Raja's spectrum of moods with violins

Raja’s use of violins in his compositions has delivered all kinds of moods. Some of his detractors have been critical of his over usage of this instrument. Though he is a guitarist by training, his understanding of WCM easily provides him with a vast scope for using violins. No one can accuse him of not delivering the entire spectrum of human moods with a solo or a string section. With violins and guitar, he has delivered more than any Indian composer not just melodies, but moods that have never been attempted before. Example, Chinna Thayaval from Dhalapathi (1991) does not fall under any of our current categorizations – entirely executed with violins. Raja has done parody with violins – example, Naan Pada varuven from Uthiri Pookal (1979).

Let’s look at his violin compositions that evoke happiness. Ananda Ragam from Panneer Pushpangal (1981) is a classic example of a song that evokes this mood. En Vaazhvile from Thambikku Endha Ooru (1984) is another great example. Kadhal Oviyam from Alaigal Oiyvathillai (1981) or Kanmani Nee Vara from Thendrale Ennai Thodu (1985) or Kanmaniye Kaadhal Enbadhu from Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979) or Malai Soodum Velai from Naan Mahaan Alla (1984) are examples of this mood. Maanadum Kodi from Mudhal Vasantham (1986) or Madai Thiranthu from Nizhalgal (1980) or the prelude of Nilaondru Kandaen from Kai Raasi Karen (1984) or Oh Vasantha Raja from Neengal Kettavai (1984) or Pagalile Oru Nilavinai from Ninaive Oru Sangeetham (1987) or Poomalaiye Thol Serava from Pagal Nilavu (1986) or Rakamma from Dhalapathy (1991) are examples from Tamil. Recent examples from Tamil include Thoorigai Inri and Yaarukku Yaarendru from Ajantha (2007). Rangulalo or Manchu Kurise from Abinandhana (Telugu - 1990) create the same mood. My top pick for this category would be Rangulalo…



Let’s move to the pleasant recollection mood. With violins, the list is endless. There is only a small shade of difference between the happiness, pleasant memories and romantic moods. Agaya Vennilave from Arangetra Velai (1990) is a good example of this mood with violins. Isai Paadu Nee from Isai Paadum Thendral (1986) or Keladi Kanmani from Puthu Puthu Arthangal (1989) are some other examples. Nila Kayum Neram from Chembaruthi (1992) and Nilavu Thoongum Neram from Kunkuma Chimizh (1985) require special mention due to the sophisticated orchestration. Poonkathave from Nizhalgal (1980), Poongatru from Moondram Pirai (1982) or, Thendral Vandu Ennai from Thendrale Ennai Thodu (1985) or Yetho Mogum from Kozhi Koovuthu (1982) – all use wonderful orchestration to reflect this mood. My top pick for this section is Poonkathave...



Let’s look at the romantic mood. Raja has used violin(s) in romantic circumstances on too many tracks to list. I’ll list a few that are outstanding in my view. Ethetho Ennam from Punnagai Mannan (1986) is a great example for this mood. Ilamai Ennum from Pagalil Oru Iravu (1979) is hard to beat. Kadhal Kavidhaigal from Gopura Vasalile (1991) creates the mood aided by flutes. Kannil Enna Kaar Kaalam from Un Kannil Neer Vazhindhaal (1985) is one of the best preludes of Raja in this mood. Maalaiyil Yaaro from Kshatriyan (1992) is a wonderful piece of orchestration. Mazhai Varuthu from Raja Kaiya Vecha (1991) or Oh Butterfly from Meera (1991) are other outstanding examples in this mood. Paruvame and Uravennum from Nenjathai Killathe(1983) was Raja’s early attempt to use violins to convey this mood. Pothivachha Malligai Motu from Man vasanai (1983) or Radha Radha from Meendum Kokila (1980) are other mesmerizing examples. Samakozhi from Ponnu Oorukku Pudhusu (1979) or Sundari KannaL from Dhalapathi (1990) or Enna Solli from En Mana vaanil (2002) are some other tracks from Raja’s long list of violin based romantic interludes. From Raja’s early days, Oru Naal Unnodu from Uravaadum Nenjam (1977) or Neela Kuyile from Magudi (1984) deserves mention. , Rasaleela vela from Aditya 369(1991) is of worthy mention from Telugu work of Raja. My top pick for this category would be Rasaleela vela…



Let’s review some of Raja’s fast work with violins that create the party mood. Thendral Thaan from Keladi Kanmani (1990) is a fast number executed very well with violins. Vanitha Mani from Vikram (1986) is another fast number executed in a very unorthodox way. Kaala Kaalamaaga from Punnagai Mannan (1986) shows how in the right hands, even a solo violin can create the tune for a dancing number. Mella Mella from Vazhkai (1984) would be my top pick given the wonderful violin play for a party setting.



