‘Kalyana Then Nila’ from the film Mounam Sammatham, featuring Mammootti and Amala showcases all of Ilaiyaraja's musical abilities in just 4 minutes and 41 seconds.

Set in the romantic and evocative raga Darbari Kannada, ‘Kalyana Then Nila’ starts with a soothing rhythm, a beautiful guitar piece which then leads into a short string and flute jughalbandhi.

Balu Mahendra wrote and directed this movie starring Kamal Hassan and Sri Devi, Tamil cinemas most successful pair of the 80’s, having worked together in 27 films. The movie begins with the story of Bhagyalakshmi (Sridevi), who has the intelligence of a 7 year old after a serious head injury. She is taken advantage of and ends up in a brothel, where she meets Srinivas (Kamal Hassan) who realises that she has been tricked and takes her to his home, where he takes care of her. Both share an amazing, naive bond which borders on love.

Watch one of Ilaiyaraaja’s best known songs, ‘Kanne Kalaimaane’:

This classic Tamil film directed by Bharathi Raaja tells the story of a village elder (Sivaji Ganeshan), who is unhappily married to the miserable Ponnaatha, played by Vadivukkarasi. Through flashbacks, a friendship that has blossomed between him and Kuyile (Ratha), a young woman from a lower cast, is revealed. Their relationship complicates matters for both of them, socially and personally.

See the unofficial trailer:

Chennai Sangamam, the annual week-long folk art festival, returns next week for the fifth time, with 2,000 performers and 4,000 performances, coinciding with the Tamil festival of Thai Pongal.

Directed by award-winning film maker Mani Ratnam, ‘Naayagan’ follows the life of Sakthivelu Nayakar (Kamal Hassan) and his ascent to become a mafia leader. Revenge, justice and family life are the key themes in this biopic which is said to be based on Varadarajan Mudaliar, an underworld thug of Mumbai.

Watch this scene from ‘Naayagan’, in which Velu Nayakar’s daughter confronts him and his lifestyle:

‘Shenbagame Shenbagame’ from the 1988 film ‘Enga Ooru Paattu Kaaran’ was another hit for Isaignani Ilaiyaraja.

Composed in the raaga Sindhu Bhairavi, the song is a solo which has three different versions for the film; the male version sung by Mano, a female version sung by Sunantha (below) and a sad female version sung by Asha Bhosle, one of the best known and highest regarded Indian playback singers who reportedly cried after listening to the tune.

Ilaiyaraja is a household name for Tamils all over the world. A highly acclaimed composer, lyricist and writer, he has been in the South Indian film industry for over 30 years producing around 4500 songs to date.

Any Tamil person, asked to name their favourite song by Ilaiyaraja, will probably not be able to limit their choice to just one composition, such is the range and quality of his output. He has covered such a vast range of genres and moods which appeal to a wide audience.