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Ratings of MDs.

1. A.R Rahman
2. Deva
3. IRaja
4. Sirpi

This is only my opinion.Free to argue.

Topic started by kee (@ brk-23-106.tm.net.my) on Thu Dec 25 01:37:22 EST 1997.
All times in EDT/EST +9:30/10:30 for IST.

---

Responses:

• From: vijay (@ 129.252.29.219) on: Thu Dec 25 02:27:08 EST 1997
  
  by placing deva above raja u have made your choices look like a joke.can u justify your choices?
  vijay
  
  
• From: RAJAN (@ proxy-163.iap.bryant.webtv.net) on: Thu Dec 25 10:02:39 EST 1997
  
  KEE:
  Your ratings, yenkayo idikithe!?
  
  If your ratings are according to number of films then Deva must come first.
  
  If your ratings are according to number of hit films then IR must come first.
  
  If your ratings are according to maximum number of flops then deva, sirpi must come first.
  
  If your ratings are according to blah, blah, blah, then your above ratings are also blah..blah..blah..blah:))))))))))))))))))
  
  
• From: Rajesh (@ pdxss902.jf.intel.com) on: Thu Dec 25 21:39:46 EST 1997
  
  Kee,
  
  Why place IR at position 3 above Sirpi and below
  Deva. If you wanted to insult him you could have
  very well listed all Music directors and given him
  the last position.
  
  My rating
  
  1. IR, 2.ARR, DEVA 3. SIRPI, X,Y,Z
  
  
• From: Rajaraman (@ 192.122.135.224) on: Thu Dec 25 23:45:43 EST 1997
  
  Looks like a joke. Dont waste your time
  here.
  
  ravi: why haven't you deleted this one?
  
  
• From: Pratap (@ 206.217.81.241) on: Fri Dec 26 02:46:24 EST 1997
  
  I think :
  
  1)ARR
  2)IR
  3)Deva
  4)Sirpi
  5)Adhityan
  
  
• From: Madhan (@ 202.41.117.3) on: Fri Dec 26 12:54:20 EST 1997
  
  Yovvv!! internet moolamaaga RDX vedigundu vaithhu TFM site ai thool thoolaakki viduvaen - yennaiyyaa idhu abathham - ARR followed by IR ?
  Delete this thread please.
  
  
• From: gopal (@ 1cust247.tnt1.sarasota.fl.gt.uu.net) on: Fri Dec 26 15:07:27 EST 1997
  
  Rajaraman
  Looks like Ravi is enjoying this thread! Hi Hi :)
  
  
• From: gopal (@ 1cust247.tnt1.sarasota.fl.gt.uu.net) on: Fri Dec 26 15:21:43 EST 1997
  
  Adadaa! Soola vandhadhai marandhuvittEnE!
  
  siru kundru
  kadalman gOpuram
  puyalena adithOyum kAtru
  katti vaitha kalkoodu.......
  
  ivatrai.....
  
  Raasaa ennum imayaththOdu
  
  oppiduvadhA??
  
  Ihudhenna kodumai???
  
  
  
• From: Kumar Venkataraman (@ cache-eb.superlink.net) on: Fri Dec 26 15:48:58 EST 1997
  
  Guys,
  
  You may all be right in expressiong your opinions. AAMF, I would agree with you guys, too. But, Rajaraman, why had you asked Ravi to delete this thread? Don't you think, according to the books, this thread HAS to be alive as long as it is active?
  
  enaadhaan viruppu veruppugal irundhaalum, nadunilaiyilirundhu thavaralaamaa?
  
  
• From: Gopal (@ 1cust247.tnt1.sarasota.fl.gt.uu.net) on: Fri Dec 26 16:29:49 EST 1997
  
  Kumar
  
  Adhaavadhu Rajaramanukku indha rating pidikkalainnu solreengaLa?
  
  
• From: Rajaraman (@ 192.122.140.77) on: Fri Dec 26 22:46:29 EST 1997
  
  Kumar
  
  If you had been watching, the same guy has started
  many such topics without bothering to explain
  or join in the discussion.
  The intention looks like starting another fight.
  
  Would you like to encourage this?
  
  
  
• From: RV (@ 1cust95.max14.san-francisco.ca.ms.uu.net) on: Fri Dec 26 23:10:00 EST 1997
  
  My ratings:
  1. MSV-TKR
  2. IR
  3. KVM
  4. MSV
  5. GR
  6. AMR
  7. ARR
  8. Sudarsanam
  
  
• From: srikanth (@ 231.minneapolis-06.mn.dial-access.att.net) on: Sat Dec 27 11:00:57 EST 1997
  
  It is hard to compare MSV/RAJA/AR
  it is like arguing Ramayan , Mahabharat or Thirukural
  All the three are great in thier times,
  MSV - FOR HIS melodies
  IR - Arrangement
  AR - Creativity.
  These 3 mds are the best in their times
  Other than this 3,
  Deva is not worth talking since he flicks score from all the MDS around the world.
  Sirpy, Vidya sagar, Adithyan are not worth or fit to compare with the greats.
  
  (Mr. Rv has rated ARR as 7,
  Cannot compare old and new,
  can you compare a morden Pentium with 8088,
  8088 was popular in its times, )
  
  
  
  
  
• From: kee (@ tsk-10-82.tm.net.my) on: Sat Dec 27 13:08:56 EST 1997
  
  Joke !Is this what i get for writing the truth? Well its clear that this site is infested by many IR fans.Be neutral, guys.
  ARR is surely on the top.So, no arguement on that.
  About Deva, he has produced a variety of tunes .Take Porkalam for instance:the village music is certainly better than any of recent IR songs.In fact , Deva is trying to bring changes to Tamil music as ARR did.About IR, his tune is getting monotonous.
  Another MD whom is rarely talked about is Vidyasagar.He occasionally gives wonderful music such as in Karna , Subash ,Sengkottai...but funnily not popular among people.Poor guy!
  
  
• From: RV (@ 1cust88.max14.san-francisco.ca.ms.uu.net) on: Sat Dec 27 13:52:20 EST 1997
  
  Srikanth:
  
  Why cant AMR and ARR be compared ? Sachin Tendulkar is still evaluated against Gavaskar and Bradman!
  
  I dont understand this argument at all. I hv in my mind, a collection of songs that I identify with GR, ARR etc. When I look at these songs, I can make a relative estimate as to where who should be placed. Its a lot easier than in cricket as I can hear the songs by AMR anyday whereas I cant see a knock by Bradman!
  
  BTW, I rate Mahabharath as the tops! Ramayan cant compare as a story and Thirukkural is too dry.
  
  ARR has a low rating currently but he is the only person who can really change his rating. He has been around for too short a time to make an effective judgement about his songs. Compared to Gavaskar, Azhar and Sachin, today Gangulys rating would be quite low but he has the potential to go up!
  
  Kee:
  You need to judge the overall contribution, not just 1997. I beleive there is another thread for this. Sure, IR is not doing as well as he used to, but his overall contribution is much superior to ARRs.
  
  
  About Deva:
  Frankly, I never liked this guy very much. Too much of a copycat. But he has turned out some nice numbers in the recent one-two years. Aasai was very good. Kaadhal Kottai wasnt bad at all. There are several songs where I was surprised to learn that the MD was Deva. Hope this is a permanent change and it is definitely for the better. I just hope he continues this trend!
  
  People like Vidyasagar, Rajkumar etc.
  I believe it it too early to talk about them.
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 129.252.29.214) on: Sat Dec 27 18:05:41 EST 1997
  
  RV,
  The very film aasai about which u have mentioned has 2 songs that have been conveniently lifted.meenamma's BGM straight from phil collin's mama.thilohamma from a song by ofra haza.both these are well known facts and have been mentioned repeatedly in other threads.how did u miss it?deva is not even fit to be compared with sirpi or vidyasagar and does not even figure in my top 20.even his latest hits nerukku ner has huge lifts.i don't know how u guys can even think of including deva and rahman in a list where IR is there.
  vijay
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 129.252.29.214) on: Sat Dec 27 19:45:54 EST 1997
  
  kee,
  it might br clea4r to u as to why ARR is on the top but might not be for some of us.so u might have to explain why or on what basis u have placed ARR on top.as RV had mentioned pl. take into consideration the overall contribution from the MD's before ranking them.that's why i said placing deva above IR looks like a joke.also the first time around u simply placed the rankings without bothering to explain.that's why our suspicions arouse as to whether u where trying to play around.also there was no response from u for quite sometime.it is not to hurt anybody's feelings.
  vijay
  
  
• From: srikanth (@ 164.minneapolis-06.mn.dial-access.att.net) on: Sat Dec 27 21:45:24 EST 1997
  
  Hi guys
  
  I like to add to vj's list
  The beat pattern and the bass pattern in Meenama/ asai is just copied from Moma,
  
  to mr.Rv,
  You cannot compare our skill with our fore fathers, we are dumb when compared --
  if you agree to this then you can compare
  AR and MSV or G.Ramanathan Etc.
  The instrument and style of music is itself different. The love songs in old movies, check it out buddy, MKT singing Manmadaliyai....
  and Kamal Singing Sundri neyum or
  Arvind swami humming pudhu vellai mazai....
  ....
  Thanks
  
  
  
  
  
  
• From: RV (@ 1cust114.max2.santa-clara.ca.ms.uu.net) on: Sun Dec 28 16:01:00 EST 1997
  
  Srikanth:
  
  Vijay:
  I obviously didnt make my point clear about Deva. Its not that he has ceased to be a copycat but he seems to be changing for the better. I know about Meenamma and Thilottama but I still liked "Konja Naal Poru Thalaiva" and "Pulveli Pulveli". Of course, I cant swear that these are not copies of somebody I hv not heard of. ;-) I also liked "Nagumo" in Arunachalam. "Sivappu Lolakku" in Kadhal Kottai. This seems to be a change for the better.
  