It is easy to create the pathos mood with violins and it has been the traditional use of this instrument in the solo form in Indian film music. Raja, however, is different. He creates the pathos mood with a complete string section Kanna Unai Thedukiraen from Unakkaakave Vazhkiraen (1986). Muthu Muthu from En Mana Vaanil (2002) is another example of usage of this technique by Raja. I rate the following three interludes technically similar: Nilaave Vaa from Mouna Ragam (1986), Oh Paapa Laali from Idhayathai Thirudathe (Geethanjali in Telugu - 1989), Paadu Nilaave from Udhaya Geetham (1985). The pace of all these three violin driven interludes is similar and delivers the same mood with entirely different orchestration. Some outstanding work from Malayalam include: Kottum Kuzhalvizhi from Kaalapani (1997- Malayalam) – amazing orchestration and Minaaram from Guru (1997 - Malayalam). My top pick for this section would be Kottum Kuzhalvizhi…



Devotion, meditation are what I call Raja moods as it reflects the man. He has done quite a few violin based interludes with this mood and is mostly accompanied by the synth and flute. Though the film scene may not be exactly this, Raja manages to bring these moods out with his interludes. Picturization of some of Raja’s greatest interludes is at best, questionable. Therke Veesum from Kolangal (1995) is a wonderful track that sets your mind to peace. Unnaiyum Ennaiyum from Aala Piranthavan (1988) or Ennai Thodarnthathu from Maamiyaar Veedu (1993) are typical film duets but the interludes when heard separately, creates this mood. Gaanakuyile Kanurakkam from Poonjolai (1997), Intha Poovukoru Arasan and Rasati from Poovarasan (1996) create this mood beautifully with flutes and synthesizer. Mandhiram Idhu from Aavarampoo (1992) is another great track in creating this mood along with flutes. Aaraaro from Anand (1987) is another great track where the interludes are very soothing. Alai Meedu from Kadhal Kavidhai (1998) deserves mention. Some outstanding Malayalam work of Raja: Thai Maavin Thanalil and Pon Veliyile from Oru Yaatra Mozhi (1997 Malayalam), Aruna Kirana and Devasangeetham from Guru (1997) are great tracks that bring out this mood. My top pick for this category would be Aaraaro from Anand….



Traditionally, aggressiveness was expressed using trumpets. Raja loves to break the convention and use violins. Adada Ahangara from Pithamagan (2004) is a great example of conveying helplessness/dismay using violins. Manidha Manidha from Kan Sivandhaal Man Sivakkum (1983) is one of Raja’s earlier attempts in conveying this mood. Ithuvarai Naanoru from Konji Pesalam (2003) is a more recent example. I rate Eduta Neeve from Abhinandhana (1990 Telugu) to fall into this category. My top pick for this category would be Manidha Manidha ….

Moods of Raja

In the introductory part of this blog, I touched upon the moods that Raja has tried to create with his music. Time to get into the detail to see the difference the genius of Raja brings to this important facet of film music. Unlike classical music, which focuses on technical perfection, film music in general focuses on expression. Expressions vary according to the situations in a film script/story. Without exception, all film music composers have to deal with different expressions. If so, what makes Raja different from the rest of the composers?

As I mentioned before, Raja broke a number of long held conventions in the use of musical instruments for both songs and background music. I will focus more on the use of musical instruments in film songs – especially interludes, which has been the focus of this blog.

