)
- 1996Siraisaalai (soundtrack)
- 1997Devathai (soundtrack)
- 1997Guru (soundtrack)
- 1997Kadalukku Mariyadai (soundtrack)
- 1997Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (soundtrack)
- 1998Anthahpuram (soundtrack)
- 1998Dharma (soundtrack)
- 1999Friends (soundtrack)
- 1999Nayakan (soundtrack)
- 1999Preminchedi Endukamma (soundtrack)
- 1999Sethu (soundtrack)
- 1999Thodarum (soundtrack)
- 2000Bharathi (soundtrack)
- 2000Hey Ram (soundtrack)
- 2000Kannukkul Nilavu
- 2000Karisakaattu Poove
- 2001Kaasi (soundtrack)
- 2002Azhagi (soundtrack)
- 2002Ninuchoodaka Nenundalenu (soundtrack)
- 2002Ramanaa (soundtrack)
- 2002Seshu (soundtrack)
- 2003Julie Ganapathy (soundtrack)
- 2003Nothing But Wind
- 2004Virumandi (soundtrack)
- 2005Achuvinte Amma (soundtrack)
- 2005Thiruvasagam
- 2006Shiva (soundtrack)
- 2007Aa Dinagalu (soundtrack)
- 2007Cheeni Kum (soundtrack)
- 2007Vinodayathra (soundtrack)
- 2008Mallepuvvu (soundtrack)
- 2009Chal Chalein (soundtrack)
- 2009Naan Kadavul (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 2009Nandhalala (soundtrack)
- 2009Paa (soundtrack)
- 2009Pazhassi Raja (soundtrack)
- 2011Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai (soundtrack)
- 2011Love King (soundtrack)
- 2011Snehaveedu (soundtrack)
- 2011Yellow (philosophy)
- 2012Gundello Godari
- 2012Neethaane En Ponvasantham (soundtrack)
- 2012Sri Rama Rajyam (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 2012Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu (soundtrack)
- 2013Megha (soundtrack)
- 2013Pithamagan (soundtrack)
- 2013Thalaimurai (soundtrack)
- 2014Chaitanya (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 2014Indhrudu Chandhrudu (soundtrack)
- 2014Jagadekaveerudu Athiloka Sundari (soundtrack)
- 2014Kondaveeti Donga (soundtrack)
- 2014Nayakudu (soundtrack)
- 2014Nirnayam (soundtrack)
- 2014Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (soundtrack)
- 2014Prema (soundtrack)
- 2014Preminchu Pelladu (soundtrack)
- 2014Rakshasudu (soundtrack)
- 2014Rudra Veena (soundtrack)
- 2014Ulavacharu Biriyani (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- 2015Abbayitho Ammayi (soundtrack)
- 2016Appa (soundtrack)
- 2016Ki & Ka (soundtrack)
- 2019Thamizharasan (soundtrack)
- 2020Psycho (soundtrack)
- 2021Aarathanai
- 2022Clap (soundtrack)
- 2022Maamanithan (soundtrack)
- 2023Happi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (soundtrack)
- 2023Modern Love (Chennai) [Original Series Soundtrack] (soundtrack)
- 2023Viduthalai (soundtrack)
- 2024Viduthalai 2 (soundtrack)
- 2026Dorothy (soundtrack)
- 2026Dorothy (Original Background Score) (soundtrack)
- 2026Ilaiyaraaja's Symphony Number 1 - Valiant
- ?Aalapana (soundtrack)
- ?Aathma Bandhuvu (soundtrack)
- ?Abhilasha (soundtrack)
- ?Abhinandana (soundtrack)
- ?Dharmathin Thalaivan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- ?En Uyir Thozhan
- ?Guna (soundtrack)
- ?Johnny (soundtrack)
- ?Jwala
- ?Kadal Meengal
- ?Kizhakke Pogum Rail (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- ?Kokkarako (soundtrack)
- ?Manthri Gari Viyyankudu (soundtrack)
- ?Marana Mrudangam
- ?Murattu Kaalai (soundtrack)
- ?Nammoora Mandara Hoove (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (soundtrack)
- ?Ninaivellam Nithya (soundtrack)
- ?Pagalil Oru Iravu (soundtrack)
- ?Raaga Deepam (soundtrack)
- ?Sagara Sangamam (soundtrack)
- ?Senthamizh Paattu (soundtrack)
- ?The Music Messiah
Other work
- 1976Annakkili
- 1986Mouna Ragam
In School of Rock
The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.
- Film Music MapNL Map
- The Dream Factory: Film Reel 6NL Reader
Mentioned in other articles
- Tamil and South Indian film music Genre
Ilaiyaraaja made his debut in 1976 with Annakkili.
See also
Categories: ArtistsTamil and South Indian film music