  
  Srikanth:
  If your stmts are going to be of the nature, "We cant compare GR with ARR - or me with my forefathers," then there isnt much point in continuing this. You said that in your first posting. So what are you saying this time ? If you hv mental block in making the comparison, dont! Why bother me ?
  
  If you are saying we cant compare "Manmada Leelaiyai" with "Sundari Neeyum" or "Vellai Mazhai" because they are different, the argument is ridiculous. If there is no difference, then there is no point in comparing. If two songs are identical, what exactly is being compared ?
  
  If the difference in instruments is the consideration that prevents a comparison, then how would you talk about IRs early period and late period ? There were different instruments. His style changed. So what ? I am looking at music and its effects on me and make a judgement based on that. If you are more bothered about whether harmonium or keyboard is used to produce this music, you are welcome to your ideas! Sure, make a comparison, or dont, or whatever!
  
  
  BTW, of the following which kind of music do you like best ? Carnatic, TFM, HFM, rock, pop, Western classical ? Or to put it in another way, I am sure you hv cassettes/CDs. Which kind of cassettes are more? Carnatic, TFM, HFM, rock, pop, Western classical ?
  
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 129.252.29.214) on: Sun Dec 28 23:38:43 EST 1997
  
  RV,
  for your info pulveli puleveli guitar piece sounded exactly similiar to a rod stewart guitar piece which i heard on a web radio.unfortunately, i don't remember the album name.'manam virumbudhe' from nerukku ner
  from 'manavyalakin' kirtanai in nalinakanthi.
  interestingly IR has a beautiful number'enthan nenjil' from kalaignan in the same raga.
  konja naal reminds me strongly of 'paluke bangaramayanam' from shankarabharanam.
  vijay
  
  
• From: kee (@ tsk-34-241.tm.net.my) on: Mon Dec 29 11:05:36 EST 1997
  
  Of course, if thinking about the overall contribution, I think IR is better.IR's work is dated up to 20 years back.But if u all think from the moment ARR arrived at Tamil music scene(that is about 5 years ago), ARR is definately better.He has brought tremendous improvement to Tamil music which attracted non-Tamilians especially those Hindi MDs to carefully monitor the progress of Tamil music.Even my chinese friend got interested in Tamil songs after listening to Minsara Kanavu.
  
  
• From: RV (@ nat-20.avanticorp.com) on: Mon Dec 29 15:19:17 EST 1997
  
  Vijay:
  On your comments that Deva copied BGM for "Pulveli Pulveli" from a Rod Stewart album. ;-) I guess you can never be sure about this guy.
  
  I still think you should let him derive "Konja Naal" from Paluke Bangara Mayana. After all, several songs can be found in the same raga.
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 129.252.22.238) on: Mon Dec 29 15:20:11 EST 1997
  
  hindi MD's have a long tradition of lifting songs from raja.raja in an interview in frontline i think ,when asked about this said that'this shows the mediocrity of those (copycats)composers".
  examples:
  1.dhak dhak(beta)-abbane(telugu)
  2.koyal(beta)-kozhi koovum neram(enga chinna rasa)
  3.tu tu tara(bol radha bol)-rakamma(thalapathi)
  
  vijay
  
  
• From: Gokul (@ p1.echostar.com) on: Mon Dec 29 17:55:29 EST 1997
  
  Vijay
  
  Enga Chinna Rasa:- Shankar Ganesh was the MD
  
  
• From: srikanth (@ tick.dsddhc.com) on: Tue Dec 30 15:36:48 EST 1997
  
  Hi
  It is not worth talking with these guys ,
  
  Best joke is Deva is above Raja,
  (not even in dream DEVA could top Raja
  (or Deva could not top me in that matter)
  
  Sorry if i had troubled you guys
  
  BYE
  Srikanth
  
  
• From: sathya (@ client-151-200-125-244.bellatlantic.net) on: Fri Jan 2 21:02:29 EST 1998
  
  Guys,
  I have put the following 2 articles in archived threads. For your reference, I put them here too.
  
  Article 1. Why Raja is Uncomparable to any other Md of any kind.
  
  2. Reasons for Raja's Decline
  
  Articles are too long and I apologise for that. Those who oppose my arguements, please do not fail to notify to others, and do not forget to support your arguments with evidence.
  
  
  
  
  
• From: Sathya (@ client-151-200-125-244.bellatlantic.net) on: Fri Jan 2 21:05:07 EST 1998
  
  Hi,
  I started this article seeing the query in the following link.
  http://www-anw.cs.umass.edu/~ravi/tfm/test/27911.12:54:08.html
  
  Why Raja is Uncomparable.
  --------------------------
  
  
  To all,
  
  Whether you are a Ilayaraja fan or ARR fan or MSV fan or whoever it is, if you want to argue that your favourite music director is better than the others give hardcore evidence to support your arguement. Do not just like that say that ARR has set the Trend, So he is better Or Ilayaraja has composed this song and he is better. You may like your favourite. It does not mean that your favourite music director is better than others. Your wishes are different from the facts. To be an active participator and to participate in a healthy discussion always support your arguments with solid evidence.
  
  I will start with my arguments that Ilayaraja is the alltime best for music of any kind.
  
  First I will answer to the following words by Mr ARUN who started the discussion.
  
  "Accept it or not, Rahman HAS replaced Raja. If you are comparing achievements, it is totally unfair to compare one's 25 year career with other's five. But for the last five years, Rahman has done a better job than Raja even if you take Raja's first five years (IMO, ofcourse)"
  
  Rahman has replaced Raja. In what sense Rahman replaced Raja? Being the No 1 music director in Tamilnadu?
  
  Vivian Richrds and Clive Lloyd were the captains of West Indies Cricket Team. Now Courtney Walsh is the captain. Since being the captain of west indies team. do you put him on par with Richards or Lloyd? Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of Congress 50 years back. Now Seetharam Kesari!!
  Can Kesari claim that he is as good a leader as Gandhi only because he is the leader of congress?
  The reason for Ilayaraja's decline in the field has been discussed by me in the following link and the it itself is a big topic to debate with.
  
  http://www-anw.cs.umass.edu/~ravi/tfm/test/24703.15:38:06.html
  
  Anybody can become No. 1 some time or other. Being the no. 1 what are your achievements and what is your contribution? Ilayaraja has nothing to achieve anymore. Can any one of you give me a department in Music where any music director has achieved something better than Ilayaraja? I will discuss in detail his achievement in all departments of music to my knowledge. If I am wrong or If you know something I missed I welcome a healthy argument supoported by solid arguments.
  
  In the statement I quoted, he has said ARR has done a better job in his first five years. In his First 5 years Raja has done more than 200 films and more than 1000 mega hit songs. He was not promoted by any producer or Director or Press or satellite TVs. How do you put these 200 films and 1000 songs against 25 films and 30 songs? Are you crazy?
  
  You yourself had said that Raja has 20 years exp. while ARR has 5 years exp. In 20 years Raja has scored more than 800 films and 4000 songs. He has atleast 150 films where all the songs in the film were super hits. He has more than 2000 hit songs and his average films per year is 40. If you project ARR's career, he has done only 30 films so far and around 15 hit movies and 50 hit songs. Assuming consistency he can atmost do 125 films and around 200 hit songs. Has he ever done music for a low budget film or a new director or an actor like Ramarajan, Rajkiran, Murali etc? In what sense you claim that he has done a better job? In the amt he is paid? I will give you an information. Ilayaraja was paid Rs.40 lacks for Thalabathi in 1991, which was the best ever salary in India till that time. He has earned more than 300 crores in 20 years.
  
  In another place he mentioned that Ilayaraja has copied Hindi and western? Do you have evidence? I have evidence for Rahman's copying. The flute music that starts "Ennavale" in Kadalan was taken from a famous western composer who generously declared that anybody can use his composings as a library. Rahman has agreed this in an interview with Anantha Vigatan.
  
  Now I will start with How Ilayaraja is uncomparable.
  
  I claim Ilayaraja to be uncomparable in the following concerns.
  