At a high level, Raja changed the playing field by using instruments that were counter to the norm in film music. Raja has given everybody the boldness to use any instrument for whatever the composer wants to create a ‘feel’ for. Time for some examples:

• Shehnai is no more for just pathos - Raja has used it for every form of expression opposite of the norm – celebration, joy, anger.
• Veena is no more for just an auspicious situation – Raja has used it for devotion, pensiveness, melancholy.
• Flute does not always signify a village – nobody can rival Raja’s use of flute for romance, joy, competitiveness, pathos, devotion
• Sax is no more for youth – Raja has used it as an instrument for romance, mischief, anger, despair.
• Guitar is no more for just romance – Raja being a guitarist by training has used it for the entire spectrum of expressions from anger, sorrow, joy, melancholy, celebration to romance
• Violin is no more for just melancholy – Even Raja detractors agree that nobody has used violin so well in a thousand situations that it is hard to list. Raja has used just the solo violin for bringing out the entire band of human moods.
• Synthesizer is no more a filler for anything the composer cannot figure – Raja’s use of synthesizer is truly amazing. I find that some of his work in Malayalam/Tamil film music with synth is mind blowing. He is so gifted that he is able to bring expressions such as devotion and melancholy easily with the synth.

The bullet points above illustrate how the mind of the genius works. Given any instrument, he is able to create any mood that is required for the situation. The key difference of the Raja experience is this – he decides the moods and the musical instruments and writes notes that are able to deliver the output. Musical instruments do not limit or influence his decision. Or is he so clever that we are unable to surface the limitations that he has with some musical instruments? That’s a question only Raja can answer.

To the best of my knowledge, the association of colors to musical moods is an area of research and there is no agreement among researchers on which color represents which mood. This is due to a large number of musical systems and practices in world music. Let’s not step into this controversial area, and make our own claim. However, in order to make it interesting, I am suggesting a few colors for the next few sections on Raja’s moods that will serve one objective – how he covers the entire spectrum (expressed best by way of colors) with each instrument in his interludes in primarily Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu film music. Some of the readers may not agree with some of my classifications. However, as long as you see the spectrum of moods that are being conveyed by Raja with each lead instrument, my objective is achieved. Please try not to associate the film situation when you hear these interludes – most visualizations of Raja’s music are at best childish in South Indian movies.

Towards this objective, let’s choose some colors for our discussion.
1) Red signifies Anger (aggressiveness)
2) Yellow signifies Happiness (joy)
3) Violet signifies sadness – melancholy
4) Green signifies pleasant recollections
5) Blue signifies romance
6) Orange signifies relaxed party mood (celebration) and
7) Pink signifies devotion

This will be a seven part series exploring the rainbow of colors and the entire spectrum of moods they represent.

Raja’s spectrum of moods with Synthesizer

Raja has been one of the earliest to embrace synthesizers into his compositions. While the synth has almost become the mainstream of today’s film music, he is peerless when it comes to creating different moods with this great electronic musical instrument.

Let’s start with the happiness mood theme. Radha AzhaikiraaL from Therkathi KaLLan (1988) is an excellent use of the synth in this mood. The title track in Punngai Mannan (1986) is another good example. Innum Ennai Enna Seiyya Pogirai from Singaravelan (1991) is also a case in point. Maharajanodu from Sathi Leelavathi (1995) is another recent example from Tamil. My top pick for this section would be Innum Ennai Enna Seiyya Pogirai...




Let’s move to the pleasant recollection mood. Minmini Paarvaigal from Julie Ganapathy (2003) is ably supported with the synthesizer though the lead melody is in guitar. Poovile Medai Naan Podava from Pagal Nilavu (1986) works the magic along with guitar. The prelude of Appadi Paakaruthinna from Ivann (2002) creates a similar mood along with violins. My top pick for this section would be Minmini Paarvaigal...



Let’s look at the romantic mood. It’s impossible to list all, but let me attempt a few. Poongatrile Kaalai Pozhuthu from Paatu Paadava (1995) is a good example. Oru NaaL Oru Kanavu from Kannukkul Nilavu (2000) is another track in this mood. Jaane Do Na from Cheeni Kum (2007) another track in a Jazz version, ably supported by violins. Thoongatha Vizhigal Rendu from Agni Natchathiram (1989) is a great example of usage of synthesizer to create this mood in an otherwise Carnatic tune. Mandarapoo Mooli from Oru Vinodha Yatra (Malayalam - 2006) is a great example of this mood. Oru NaaL Oru Kanavu would be my top pick...



The party mood is the one that you hear mostly from other composers as most of today’s film tracks are mindless dancing. Raja has done several peppy ones with the synthesizer ably supported by flutes and violins. Here are some examples from Raja’s recent work in Malayalam with synth that bring out this mood well. Two examples here. 1) Oru Chiri Kandaal from Ponmudipuzhayorathu (Malayalam - 2005) 2) Ishtakarrikku from Sooryan (Malayalam - 2007). There are hundreds that can easily fit this category. My top pick for this section would be Ishtakarrikku...





