Quotes from Ilaiyaraaja

Till 2010, there was one national award for Best Music Direction. I have received it thrice - for 'Sagara Sangamam,' 'Sindhu Bhairavi,' and 'Rudraveena.'

Music is nothing but sound, and there is no place for value judgement among various sounds.

Right from the 17th century, composers who have taken up music as their means of livelihood went through a hard time financially. They were paid only for commissioned works and public performances. And, when their music became famous, orchestras in other cities and countries would pay a small amount to copy the music.

A director should concentrate on his storyline and his characters.

Government should take necessary steps to add music into school syllabus and impart knowledge to the students.

Art is a unifying language for all of us from across the world, and it transcends boundaries.

The performance of a music director should be judged in a holistic manner, which includes songs as well as background score.

Music happens. It cannot be made.

Music is a continuous process. You evolve with every song.

For me, my music is part of me, and which is why it seems second nature, and my compositions are instinctive.

Music is the only medium by which everyone is connected in the world.

People forget themselves in my music. It's amazing.