  1. Songs
  2. Background Music
  3. Trend Setter
  4. Consistency
  5. Carnatic Music
  6. Albums
  7. Multi Lingual Perfomance
  8. Customizing Songs for directors/actors
  9. Technology in music
  10. His magnanimity
  11. His responsibity in making the film A super hit
  12. His Productivity - Quickness & Excellence
  13. His professional Composing style
  14. Promoting the cine industry / consumer electronics
  
  I will discuss the above topics one by one.
  ---------------------------------------------------------
  
  
  1. Songs
  ---------
  
  I like to classify songs as follows. ( I will give an example in the brackets - even though obvious - The songs may not be the best of that kind )
  
  1. Duets ( Kanmaniye Kaadhal Enbathu)
  2. Solo songs ( male - Senthaazhm Poovil, female - Maaliyil Yaaro (sathrian) )
  3. Sensational songs Duo - Not duets ( Aayiram malargale malarungal)
  4. Sensational songs solo - ( Male - Kanavu Kanum Vazhkkai, Female - Raasave Unnai Nan - Thanikkatu Raja)
  5. Songs sung in happy mood - converted to pathos later - (Povomaa Oorgolam)
  6. Pure pathos in nature ( Female - Sonthamillai Banthamillai - Annakili, Male Unna ninaicen - Aboorva sagothargal, Duo - Kudagumalai - Karagaattakkaaran)
  7. Songs designed exclusively for Background music ( Then pandi seemaiyile - Nayagan)
  8. Songs designed for sensation later used for Background Music ( Poongatru - Mudal Mariathai)
  9. Songs designed for duets later used for background music ( Thalaatuthe vaanam - kadal meengal)
  10. Bit songs - (Ae Kuruvi - mudhal mariathai , Sollaal aditha - sinna goundar)
  12. Romantic songs - ( Duo - Nila Kaayudhu, Female- Sivarathiri - Michael Madana..)
  13. Sexual grievance - Azhagu malar aada - Vaideki Kaththirunthaal
  14. Dispute in Marriage - Mandram Vantha Thndralukku - Mounaragam
  15. Songs for ceromonies - occations
  New year - Sagalakalavallavan - tiil the best and immortal
  Puberty - Araicha Sandhanam - Sinna thambi
  Kalyanam - oru nalum unai - ejaman
  First night - Thalaiyai Kuniyum Thamarai - Or odai nathiyagirathu - sridhar
  Birthday - Thenmadhurai - Dharmathin Thalaivan
  Thaalattu - Thooliyile , tene thenpaandi meene, mannava mannava - Walter
  Blessing - Nooru varusham, Adi kaana karunguyile - poonthota kavalkaran
  Appreciation - Potri Paadadi ponne, Kannu pada poguthu
  Engagement - Vanthathe Kungumam - Kilakku Vaasal
  Thoonga Vaikkum Paattu - Pachchai malai thenu - kilakku vaasal
  Happiness for getting things done - Madai thirandhu -nizhzlgal
  Pregnancy - Sindhiya venmani - Poonthotta kavallkaran
  vazhai kappu - rakku muthu rakku -ejaman
  Pongal- Thai pongalu vanthathu - mahanathi
  Dheepavali - Pattasu suthi suthi - Poove poochoodava
  Bogi - kattukuyilu, margalithan - Thalabathi
  Mother's death - En thayenum koyilai - Aranmanai kili
  Athletic environment - Sickendra aadaiyil - iniya uravu pooththathu, Paruvame Pudhiya paadal - nenjaththai killathe)
  Wive's Loss - Sola Pasungiliye - En rasavin Manasula
  16. Brother -sister Relation - Oru thanga Radhaththil - Dharma Uththam
  17. Amma Songs - Amma endralaikkatha
  18. Hamming Oriented songs - Poonthalirada - Panner Pushbangal
  19. Dappanguthu songs ( Vadi en kappa kilangu, Podhuvaga en manasu)
  20. Karnatic pure in nature - Sinna kannan azhaikiran - kavikuyil
  21. Karnatic - Mixed Ragas - Punjai Undu - unnal mudiyum thambi
  22. Conversion of existing raga into new one - Mari Mari ninne - Sindhu Bairavi
  23. Starting in Folk Bridging to Complex karnatic raga - Paadariyen - Sindhu Bairavi
  24. Gaanaa songs - Machchi Mannaaru - Ennuyir tholan
  25. Pure English song in a Tamil Film - One two three - Punnagai Mannan
  26. Quasi English - All The Time - Nadodi Thndral
  I like to highlight this. Ilayaraja is the first person who designed songs which starts
  with a rithm and the rithm occupies the entire film. If you hear the rithm alone itself, you can identify the song. 27. Rithm Oriented songs
  There are a number of songs and I list a few.
  
  Aasaiya Kaththula - Johny
  Aattama - Captain Prabhakaran
  Kadoram Lolakku
  Nila adhu vaanaththu
  Malai koil vasalil - Veera
  AAsai adhigam
  Mottai madi
  Kattukuyilu
  MASI MAASAM
  Santhaikku vantha kili.
  
  28. Instrument Oriented Song.
  
  Ilaya nila - Guitar
  Kalakaalmaga Vazhum - Violin
  Raja Rajathi Rajanendra Raja - Drums ( Only Drums)
  Thenmadurai - Piano
  Manamagale - Devar Magan - Nathaswaram
  Potri Paadadi - Devat Magan - Gadam
  Nilavu Thoongum - Mouth Organ
  
  29. Kindal Paattu - O party nalla party
  30. Old song like songs - Paarijatha poove, Naan sirithal deepavali
  31. He used Train sound as rithm in Goods Vandiyile - Kunguma chimizh
  32. Exceptional songs even for Trivilial situations - Karumbu vil - meenkodi Theril
  33. DEVOTIONAL ( JANANI JANANI)
  
  I am tired of thinking any more. Somebody can help me for further list of songs.
  
  I am sure no other music director can imagine doing this. Has any other music director before him or after him has achieved such a feet. I will challenge!
  
  
  2. Background Music(BGM)
  -------------------------------------
  
  Many of us when thinking and speaking about Ilayaraja, we give our emphasis to his songs. But his potential in Background music is amazing. We hardly talk about it because the involvment that is created by virtue of his BGM eliminates the feeling that music added separately after taking the film. Only in the absence of a quality BGM we feel that something is missing and talk about that.
  I will give you an evidence for his talents in BGM. Mr. Piriyadharsan a Malayala Director ( Rated as one top 5 Indian Directors today) produced a monumental film "KALABANI" or "SIRAICHALAI". When the project was started he gave an interview that he was selecting the technitians for the film from the Top 5 of the respective field. He told that he has only one choice for Music and it was Ilayaraja.
  Raja's professionalism in BGM can be best seen in "Mudal Mariathai and Devar Magan". Raja has been accepted by almost all music directors in India as the Best BGM composer all time.
  
  
  3. Trend Setting
  ---------------------
  
  Many people are talking that trend has changed, This MD has changed the Trend and so on. They are using the word "Trend" as a filler without really specifying what they mean by trend.
  
  Ilayaraja changed the following trends.
  
  1. He proved that a Music director can take the entire credit for a song. Before Ilayaraja all songs were either MGR songs or SIVAJI songs or SSR songs or GEMINI songs. And the music directors did not get any credit for their songs. It includes MSV, V.KUMAR, KVM etc.
  Ask anybody whose song is ANNAKILI? It is ILAYARAJA'S song. Whose song is "NALLAVARKKELLAM CHATCHIGAL RENDU" ? Is it a SIVAJI song? No!! It is Ilayaraja's song. He is the person who brought the Music Director from behind the screen to front of the people. People started clapping the hands with enthu seeing the Title " Isai - Ilayaraja". No other MD has got such an appreciation from the public in India before that. People started asking "Isai Yaaru? Ilayarajava? Kandippa Polam!!".
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA.
  
  2. Ilayaraja proved that only his name is sufficient for the film advertisement. People did not bother who is the actor, actress , director, producer. Seeing Ilayaraja they went into the Theatre.
  Kovaithambi advertised "Payanagal Mudivathillai" with Ilayaraja's cut out. Songs made the film running for 250 days.
  .THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA
  
  
  3. People claim that nowadays musical trend has been shifted to WESTERN. In 1991 ANJALI was released. The songs were declared by Press to be 21st CENTURY MUSIC. At that time only Manirathnam was there to Use Raja's talents in WESTERN MUSIC. Only because of lack of quality customers, many of ilayaraja's talents went unutilised.
  WESTERN MUSIC IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA.
  
  4. People claim that some of the today's MD's songs are copied by Hindi people. When Ilayaraja was copied by Hindi people for 15 yrs nobody wrote about that. Hindi Music Director "Anand Milind" openly stated that Ilayaraja is as good as the God and he does not feel ashamed to copy Raja as he is taking music from the Musical Guru. All songs in "CHINNATHAMBI" were copied. The song "THUTHTHUTHOO THUTHTHUTHARA" was copied from " Raakamma Kaiya Thattu". When you did not give popularities to these things that time.
  Letting People to copy from Tamil
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA.
  