Let’s turn to pathos mood and see how Raja brings out this with synthesizer. Maalai En Vethanai from Sethu (2000) brings out this emotion aptly with the synth. Other examples include Diana Diana supported by the sax from Kadhal Kavidhai (1999) and the top example of this category is Manjolum Raathri from Oru Yaatra Mozhi (Malayalam - 1997) – the interludes transport you to another world...



You can easily make this the special Raja category – devotion mood. Some of the interludes may not be truly devotional in the film situation – however, when you separate and hear them, it is easy to see the Raja magic as he is deeply religious with everything that he does. Examples include Arumbum Thalire from Chandralekha (2000) or Enthan Nenjil from Kalaignan (1993) or Meetatha Oru Veenai from Poonthotam (1998). It must be mentioned that Raja creates this mood with the combination of synth with veena or violins. My top pick would be Arumbum Thalire...

Raja's spectrum of moods with Guitar

Raja has a special place for guitar in his compositions. In my view, he has covered the entire spectrum of emotions with guitar more than any other Indian composer. This does not come as a surprise as he is a guitarist by training.

Let’s look at his compositions that evoke happiness. Neethaane Enthan Pon Vasantham and Pani Vizhum Malarvanam from Ninaivellam Nitya (1982) reflect this mood. Oh Maane Maane from VeLLai Roja (1983) falls into this category. The vibrant guitar play of Pattu Poove from Chembaruthi (1992) is a top contender for this category. Other contenders, Aathinkarai Orathu from Rasathanthiram (Malayalam – 2006) and Chella Kaate from Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal (Malayalam – 2001) are great examples. My top pick would be Patttu Poove.



Let’s move to the pleasant recollection mood. There are way too many examples and I will keep this one short. ABC Nee Vaasi from Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1984) creates this mood with violin and chorus. Ellorukkum Nalla Kaalam from Marupadiyum (1993) is another contender. Minmini Paarvaigal from Julie Ganapathy (2004) creates this mood with synth, flutes. Raja Raja Chozhan Naan from Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (1987) is another great piece of guitar work in this mood. My top pick would be Raja Raja Chozhan ...



Let’s look at the romantic mood. It’s impossible to list all, but let me attempt a few. Engengo Sellum from Pattakathi Bhairavan (1979) is a top contender. Ilaiya Nila from Payanangal Mudhivathillai (1982) is another great example. En Iniya Pon Nilaave from Moodupani (1980) is another example. Ennulle Enulle from VaLLI (1993) is a great romantic tune with guitar, and violins. Pani Vizhum Iravu from Mouna Ragam (1986) is an example of a relaxed guitar usage in a romantic situation. Poonthalir Aada from Paneer PushpangaL (1981) is a celebration of guitar work. Then Poove Poove Vaa from AnbuLLa Rajinikant (1984) weaves the magic with flutes and violins and synth. ThuLLI Ezhunthathu from Geethanjali (1985) does it solo by guitar. Nilave Nee Varavendum from En Aruge Nee Irundhal (1991) also creates the mood with guitar, violins and flute. The top pick for this section is a tie between ThuLLi Ezhunthathu and Nilave Nee Varavendum. Let me pick Nilave Nee Varavendum...



Party mood obviously requires the pace to be fast. The first song that comes to mind is Eh Aatha from Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982). However, there are several others. Megam Kotattum from Enakkul Oruvan (1984) is another example. Sinoreeta from Johny (1979) is another great guitar play that evokes this mood. Thamaraikodi from Aananda Kummi (1982) is a great guitar play with sax and violins that creates this mood. Ilamai Itho Itho from Sakala Kala Vallavan (1982) is a great party tune driven by guitar. Vaan Engum Thanga from Moondram Pirai (1982) is another song that produces this mood along with sax, synth and trumpets. Vanitha Mani from Vikram is another contender in this category ably supported by sax and violins. The top pick would be a tough choice between Sinoreeta and Vaan Engum Thanga. Let me pick Vaan Engum Thanga...



Let’s see how Raja handles pathos with guitar – very unusual mood by Indian film music standards. Nallathor Veenai Seithu, Ellorum Sollum Paatu and Nalam Vaazha from Marupadiyum (1993) is Raja’s answer to the same emotions that Jagjit Singh tried to create with ghazal based tunes in the Hindi original Arth. In my view Raja succeeded beyond what Jagjit could even imagine with guitar, flute and violins. Piraiyae Piraiyae from Pithamagan (2004) uses guitar as much as flute to bring out the pathos of the situation. Malaiyoram Veeesum Kaatru from Paatu Paadava (1995) uses guitar strains to convey pathos extremely well and would be my top pick...


