Ilaiyaraja's New Albums 2016-18, News and Titbits

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Now, his brother and member of the National Awards jury Gangai Amaren seems to have taken offense to the ace musician's statement. According to an online report, Gangai Amaren is disappointed in the composer and has said that he has let down Tamilians by not accepting the award. He added that if Ilaiyaraaja had informed earlier, the award could have been given to someone else. He asked if the composer would accept only an Oscar. He also added that that the songs in Thaara Thappattai weren't up to the mark."

These questions are for Gangai Amaran based on listening to his speech (Youtube below) :
1. Since you said, a Gnani should be above everything and IR should not opt for katcheri etc. Using your same logic, he was 100% right to decline this award too. He is above all. Did you berate when Janaki refused it?

2. GA said that if IR is not going to accept the award, it could be given to somebody else. Seriously? How is this logical? The award is given because he TOPPED all. And if he doesn't accept, you give it to next one? Doesn't that belittle the next person? What if that person refuses? You give it to the next one? and keep going on? What is the point of this committee then?

3. Tharai thappattai songs were not upto the mark? GA referred to Jingidi song and thakida thakida from TA. Both are based on the same raga. Because of that you deny an award? Isn't it a known fact that one can churn out the same music again and again using the same set? IR has been doing this for 3-4 decades and still remained on the top. What does that tell you? People accept him but you DIDN'T. People matter and not your personal opinion. So you are ok, if one steals from western, gets fame, and then hops onto international awards? How is this right?

4. Lastly, being in the committee, it is a conflict of interest on commenting about this. This is a biased opinion. With such bias, how can you confirm (with clear conscience) that you will work neutral in future? What if IR's BGM comes up again? You have already disrupted the functioning of the committee.


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