  5. Some people say that Some of our Music Directors are very popular in Hindi too. Ilayaraja has already done music for Hindi - SADMA. In 80s When he enters into the studio, both sides of the road people from Telugu, Kannadam, Hindi were standing and beggging Ilayaraja to score music for them. But He spent all his time for Tamil Tamil Tamil. He paid the price for dedicating his time only for Tamil films. Today the same Tamil people dare to say that Raja avvalavuthaan.
  He was the first Music Director to perform Music for Many Languages. He gave hit movies in Malayalam, Telugu, Kannadam, Hindi that also frequently except(Hindi).
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA.
  
  6. I like to highlight this. Ilayaraja is the first person who designed songs which starts with a rythm and the rythm occupies the entire film. If you hear the rythm alone itself, you can identify the song.
  I have already given a number of examples.
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA
  
  7. Ilayaraja is the man who has done Miracle with carnatic music in cine songs. The Raga that was used in "Chinna Kannan Azhaikkiran" from kavikuyil is never indented for a happy song. Ilayaraja said that it can be used for happy songs and composed "Chinna Kannan Azhaikkiran" . (Those who know carnatic can explain better)
  Also the song "Mari Mari Ninne" from sindhu Bairavi was sung in a different raga that is beyond the reach of lay people who do not know carnatic music. Ilayaraja with the same Lyrics, changed the Raga and made the song whispered by lay people.
  For the first time in cine songs Ilayaraja started from a flok song that is written in the same Raga as "Mari Mari Ninne" in sindhubairavi, and bridged this folk song to the song "Mari Mari Ninne" itself. It was a miracle declared by carnatic people.
  He mixed two ragas that are complicated and produced the song "Punjai Undu Nanjai Undu" from Unnal Mudium Thambi.
  In 1994 december musical season Ilayarja was honoured bu the music academy for his invention of a new Raga " Panjamugi " and Ilayaraja was requested to start the season by singing. Famous violinist V.V.Subramaniyan explained Ilayaraja's gimmics in cartnatic music.
  In "Sindhu Bairavi" the last song was composed only with "Aarogam", i.e. only increasing swaras. Exactlyb speaking the pitch will never come down. Mathematically it is like a Sawtooth wave.
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA
  
  8. Ilayaraja was paid Rs 40 lacks for Thalabathi in 1991, the highest till then. He was the man who made the music directors to be paid on par with or ahead of actors.
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA
  
  9. Many actors and directors insisted Producers to get the Callsheet from Ilayaraja and then only made commitments. The dependancy was such that if for some reason Ilayaraja stops scoring music the entire Tamil film industry will come to a Halt.
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA
  
  10. After 1976 a lot of recording centres were started bearing Ilayaraja's name and the boards drawn with Raja's photo. They worshipped Raja like a God for promoting their career. This is very evident if you enquire a Recording centre owner.
  THIS IS THE TREND SET BY ILAYARAJA
  
  
  4. CONSISTENCY
  ------------------------
  
  The average number of films Ilayaraja was scoring per year was 40 and in one year he had scored 55 films. The success percentage was more than 75 %. Even the songs which have failed were overshadowed by his other exceptional songs. Many of them were good if you see them alone. Also every hit song will immediately be followed by another one and he kept the people busy. He never gave excuse that for this reason this song failed. Also he never dissappointed the trust we and the customers had on him. Such a success in the industry has no parallel in any industry. There were days when people cursed Raja while coming out of theatre that one song out of 6 was not good. Such was his consistency and productivity.
  
  
  5. CARNATIC MUSIC
  ------------------------------
  
  I have discussed enough about his contributions to Carnatic Music in Para 3. He was appreciated by most of the Carnatic Specialists that his talent in Carnatic Music is in no way inferior to the best in the Carnatic Field.
  
  6. ALBUMS
  ----------------
  
  His famous albums are
  
  1. How To Name it.
  2. Nothing but wind.
  
  Nothing but wind created a record sales in Europe while How to name it is a lesson in the violin Unversities for western Music. Raja has been awarded Honourary Doctor by ARIZONA UNVERSITY (USA) for his services.
  
  His latest touch is obviously "SYMPHONY". I am sure I need not tell the story about this as it is very obvious.
  
  
  7. MULTY LINGUAL PERFOMANCE
  --------------------------------------------------
  
  To get an award for music in Malayalam is more difficult than getting at the national level. Ilayaraja has won the Best Music Director Award in Malayalam too. He gave mega hit songs in all south indian languages. Also he gave hit songs in Hindi Direcrly or Indirectly.
  
  8. CUSTOMIZING SONGS
  -----------------------------------
  
  Ilayaraja decided how the song should be for every actor and director. I will give a list of actors, directors and producers who might have gone null and void in Ilayaraja's absence. I feel Rajinikanth is an exception. He was enhanced by Raja. But in the absence of Raja's music he would have come in a different mould but not necessarily to this extent.
  
  ACTORS
  -------------
  
  Rajinikanth
  ---------------
  
  Right from Murattukkalai you can see the songs enhancing his image. He was built by Raja film by Film. He came out of Raja for Manithan. But at that time he was well estblished. It is debatable whether he dared to use a differnt Music director during his initial stage. Anyhow it is very evident that Ilayaraja has played a vital role in Rajini's success. Even now VEERA was recovered by Ilayaraja which was openly accepted by Super star himself and the public. A failure at that time would have been a big set back to Rajini careerwise and politically.
  
  
  Kamalahasan
  -----------------
  
  He was called "KAADAL ILAVARASAN". For what? Only because of songs in his films. Every Kamal Film had good songs. Particularly Kamal became an aggressive hero only after SAGALAKALAVALLAVAN. Without Raja's songs he is nothing nothing nothing. Kamal Rasigargal forgive me. If you wish we can have a separate debate on this.
  
  
  Vijaykanth
  --------------
  
  After the failure of almost all films finally Vijaykanth got a confirmed berth in the industry when "VAIDEKI KATHTHIRUNTHAAL" was released. I remember the time it was released. The song "RASATHTHI ONNA" was sung like National Anthem. It was followed by "Amman Koil Kizhakkale", "Ninaive Oru Sangeetham", "Poonthotta Kavalkaaran". Then only he settled.
  
  SATHYARAJ, KARTHIK, PRABHU
  -----------------------------------
  
  These guys are also benefited from a number of films like
  
  Walter Vetrivel
  Thirumathi Palanichami
  Kadalora kavithaigal
  Varusham 16
  Kilakku Vaasal
  Agni Natchaththiram
  Chinna Thambi
  Senthamizh Paattu
  
  and a lot more which needs the help of a statistician.
  
  
  OTHER ACTORS
  -----------------------
  
  This is a list of actors who do not have any specialities and survived only because of Ilayaraja.
  
  MOHAN : Payanangal Mudivathillai, Udhaya Geetham, Nan Paadum Paadal, Paadu Nilave, Ilamaikalangal.
  
  RAMARAJAN : Probably the funniest actor
  Enga ooru Pattukaaran, Karagaattakaaran, and many medium hit movies
  
  RAJKIRAN : En Raasaavin Manasula, Aranmanaikili, Ellaame En Raasaathan, Enna Petha Raasa(Producer)
  
  MURALI : Poovilangu, Pagalnilavu, Namma Ooru Poovaaththaa, Poomani
  
  
  DIRECTORS
  -----------------
  
  1. BHARATHIRAJA
  ----------------------------
  
  Can you think of Barathiraja without Ilayaraja's music? Did he get the success he got with Raja after leaving him? I am sure Barathiraja is the person who is benefited most from Raja. He is indebted to Raja like anything. But "Varattu Gouravam" prevents Barathiraja from joining with Raja. It is a quiet natural and very human. Because they were friends in boyhood. While Raja went to the height of controlling the entire cine field, Barathiraja even with the help of magnificent song struggled to secure a win in more than half of his career. He could become only the best director in the field whereas Raja went on to become the King of the Industry. Had Raja not been his childhood friend, he would have digested Raja's success.
  As far as I am concerned, Barathiraja can be accepted as a completely independent director only if he can give a film like "16 vayathinile", "manvaasanai", "alaigal oyvathillai", "Mudal Mariaathai" in the absence of Raaja. Till then he can be considered to have gone null and void in the absence of Ilayaraja.
  
  2. BALACHANDAR
  ----------------------------
  
  You know Balachandar in "Ninaithale Inikkum". You know Balachandar in "Sindhu Bairavi". Where was Balachandar between these two? Take a quick lok at the following films
  SINDHU BAIRAVI
  PUNNAGAI MANNAN
  MANATHIL URUTHI VENDUM
  UNNAL MUDIYUM THAMBI
  PUDHU PUDHU ARTHTHANGAL
  
  What does flash in your mind ? The stories? The actors? The actress? The Awards?
  