Devotion with guitar – that sounds very unusual. Not in Raja’s hands. Ponnil Vaanam Poothathu from Villu Paatu Karan (1992) creates this mood along with flutes, violins, cellos and synthesizers. Arumbum Thalire from Chandralekha (2000) does this magic with synth and guitar. Kodai Kaala Kaatre from Paneer Pushpangal (1981) in my view evokes this mood though the situation in this movie is romantic.My top pick would be Arumbum Thalire..



Anger or aggressiveness is usually expressed in Indian movies with loud trumpets, saxophones, wailing violins etc. Raja has successfully recast this by using guitar in several situations. Ennadi Meenachi from Ilamai Oonjalaadukirathu (1978) is an example of anger being expressed with electric guitar.

Raja's spectrum of moods with Flute

Raja’s use of flutes in his compositions has delivered all kinds of moods. Let’s look at his compositions that evoke happiness. Kuzhaloothum Kannanukku from Mella Thiranthathu Kadhavu (1986) uses flute along with violins to create this mood. Mayil Aadum Thoppil from Chinna Pasanga Naanga (1992) uses flute with violins to create the same mood. Nee Oru Kadhal Sangeetham from Nayakan (1987) is another classical example – this uses veena and violins.Oru Thanga Rathathil from Dharma Yudham creates this mood along with the violins and bass guitar. Oru Kili Uruguthu from Anandha Kummi (1982) is another example. Some examples from Raja’s Malayalam work: Paadu Saki from Chaitram (1988) and Ponnavani from Rasathanthiram (2006). My top pick would be Kuzhaloothum Kannanukku…



Let’s move to the pleasant recollection mood. With flutes, these are typically folk melodies and the list is endless. Let me list some of the top of mind flute work of Raja from Tamil and Malayalam. Devan Koil Deepam Onru from Naan Padum Paadal (1984) is a non-folk example. Elangathu Veesuthe from Pithamagan (2004) is based on flute melody that conveys this mood. Koondukulla Yenna Vachu from Chinna Gounder (1991). or Oh Unnale from En arugil nee irundhal (1991) are other examples. Pachamalai Poovu from Kizhaku Vaasal (1990) or Sindhiya Venmani from Poon Thota Kavalkaran (1988) are samples from this long list. Siru Kootile from Paandi Naatu Thangam (1989) or Vana Kuyile from Priyanka (1994) are additional examples. Some more from Malayalam: Poo Kunkumapoo from Rasathanthiram (2006) or Enthu Parainjalum from Achuvinte Amma (2005). My top pick would be Enthu Parainjalum…



Let’s look at the romantic mood. Arguably Raja has used flute in romantic circumstances on too many tracks to list. Chinna Chinna from Mouna Ragam (1986) is an example where Raja creates a romantic mood with flute supported by violins and bass guitar. Enulle Etho from Rosapoo Ravikaikari (1979) is another classical example. Kalyana Thenila from Mounam Sammadham (1989), or Mounamana Neram from Salangai Oli (1983) are some awesome examples. Muthu Mani Malai from Chinna Gounder (1991) or Putham Pudhu Kaalai from Alaigal Oiyvathillai (1981) are vintage Raja in this mood. Sempoove from Siraichaalai (1997) or Singara Cheemaiyile from Ninaivu Chinnam (1989) or Thaalatum Poongatru from Gopura Vasalile (1991) or Un Paarvaiyil from Amman Kovil Kizhakkale (1986) are wonderful examples from the wide body of Raja’s work. Kathirum Kothi from Man of the match (1996 Malayalam) creates this mood beautifully. My top pick would be Putham Pudhu Kaalai…



Party mood obviously requires the pace to be fast. However, my view is that Raja uses flutes to modulate the flow of melody in his otherwise fast paced songs. This is one of the reasons for even the fast paced Raja tunes to have a smooth flow and is very soothing to the listener. Examples include: Aasai Adhigam from Marupadiyum (1993) or Aasaiyai Kaatula from Johny (1979). Aracha Sandhanam from Chiina Thambi (1990) or Chinna Rasavey from Walter Vetrivel (1993) are other examples. My top pick would be Aracha Sandhanam…



