Ilaiyaraaja, born Gnanathesigan in 1943 in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a legendary Indian composer and musician renowned for his profound impact on Indian cinema. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he has composed over 8,600 songs and provided scores for approximately 1,523 films across nine languages. A pioneer in blending Tamil folk music with Western classical harmonies, Ilaiyaraaja was the first Asian to compose a full symphony performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. His accolades include five National Film Awards, the Padma Bhushan in 2010, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2018. In 2022, he was nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, reflecting his enduring influence on India's cultural landscape. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilaiyaraaja?utm_source=openai))