  No !!! Songs Songs Songs . These songs went into Record books.
  
  After the success of "Pudhu Pudhu Arththangal" many journals emphasised that the songs played the key roll in the success. Our Balachandar did not accept it . He told in the press that his story only was the vital reason for the success and he was not happy to give the Lion's share to Raja. He also declared that he is not going to use Raja's services anymore. Did he get that quality songs thereafter? No? Don't say Duet! Only two songs that too did not help the film anyway!!
  
  So it is very obvious that Ilayaraja is the Only person responsible for Balachandar's success in the last decade.
  
  3. BALUMAHENDRA
  ------------------------------
  
  Balu himself accepted that He will stay with Raja as long as he does music as Raja played a major roll behind his success.
  To accept the talent one person is good for another talented person. I don't know why Barathiraja and Balachandar in spite of themselves being Giants in their field could not digest Raja's Talents.
  
  
  4. MAHENDRAN
  -----------------------
  
  A completed film before background music is called Double Positive technically. After finishing "Mullum Malarum", Mahendran has shown the Double positive to Distributors. They refused to buy saying it is like documentary. But after Raja completed Rerecording there was a heavy demand among the Distributors. Mahendran also says Ilayaraja made a lot of difference in his Movies.
  
  5. MANIRATHNAM
  ----------------------------
  
  Mani's first two films were to be failed. But Raja salveged his pride.
  
  They are Pagal Nilavu and Idhayakoil
  
  Next is Mounaragam. obviously songs played the key roll.
  
  Next one is Nayagan. Songs and BGM definitely made a difference.
  
  Next one is Agni Natchaththiram. Only reason for success is Songs.
  
  Next one is Idhayaththai Thirudathe. Only songs.
  
  Next one is Anjali. Songs and BGM rescued from a disaster.
  
  Next is Thalabathi. Songs were biggest hits.
  
  Whenever Mani was in crisis, songs helped him a lot. Is that right today?
  
  6.OTHERS
  --------------
  
  The only strength of the following directors is Ilayaraja. In the absence of Raja's music they would not have been noticed at all. ( Selvamani might have survived)
  
  P.Vasu - Chinna Thambi, Walter Vetrivel, Senthamil Pattu
  
  R.V.Udayakumar - Kilakku vaasal, Chinna Gounder, Ponnumani, Ejaman
  
  R.K.Selvamani - Captain Prabhakaran, Chembaruththi, Pulan Visaaranai ( He was benefited by a very good BGM also)
  
  R.Sundarrajan - Vaideki Kaththirunthal, Amman Koil Kilakkale, Payanangal Mudivathillai, Nan Padum Paadal, Rajathi Raja
  
  K.Natraj - Udayageetham, Unnai Nan Sanththen, Ninaive oru sangeetham
  
  Others like Rajkiran, Kalangiam, Kasthuriraja
  
  
  PRODUCERS
  ------------------
  
  1. Sangili Murugan
  2. Kovaithambi
  3. Sathya movies
  4. Sathyajyothi Films
  5. Rajkiran
  6. Amma creations Siva
  7. G.V.Films
  
  If you see the history of these people You see the role of Raja with them.
  
  
  To conclude this topic 8 , if you consolidate you can see that the above people only constituted the entire Tamil Cine Field and Raja being the heart and backbone of each one's success, it is very evident that Raja was the man who survived the entire field between 1976 and 1990. My prevoius argument that had Ilayaraja stopped scoring musivc in that period for some reason, the entire field would have collapsed and come to a halt, makes a little sense.
  
  
  9. TECHNOLOGY IN MUSIC
  ---------------------------------------
  
  Ilayaraja was the first person to indroduce STEREO effect in songs. The film was Priya.
  
  Ilayaraja was the first person to use computers for composing music. The film was VIKRAM.
  
  
  
  10. RAJA'S RESPONSIBILTY IN MAKING THE FILM HIT
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  If you see Mudal Mariathai and Devar Magan, you can see the dedication and commitment shown by Ilayaraja. In the course of BGM he suggests bit songs and some change in s
  
  
• From: sathya (@ client-151-200-125-244.bellatlantic.net) on: Fri Jan 2 21:06:39 EST 1998
  
  10. RAJA'S RESPONSIBILTY IN MAKING THE FILM HIT
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  If you see Mudal Mariathai and Devar Magan, you can see the dedication and commitment shown by Ilayaraja. In the course of BGM he suggests bit songs and some change in scrrenplay which worked out many times. Infact the name Devar Magan was suggested by Raja, Also in Chinna Goundar, the song "Sollal Adiththa sundari" was suggested by Raja and got a big calp. Also when situation requires, he does not hesitate to write Lyrics and Sing himself.
  
  11. HIS PRODUCTIVITY
  ---------------------------------
  
  You might have known this. The six tunes of "Chinna Thambi" were produced in 45 minutes by Ilayaraja. He has completed entire recording of 3 songs right from Tuning in a single day. As I already said He has produced 40 films on an average. i.e. atleast 200 songs an year in addition to rerecording in which raja is the quickest and best (in quality). He finishes BGM in 3 days normally. Apart from all these he spends time in learning carnatic, producing albums, symphony etc. He has completed 10 degrees in Piano in a London University which is the top Piano Univ in the world. He can play every instrument on par with a full time professional and he was one among the top 4 Guitarists in the 80s. His favourite instrument is Guitar.
  
  12.HIS MAGNANIMITY
  ---------------------------------
  
  Many a times Raja has done music at low costs and sometimes at no cost for poor producers to uplift them. In 1993 when Parthiban was struggling for money to complete "Ulle Veliye", Raja told him he may give money for the music if only the film becomes a successful one.
  
  13. PROFESSIONAL COMPOSING
  -----------------------------------------------
  
  His composing style is something unique, extraordinary and stunning. He never asks the technitians to play the song and hear it. He completely writes the song as notes and ask them to play directly. He never changes the music during the course of regersal. It means he completely run the song in mind and exactly produces in the paper.
  Whenever he goes to Bombay for recording, almost all Music Directors crowd at the stuio to view hi professionalism. Famous composer Naushad, the Music Director for Rajkaboor stated that Raja has achieved more tha 100 times other can think about and he has a lot to learn from the Genius Ilayaraja.
  
  14. PROMOTING THE CINE INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  Until 1976 hardly few houses had radios and Taperecorders were rare. Till then even though people liked other songs, they were not ready to spend money over them. But once Raja was in, the whole industry was busy and people were crazy about songs. They started recording songs and all members of the house were keen at assembling whenever Vividbharathi or Neyar Viruppam was scheduled. Statistics reveal that the sale of Radios and taperecorders increased exponentially at that time.
  
  
  
  I like to conclude here. I make a humble request to People cursing Raja. He is our guy who upheld out pride and represented us. You need not appreciate him. Atleast do not wound him. Do not compare Raja with any other Person. He is Beyond comparison. He has nothing more to achieve. Also he need not prove that he is a genius. We have enough evdence. One can atmost aim at equalling his talents.
  I do not argue that other music directors are inferior to Ilayaraja. My arguement is that Ilayaraja is superior to other people.
  
  I am sorry for such a big discussion and I appreciate your patience to read this article and I thank you. If you feel I missed something or I am wrong somewhere do not fail to notify.
  
  Sathya - (vagees@hotmail.com) -(703-709-9589) - virginia
  
  
  
• From: sathya (@ client-151-200-125-244.bellatlantic.net) on: Fri Jan 2 21:09:24 EST 1998
  
  Article 2
  ---------
  
  This I responded in the link
  
  http://www-anw.cs.umass.edu/~ravi/tfm/test/24703.15:38:06.html. I have put the article and the responses for your ref.
  
  From: SATHYA (@ client-151-200-127-21.bellatlantic.net) on: Tue Dec 30 00:41:39 EST 1997
  
  
  Guys,
  
  Let me explain why the Giant Ilayaraja has come down. Forgive me if the discussion is too long.
  
  Also I will explain how his decline is different from others.
  
  
  
  If you see the decline of others, they ran out of stuff and they could not sustain in the market.
  Somebody else would have taken their place and they lost market. (It includes K.V.M., MSV,
  V.KUMAR etc.)
  
  But if you see the decline of Raja, few things are visible.
  
  First thing.
  
  Nobody took away his market. He was doing 45 films an year (Can you imagine!!!) and more than 125
  hit songs an year. So if any body has taken away his market, he should be doing the same no. of
  films.
  
  Only Deva is doing 30 films an year and producing almost junk. Hardly 2 or 3 that to copied
  professionally from Raja.
  
  Has Rahman took his Market? No! Kunjumon and Sankar have never been a customer of Raja. Even
  Mani's "Iruvar" failed musically too, which never happened to him before. Even when ManiRathnam
  has failed to give a good Movie Raja has Rescued him in the following films. "Idayakoil, PagalNilavu,
  Anjali, Thalabathi ". Even Agninatchthram, Idhayaththai Thirudathe have obviously had Raja's stamp,
  and they might have gone null and void in the absence of Raja's Music.
  