Perhaps no other composer has used flute so well to convey pathos. Let’s look at a few examples. My top pick for this mood category is Naan Padum Mouna Ragam from Idhaya Kovil (1985) – along with the guitar, the flute says it all. Malaiyoram Veesum Kaatru from Paadu Nilave (1987) is another great example.The second interlude of Nilave Mugam Kaatu from Ejamaan (1993) brings out pathos so well with flute. Om Namaha from Idhayathai Thirudhathe (1989) (Geethanjali – Telugu) is another example. Piraiyae Piraiyae from Pithamagan (2004) or Un Kuthamma from Azhagi (2002) brings out pathos very well. My top pick would be Naan Padum Mouna Ragam…



Devotion with flute – that must be easy. While Raja has done several tracks that bring out this mood, they bring out a sort of meditation type mood to be more precise. Intha Poovukoru Arasan and Rasati from Poovarasan (1996) create this mood beautifully with violins and synthesizer. As mentioned in the guitar section, Ponnil Vaanam Poothathu from Villu Paatu Karan (1992) creates this mood along with violins, cellos and synthesizers. Pallaviye Charanam and Nee Pournami from Oruvar Vazhum Alayam (1988) are fantastic tracks in this mood. Mouna Ragam and Kamalam Padha Kamalam from Moha MuLL (1995) are outstanding examples. Aaraaro from Anand (1987) does this magic with violins. Kaatril Varum Geethame from Oru Naal Oru Kanavu (2005) is a mesmerizing tune done with flute and synthesizer. Mandhiram Idu from Aavarampoo (1992) is my top pick in Tamil along with great violins in this mood. In Malayalam, the track Poovai Virijnu from Adharvam (1989) brings out this mood extremely well – my top pick.

Genius Revisited - Part 1

In all my previous posts, I have tried to substantiate my claim that we have a genius in our midst that somehow we find it hard to recognize. I am writing this in dismay as India never honored such musical geniuses well. Raja once said ‘Being in film music is like meditating on Mint Street’. He does the meditation so well that there is not even a distant second contender in the last 3 decades.

There are two types of geniuses: clever and magical. The clever one finds a solution or a technique that no one is able to think of. But once the genius explains how he/she did what he/she did, it is easy for the talented ones to follow it to the tee. Examples from science include Edison or Michael Faraday. The magical genius is one who explains what he/she did and still no one is able to do that even if they are talented. Examples from science include Albert Einstein or Richard Feynman. In my view, Raja falls under the category of a magical genius.

In the music world, Raja uses garden variety tools. All the musical instruments he has are available to all his competitors. All his competitors are trained in the musical systems that he is exposed to. And yet, nobody is able to perform his magic! Let me illustrate, with three examples, how the talented is unable to recreate what the magical genius created::

Rosapoo Chinna Rosapoo from Suryavamsam (1998) was a raving hit and was composed by another MD. The melody line had very close resemblance to Rasathi Unnai Kanatha Nenju from Vaidehi Kaathirunthaal (1984). Ten years later, which tune do we remember? Why? It is not just the melody line that matters – it is the careful orchestration that went with the 1984 melody that has made it survive the test of time. Separating the melody line can buy you some popularity but the magical genius behind the orchestration is impossible to replicate! Hear the original Raja magic...



and now hear the imitation or 'inspiration' as film musicians call it....






Ilaya Nila Pozhikirathu from Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982) is perhaps one of the most popular tracks of Raja. It had wonderful jazz guitar play and one of the finest interludes of Raja. Nile Nile Ambar in Kalakaar (1983) was redone by Kalyanji Anandji on arrangement with Raja, according to a reliable source. Though it had some good strumming guitar work and Kishore kumar singing it, when you hear the two tracks, the genius behind the original is completely missing. Hear the original Raja magic...


and now hear the jazz composition being butchered, Bollywood style...


Enade Edo from the film Prema (Telugu – 1988) was a great Raja tune with his inimitable signature. The song had great orchestration and the interludes have some great counterpoints (the second interlude where the synth and flute in counterpoint mode is mesmerizing). Anand Milind, who made a living by stealing Raja tunes not only copied this tune in the Hindi film Love (1991) – Saathiya Tuune Kya Kiya, but also used the exact same two voices – SPB and Chitra. Once you start paying attention to the interludes, you will notice that the genius of the Telugu song is completely missing. You can try to reproduce the melody line, you even get the same voices, but not he magical genius of the interludes. Let's hear the original Raja Telugu track...