  Then what made him to go away from the Market? I attribute the following things for his decline.
  
  1. Backstabbing
  2. Satellite TV
  3. Failure of All of his Customers all of a sudden
  4. Prestige issues.
  
  Backstabbing
  ------------
  
  I like to quote the following three guys for betraying Ilayaraja. Resoective fans forgive me.
  
  1. Rajinikanth
  
  Veera was about to go for a flop. Raja rescued and the film ran for 100 days and saved Rajini. It was
  the time Rajini was growing like anything. Press people started writng about Music rather than the
  Gimmics of Super star. Rajini was not happy to share the credit. He himself accepted in the 100th
  day function that Raja takes 50 % and he takes 50%. And he decided not share the credit anylonger.
  If you see the songs of Batcha, Muthu, Arunachalam they were primarily Superstar's songs and if you
  see the songs of Ejaman, Veera they wre Raja's songs rather than Rajini songs. Raja is the only man
  who can supress super star. The same fact prevented Rajini from using Raja's services.
  
  
  2. Kamalahasan.
  
  Everybody knows Kamal is an oppurtunist. After Mahanathi he did not have Raja for his movies
  (Except Sathileelavathi).
  
  1. Nammavar
  
  Due to some differences between Nagiretti and Raja Ilayaraja did not score for this.
  
  2. Indhiyan
  
  After the failure of Nammavar Kamal lost confidence on him and wanted to try a different combination
  to survive in the Market. So he joined with Sankar and Rahman. Film was succesful but Kamal was
  humiliated by the duo regarding which I am happy. Shankar warned in Anantha Vikatan that Kamal
  Has No business with Director's duty and Rehman refused to customize the tune for Kamal and said
  he can show the tunes only to the director.
  Kamal would have survived in the Market. But he fell down losing his identity.
  
  3. Barathiraja.
  
  Can you think of 16 vayathinile .... Mudal mariathai....Nadidithendral in Raja's Absence.
  
  Barathiraja was jelous over Raja's supremacy in cene field and he could not tolerate Raja's kingdom.
  So joined with Rehman.
  
  
  All these things happened in the same year and was a big blow to Raja.
  
  All these 3 peoplr have sucked Ilayaraja's blood when he was at the peak. They are indebted to
  Ilayaraja for their success in career.
  
  Ilayaraja built each one's Image movie by Movie like an architect. How could Kamal earn the Knight
  "kadal Mannan" without raja's songs. Right from "pothuvaga en manasu thangam" Raja carefully
  enhanced Rajini's Image.
  
  Raja never got benefited from these guys. He had so many customers and gave life to number of
  actors like "ramarajan, murali, rajkiran, mohan, vijaykanth, karthik", producers like "kovaithambi,
  sangilimurugan, amma creations siva, sathyajothi thiyagarajan, sathya movies" directors like
  'santhanabarathi, p.vasu, R.V.udayakumar, R.K.selvamanietc.." Only because of Ilayaraja these
  people have survived.
  
  After gaining all benefits from Raja, they left him alone. They should have stood by Ilayaraja when
  Raja had a crisis. But they reiterated that Cinema field is famous for betraying and backstabbing.
  
  Who is Manirathnam without Ilayaraja? Where do you see Sridhar or Balachandar in this 2 decades
  without Raja.
  
  All people were around him when they needed him.
  
  But Ilayaraja with his talents as good as he was in 1976, is out of Market. Nandri Ketta Ulagamappa!!!
  
  
  Still he proved by "kadaluuku Mariathai" has he is supreme. While Mallus still stand by him our guys
  are away from him.
  
  
  Satellite TV
  -------------
  
  It was the time when "Gentleman" Was released. All satellite TVs started a program called "top 10,
  pepsi 10 etc..."
  
  Almost all tv's suntv, rajtv, etc etc put that gentleman is no. 1. They also promulgated that those songs
  were copied in Hindi too.
  
  When Ilayaraja was copied by Hindi people for 15 yrs nobody wrote about that.
  
  Hindi Music Director "Anand Milind" openly stated that Ilayaraja is as good as the God and he does
  not feel ashamed to copy Raja as he is taking music from the Musical Guru.
  
  All of a sudden press gave importance to Rahman while these TVs started promulgating Rehman's
  songs are No 1 always.
  
  Raja's songs became hit only after people heatr them. Bit today these music directors' songs even
  before getting released come with a Tag called "super hit". Today's music relies on advertisement
  rather than stuff in it. Even Kuppai songs were whispered by people because of repeated adds.
  
  And TVs argued that this is youngster's season and they influenced people's views. Youngsters went
  away from Raja feeling he is old.
  
  When Raja was growing he benefited Radios , TVs, Recording centres. Even today you can see
  Raja's photo in musical centre's as Raja only gave life to them.
  
  So technology went against him. It is a fate we have yo regret.
  
  
  Failure of Customers
  ---------------------
  
  Primarily he lost good customers like Rajini, Kamal, Barathiraja, Balachandar, Manirathnam in a short
  span.
  
  Then Mahendran, P.Vasu, R.V.Udayakumar, R.K.selvamani, Rajkiran, Vijaykanth ran out of field,
  Balumahendra alsom lost rithm. Good producers like Sathyajyothi, Sathya movies , AVM,
  Kovaithambi also faced failures.
  
  
  All these things happened in an year and this led to his decline.
  
  Can any other music director before IR or After IR hit the film without a good artist, producer, and with
  lowest budget. It was done only by Raja and such era ends with himmself.
  
  
  Prestige Issues
  ---------------
  
  Raja could have rescued himself by adjusting with or coming down and making a request to his old
  friends. But he was not ready to do that.
  
  We should appreciate that. He is a single man Army. He is a Lion defeated by 100 Foxes.
  ----------------------
  He achieved in every department in Music. His achievements are not measurable. Even with money,
  onofficial newses state that , this single man has earned more than Rs 300 crores in 20 years.
  
  Never mind that Ilayaraja is not in the Market. Even if not today he has to come down some other
  day. Nobody can reach the heights he reached.
  
  I like to qoute the following proverb.
  
  
  Yaanai Paduththalum Kudhirai Mattam.
  
  (Even if elephant falls down, Horse is still inferior)
  
  
  Guys, your comments are welcome. Sorry for such a lenghthy discussion. Thank you
  
  Sathya (vagees@hotmail.com)
  virginia
  
  
  From: sathya (@ client-151-200-125-252.bellatlantic.net) on: Tue Dec 30 02:13:39 EST 1997
  
  
  Please forgive me for numerous spelling and grammar mistakes as I have composed late night at one
  stretch.
  
  sathya
  
  
  From: vasu palaniandi (@ pluto.nationwide.com) on: Tue Dec 30 12:33:44 EST 1997
  
  
  it is really good. i appreciate your efforts.
  but don't say that raja's market has declined.
  it is still there. only one man in this field can do wonders with one song like ''otha roova tharraen''.
  even heroes like murali and directors
  like kazhanchiyam can give a hit movie if Raja
  is the music director. he is coming back with all
  the power in ''kadalukku mariyaadhai''
  
  
  From: T.Madhan (@ 202.41.117.3) on: Tue Dec 30 13:37:52 EST 1997
  
  
  Dear Sathya,
  
  YOur writeup was fantastic - but I would like to beg to differ in one aspect.
  
  Kamal - IR relationship-
  
  I don't agree that Kamal ditched IR - because , very recently in Ananda Vikatan, IR had made the
  mention that if there is one actor who has ISAI GYANAM, it is Kamal - now if IR was not in good
  terms with Kamal, IR would have never said that -
  Kamal's abstinence from IR may be because other reasons - otherwise, KarthikRaja would not have
  composed for "Marudha Nayagam " trailer.
  or Kamal would not have sung in KR's ULLASAM album.
  
  I completely agree with all of your other comments - YENNAKKU RATHTHAM KODHIKKUDHU when I
  think of the backstabbings IR must have experienced.
  
  
  From: vasu palaniandi (@ pluto.nationwide.com) on: Tue Dec 30 17:36:47 EST 1997
  
  
  dear Mr. Madhan.. i clearly agree with the kind of
  behavior that Mr. sathya has described about
  Kamalhasan. He is a very good example for an opportunist. He is a good actor in real life too.
  I too like him very much as an actor but not as a
  human being. The words that Mr. Sathya has used are all 100% correct in the matter of
  Kamalhaasan.
  Though the arguments you put up are all of convincing nature, truly it is not. Obviously a person like
  IR won't critisize in public. None would like his son's career being spoiled bcos of
  his personal problems.(especially in cinema industry).(it applies to politics too).
  these words are worth repeating again:
  ---------------------------------------
  After the failure of Nammavar Kamal lost confidence on him and wanted to try a different combination
  to survive in the Market. So he joined with Sankar and Rahman. Film was succesful but Kamal was
  humiliated by the duo regarding
  which I am happy. Shankar warned in Anantha Vikatan that Kamal Has No business with Director's
  duty and Rehman refused to customize the tune for Kamal and said he can show the tunes only to the
  director.
  Kamal would have survived in the Market. But he fell down losing his identity.
  
  
  From: sathya (@ client-151-200-127-11.bellatlantic.net) on: Tue Dec 30 20:05:07 EST 1997
  
  
  Hi Madan,
  
  As a Kamal's Fan your grievance is acceptable. In my discussion I did not mention about a word
  came from Kamal's mouth, because I was wounded by such a word so much that I wanted to forget
  those words.
  
  Few years ago a reporter asked Kamal to rank Indian Music Directors.( I hope 1991) Kamal said First
  10 places goes to Ilayaraja and rest is not worth listing.
  
  Last year he was asked by Kumudam why IR does not figure in his recent films. Kamal replied
  
  " Producers want to do business, I do not want to interfere "
  
  I will give the exact words he told in Tamil.
  
  " Rajavai podanunnuthan asai, Panam pottu Yaavaaram Pannuranga, ennala thadukka mudiala"
  
  What does this mean? He liked Raja's Market rather than Raja's talents and Raja himself.
  
  A good friend is a person who participates in all your endeavours and stands by you when you are in
  a crisis. Is Kamal a good friend? I would have appreciated his stand if he atleast had not told in the
  press such a word. Ilayaraja would have felt more wounded about this instance than his decline itself.
  
  
  Kamal as an actor, as a screenplay writer, as a trend setter etc etc stays far ahead of the rest. I
  agree that he is one of the most talented artists in Indian Film Industry all time. But as a human being,
  he is not so. I have given you the evidence. He changes his colours like a chameleon.
  It is also evident from his recent statement during Film Industry strike that even though he
  Balachandar may be his Guru, he came to the Industry even before Balachandar and claims seniority
  over Balachandar.
  
  
  Sathya.
  
  
  From: Kannan (@ 202.54.34.105) on: Wed Dec 31 07:10:36 EST 1997
  
  
  Hi Sathya,
  Your work was fantastic, now your assumptions are becoming true. Do'nt listen to what madhan is
  telling.He is a always biased towards Kamal. Kamal proved yet again that he is away from Raja. For
  his new muti crore venture"Maruthanayagam" the music director is not Raja. In last week The
  Hindu(Sunday,28th dec) in Folio section, there was a article about Tabala Genius Zakir Hussian, in
  that he himself(Hussian)told that he is going to do the music for Kamal's "Marathunayagam".
  
  But in ur writeup i am very particular about the sattlite TV role in current days.
  
  If Sat Tv were not there now. Our beloved raja would be the ultimate now also.
  
  P.S - Sorry For Spelling mistakes if any.
  
  Kannan
  
  
  From: Nithin Sreedevan (@ nc.pr.mcs.net) on: Wed Dec 31 16:32:34 EST 1997
  
  
  Dear Mr. Sathya:
  
  I am just delighted to read your article on that great creation of God, Shree Ragadevan Illaiyaraja.
  
  If you have any more, please enthrall us with the news.
  
  I only wish the best for our Great Raja.
  
  
  From: T.Madhan (@ 202.41.117.3) on: Thu Jan 1 12:54:01 EST 1998
  
  
  Dear Ksnnsn and Sathya,
  
  So I have to believe in this theory that has been proposed - well fine,ok go ahead - but let us wait for
  "MARUDHANAAYAGAM" - then we will know about the MD - we will know whether IR is in or out - then
  the Truth will be out .
  
  It is painful to learn about the person that Kamal is - true even I have heard from many quarters about
  Kamal's double headed nature . Now what I am going to tell you all is nothing to do with Kamal - IR - it
  is the way IR has been treated in general .
  
  1. I have personally heard many aaccpeting IR's genius reluctantly, but also grimace that he is after
  all a " PARAIYYAN " - i.e., he belongs to a lower caste - I am not lying - this is the general feeling I
  could get - it is a fate of Tamil Nadu that despite the high level of education and development , we
  Tamilians are still backward in our thinking - best example - the recent riots in Tirunelveli district,
  where many lower caste people were killed mercilessly.
  
  2. There is also a STRONG POSSIBILITY that people like BHARATHIRAJA, MANI RATNAM,
  K.BALACHANDER ignoring and ostracising IR simply because of the caste factor - as for KAmal,
  " naattham yedukkum koovum nadhikkaraiyil pon vilaiyndhaal, adhaiyum porukkum gunam udaiyyaa
  oru thirai ulaga Jaambhavaan !!" So going by your theory, Kamal must have ditched IR only because
  of market ( oppurtunism ) rather than his caste factor.
  
  
  3. Rajinikaanth - indha aal yaaru - periyya Kalai Maamani - vengaayam, katthirikkaai - after twenty
  years in the Tamil film industry , indha aallukku thodarndhu two minutes Tamil dialogue pesa
  vakkilaadha oru 'dabba' actor - summaaa cigarettai thookki pottu pidippadhu, thundai tholil maatri
  poduvadhu - indha gimmicks vaithu namadhu mara mandai tamizhargalai azhagaaga yemaatri kodi
  kodiyaaga panam sambaathiththavar - ivar yenna seidhaar ? - yedho oru padathhin 100 days
  nigalchhiyil, periyya pistaavai pol " For actors like us we have to slog out in the sun, for people like
  ilayaraaja, they sit comfortably in a room and compose music - a very easy job indeed "
  yendru nakkalaaga vaarthaigalai vittaar.
  
  Raaja summaaa iruppaaraa - sardhaan poyyaaa yendru odhingi vittaaar - Bangalore il bus conductor
  udhyogam parthukkondirandha ivar , KBalachander in dhayavaal nadithhu, S.P.Muthuraman, AVM
  Productions, ARoordass
  ( dialogue writer ) pondrorin udhaviyinaal indru SUPERSTAR ! Yedhaavadhu oru padathhirkkavadhu,
  kadhai discuss seidhom, screenplay discuss seidhom, paattu compose seiyum podhu kooda iruppom
  yendru muyarchi seidhadhundaa ? Oru mannum kidaiyaadhu - aanaaal, oru muyarchiyum illaamal,
  (leave talent alone, but the attitude matters equally ), Tamil Naattu maangaa madaiyargalin
  madathhanathaal indru Superstar - ivar vandhu IR patri comment kodukkiraar - Tamil Naattu Greatest
  Artiste Maestro Illayaraajavukku idhuvum vendum, innamum vendum.
  
  4. Some of my close friends told me that even the doyen of Carnatic Music, the great Semmangudi
  Sreenivasaiyyar does not allow Raja to enter his residence because of IR's caste background - I
  don't know how far this is true , but it hurts, pains a lot that when the 21st century is just two years
  away, we all think like neolithic age men.
  
  
  " BUT RAAJAA, WE ARE ALL WITH YOU FOREVER "
  
  
  From: r.ravi (@ m33.pppmad.vsnl.net.in) on: Thu Jan 1 12:56:11 EST 1998
  
  
  To Sathya :
  Well excellent sathya ! Just great. The analysis was upto the mark. The threshold set by raja ( 125
  films a year etc) are the ones that other music directors must try to emulate. Any way no chance for
  others , for the GOD of music is too much for others to handle.
  
  
• From: kirubakaran (@ slipper.watcom.on.ca) on: Fri Jan 9 21:46:21 EST 1998
  
  Re: Deva
  
  Movie: Aasai
  
  The song pulveLi, pulveLi's guitar piece was surely copied from a Rod Stewart song.
  
  I think Vijay noticed this as well.
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ box648.labs.cis.pitt.edu) on: Mon Jan 12 21:40:21 EST 1998
  
  Many of you failed to mention that AVM production survived mainly because of IR. Almost all the AVM's mega budget movies were scored by IR
  
  
• From: Inthiran (@ randers.bibnet.dk) on: Wed May 20 12:48:42 EDT 1998
  
  song by "Avathaaram"
  
  Janaki :Paaddu endru neenaI peathellam ingu paadaga iruppathillaI, athu leesaana visijam illa.......I
  
  Raja: athukkaakathaan izaI avatharamaI, naan pirantheannn endru.. intha puuloogam paaradŽdumea.......
  
  Yes Illayaraja is ever time Raja .....
  
  KootaI illaI koodijum illaI, eppotum naan RAAJA..
  
  
• From: Ajithkumar (@ randers.bibnet.dk) on: Wed May 20 12:51:02 EDT 1998
  
  song by "Avathaaram"
  
  Janaki :Paaddu endru neenaI peathellam ingu paadaga iruppathillaI, athu leesaana visijam illa.......I
  
  Raja: athukkaakathaan izaI avatharamaI, naan pirantheannn endru.. intha puuloogam paaradŽdumea.......
  
  Yes Illayaraja is ever time Raja .....
  
  KootaI illaI koodijum illaI, eppotum naan RAAJA..
  