Let's now hear the Anand Milind attempt, with the interludes...


Many of today's music composers at best can only aspire to be like Raja, it has proved impossible for anyone in the last 3 plus decades to get even at an arms distance from this gifted genius.

Genius Revisited - Part 2

In his interview with the BBC some years ago, Raja quoted the example of his experience at the Calcutta Music Academy. It almost reflects the secret of his success. He speaks about a well performing student who is judged by a panel of luminaries from the music world. While the student does an outstanding performance, he is asked a question that takes him by total surprise – what’s your contribution? Raja seems to approach every form of music with the same approach – he adds his unique contribution to it. The garden variety tools of jazz, pop, WCM, CCM etc. is available to everyone – the genius in this man is how he adds his signature to each one of them. Example, jazz piano – if you hear the track Nee Paartha Paarvaikoru Nanri from Hey Ram (2000) or Niram Pirithu Paarthen from Time (1999) – both employ jazz techniques with the Raja signature.

As music researcher A.S. Paneerselvan puts it: Is Ilayaraja a classical Western musician? Or is he a folk musician? Is he just a successful film music director? Or is he an experimenter in Carnatic music? Is he a proponent of popular culture against elitist culture? Or is he simply a cult figure? The honest answer to each of the above questions is a simultaneous yes and no. A prolific and versatile composer, Ilayaraja has generated an impressive corpus of work: some 900 film scores, an album of Carnatic music, three of devotional songs, an album of Vedic renderings, two of instrumental music released internationally and, an hour-long symphony

Even the most knowledgeable music researchers stumble trying to typecast and categorize him. Nor is it easy for others to define his depth and breadth of musical experiments – something even Raja accepts is hard for himself to do! Technically, is he a music composer, a music arranger, a music conductor, a voice conductor, a percussion arranger or all of the above? The answer to this question is that he has done all of this for most of his compositions.

Like most geniuses, Raja maintains that he does not fully understand music and is still a student of music. He did not invent harmony, nor did he invent counterpoints, nor did he invent any of the ragas of Carnatic music that he uses, or the jazz, rock, piano work, or folk or the symphony that he composed. Nor was he the first to compose an oratorio. However, with this wide body of musical knowledge, he ensures that his compositions are original and also leaves behind his unique signature on every form of music he touches. With about 5,000 original compositions, it is easy to recycle without getting caught, if you apply cleverly some interlude variations to the main melody. Unless he is forced by circumstances, he has stayed clear of repetition in the last 3 decades. For the most part, he is able to make his contribution to every piece of music that he composes. He continues to experiment and update his technique to change with the times.

He has continued to achieve all this dealing with the limitation of the format that he had to operate with. Raja chose to be a commercial film music composer and he had to operate within the limitations of film music format. He does not have the freedom of Mozart or any other orchestral music composers of the West. He has made several attempts outside film music and though they have been critically acclaimed, they have not been commercially successful. As a super crossover musician who could easily fuse Western and Indian classical music, his contributions are astounding both in films and outside it. Few living musicians today have this unique ability to fuse two varied systems so easily – example Thiruvasagam in Symphony.

There are several million followers of his music who appreciate and enjoy his music without knowing anything about the techniques of such a creation. The end product stuns the listener who has a good taste for music – the design and development process is unimportant for most of his listeners. Unlike a standard product, every composition has a different design and development process and most of end results are very pleasing! It is impossible to predict the next creation of Raja at any point in time (he says he cannot do it himself!) and he refuses to go with any ‘industry trends’ – example, he does not do remixes, he sticks to his WCM/CCM/folk paradigms and works thru modernization of musical arrangements. Even in 2008, he does a full blown Carnatic classical based film music score – Uliyin Osai not worrying about its consequences. None of these qualities are found in any of the Indian music composers today. Is he just many times better than most Indian composers, or is he beyond that? In my view he is beyond what most Indian music composers can even aspire to be. He is ‘perspiration’ type (no Indian composer has worked so hard in the last 30 years) and the ‘inspiration’ type genius (no Indian composer has offered so much variety/originality and raised the listener’s bar in the last 3 decades).

As they say, genius is the fire that lights itself and everyone around can best wonder at the lights or comfort themselves in the heat!