  Enakkum IRaajavukkum, enna OttumaI endru ithil paarkavum:
  
  http://www.fortunecity.com/westwood/alaia/116/Deneseya.html
  
  
  
• From: L.M.A.R.HANIF (@ 203.116.1.244) on: Fri May 22 23:31:50 EDT 1998
  
  RANKING OF MDS
  
  1.A.R.RAHMAN
  2.A.R.RAHMAN
  3.A.R.RAHMAN
  4.A.R.RAHMAN
  5.A.R.RAHMAN
  6.A.R.RAHMAN
  
  
• From: L.M.A.R.HANIF (@ 203.116.1.245) on: Fri May 22 23:33:56 EDT 1998
  
  RANKING OF MDS
  
  1.A.R.RAHMAN
  2.A.R.RAHMAN
  3.A.R.RAHMAN
  4.A.R.RAHMAN
  5.A.R.RAHMAN
  6.A.R.RAHMAN
  
  
• From: Sujatha (@ 152.163.197.217) on: Wed May 27 01:19:45 EDT 1998
  
  Dear Hanif,
  
  What an idiotic response you have given after
  seeing this beautiful explanation over Ilayaraja
  (by Sathya). Please let me know are you O.K.?
  
  Dear Sathya,
  
  It will not be worth of discussing about MDs with these kind of people. Purely it is waste
  of time for us.
  
  Seviden kadhula sangu oothina mathiri aayiduchu.
  Please don't waste your time for this (hanif)
  type of idiotic response.
  
  Friendly yours,
  
  Suji
  
  
  
  
• From: Sujatha Chandrasekaran (@ 152.163.195.88) on: Wed May 27 17:53:30 EDT 1998
  
  I wish to tell you some of my favourite songs of
  Ilayaraja. Why don't all of you write yr.
  favourite songs here?
  If anybody doesn't know about the film name of a particular song, It may be helpful for them to search that song in Recording centres.
  
  Some of my favourites are :-
  
  Poomaalai oru pavai aaguma -- Thanga magan
  Aagaya gangai senthen malar solai -- Dharma yuddham
  Kaaviriye Kavikkuyile Kanmaniyae va va - Thaiveedu
  Hae padal ondru -- Priya
  Darling Darling Darling -- Priya
  Uravenum pudiya vaanil -- Nenjaththai Killathae
  Penmaanae Sangeetham padivaa - Nan sigappu manithan
  Suno reeta i love you -- Jhony
  vandhadu vasantha kaalam -- pudiyavan
  Thaen mazhayile -- pudiyavan
  Kodai kala katrae -- Panneer pushpangal
  Poonthendral Katrae vaa vaa -- panner pushpangal
  Manjal nilavukku indru ore sugam -- mudhal iravu
  kanmani nee vara kathirunthen -- Thendralae ennai thodu
  pattu thalaivan padinal pattuthan -- Idaya koil
  poovilae maedai nan podava -- pagalnilavu
  Poomalaye thol serava -- pagalnilavu
  Kuyilae kavikkuyilae, chinna kannan -- kavikkuyil
  En kanmani kadhali ilamangani -- chittukkuruvi
  Adadadama marakkiliye -- chittukkuruvi
  ninaivo oru paravai -- sigappu rojakkal
  Indha minminikku -- sigappu rojakkal
  Natru indha neram Aathangarai oram -- tik tik tik
  Poo malarndhida nadandhidu ponmayilae -- tik tik tik
  Idu oru nilak kalam -- tik tik tik
  ho vasantha raja -- neengal kettavai
  senthura poove -- 16 vayadinilae
  Adi pennae, senthalam poovil -- mullum malarum
  paaramal partha nenjam -- poonthotta kavalkaran
  sandhana katrae -- thanik kattu raja
  santhana maarbilae kungumam -- nadodiththendral
  Hai Hai Orayiram , Ponnana meni ullasam -- meendum kokila
  Ponnoviyam -- kazhugu
  Manadhil enna ninaivugalo -- Poonthalir
  Jermaniyin senthen malarae, alagu aayiram -- ullasa paravaigal
  vanilae thenila aaduthae paduthe -- kakkichattai
  pattukkannam thottukkolla -- kakkichattai
  Oru ragam padalodu -- ananda ragam
  panivilum malarvanam -- ninaivellam nithya
  Enna samayalo -- unnal mudiyum thambi
  vaa vaa vaa vaa kanna vaa -- velaikkaran
  Oru poongavanam -- Agni natchathiram
  Kanna varuvaya -- manadil urudhi vendum
  guruvayurappa, keladi kanmani -- pudhu pudhu arthangal
  bhupalam isaikkum -- thural ninnu pochu
  vandhal vandhal rajakumari -- oru oorla oru rajakumari
  Poongatril salaiyoram -- pattupadava
  Poonkadhavae thal thiravai -- nizhalgal
  Rasavae unna nambi indha -- mudhal mariyadhai
  vaan megam -- punnagai mannan
  Oho megam vandhadho -- mouna ragam
  Nadhiyoram neeyum oru naanal endru -- annai ore alayam
  padum neram iduthan iduthan -- soorasamharam
  kookoo endru kuyil, hai unnaithane -- kadhal parisu
  Ilamaiyenum poongatru -- pagalil ore iravu
  kunkumam manjalukku -- enga mudhalali
  andha maan enthan sondha maan -- karagattakkaran
  neramithu naeramithu nenjil oru -- Rishi moolam
  Thathanthana kummi kotti -- adhisaya piravi
  Kalaiththendral padivarum -- uyarndha ullam
  Poongatru pudiranathu, vaanengum -- moondram pirai
  azhagiya kannae -- udhirippookal
  Ivaloru ilankuruvi, varudhu varudhu ilankatru -- bramma
  
  I don't know the film name for the following songs
  
  Then sindhuthae vaanam
  Kanmalargalin azhaippidhal
  Vaada vattudhu
  Thiruththeril varum silayo
  Engum niraindha iyarkayil enna sugamo
  Enna sugam enna sugam unnidam naan kanda sugam
  kadhalin deepam ondru
  Noolum illai vaalum illai vanil pattam viduvena
  
  I'm so tired of thinking about it.
  Please let me continue sometimes later
  
  
  
• From: Ramakrishna Damodharan (@ j40.spt1.jaring.my) on: Sun Jun 7 13:02:55 EDT 1998
  
  You made a right choice.
  ARR is a class above than rest the MDs in Tamil music industry.
  Deva is a good MD but his hits are stay no longer when ARR hits are on the sale.
  Placing IR in third place is not a good idea when his sons Karthik Raja and Yuvan Shankar Raja are tuning better than him.
  Its better to say anything about Sirpi at this time.
  
  
• From: kitty (@ 202.141.24.2) on: Sun Jun 7 23:49:50 EDT 1998
  
  KEE :- ARE YOU MAD ?
  
  
• From: commanor (@ bones.deneb.com) on: Mon Jun 8 02:29:18 EDT 1998
  
  The order KEE has given is based on the current trend.
  
  IMO, the order of ARR, DEVA, IR is correct for 96-98 period.
  
  I do listen to new songs only in TV channels (except
  Jeans & ninaithen vandhAi & Kathalukku Mariyathai) - in those
  listners choice programs - the ONLY repeatedly asked IR song is
  "ennai thAlAtta varuvALA" - other than that everything else is
  ARR or Deva's song.
  
  Based on today's trend and makkaL'a taste - IR can't be
  rated number one. Just few IR bakthars here in DF shouting at
  others saying "MAD, idiotic response..." and listing all your
  favorite IR songs ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE the makkal's taste and
  the reality.
  
  BUT definitely IR is in my top two
  "ALL TIME GREATS OF TFM" and ARR is getting there.
  
  Liking, ordering, numbering,.... are subjective things.
  
  NAM ROMBA UNARCHIVASA PADA THEVAI ILLAI.
  
  
• From: arr_rasigan (@ fire-nyc.viacom.com) on: Thu Jun 11 13:46:35 EDT 1998
  
  commanor,
  
  nethi adi .sariya sonninga.... adu innaba adu ellarum raja raja nu uyire udurango...avan puta case ma.....ARR is a trend setter and a MUSICAL GENIUS....accept this....listen to his "thai mannai vanakkam" from vande mataram. He has given an "international feel" to that song without compromising on the "indian ness". that was world class stuff. Many people say that his music his nothing but iraichall...i totally disagree...his style of composing is unique and sexy...recently i
  got this oppurtunity to listen to a "nadaswaram" piece composed by him for SUNTV. what an electrifying piece....ennai porutha varaiyil nadaswarathai kekura madiri pottadu na adu arr than....
  
  I just admire arr and his music....
  
  an arr rasigan
  
  so IMO
  
  ARR and ARR alone....
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• From: sudharsan (@ q002.engl.uic.edu) on: Sun Feb 28 02:22:14 EST 1999
  
  Get a life!
  There more important things to worry about
  rather to babble about this...
  
  

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