To celebrate the legendary composer Ilayaraja's 50th anniversary in the music industry, the Tamil Nadu government hosted a special event. The star-studded function was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

In attendance were a host of eminent personalities from the world of politics and cinema. The event was graced by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The evening's highlight, however, was the presence of cinematic legends Superstar Rajinikanth and actor Kamal Haasan, both of whom have had a long and fruitful collaboration with the maestro.

At the event, Superstar Rajinikanth took the stage to share some candid and heartfelt anecdotes about his deep friendship with Ilayaraja, giving the audience a rare glimpse into their personal bond.

Thalaivar on Ilayaraja: A Man of Wonder

Kicking off his speech, Thalaivar Rajinikanth thanked the state government for honoring Ilayaraja's incredible achievement of composing a symphony, a major milestone in his career. Rajinikanth described the composer as a "man of wonder," someone he has known for decades and has so much to say about.

"His tunes and beats reverberate everywhere," Rajinikanth said, noting that Ilayaraja’s music from the 70s and 80s remains timeless. "Even in Coolie, we used some of his songs. More than a composer, I have seen him as a human."

The actor recalled seeing Ilayaraja transform from a young man to the revered figure he is today. "Ever since he shaved his head, wore a bindi, and dressed up in a jibba, I started calling him 'Samy,'" he shared, using a term of reverence.

The Rajadhi Raja Story and a Promise Kept

Superstar Rajinikanth shared a fascinating story about the 1989 film Rajadhi Raja, a project he took on as a favor for Ilayaraja's family banner, Pavalar Creations. The actor admitted his initial concerns about the film, especially after a conversation with Ilayaraja.

"He told me he hadn't even read a line of the script," Rajinikanth recounted. "But he promised me it would run for a silver jubilee, and if not, he wouldn't do music anymore. I was really taken aback, and it caused me further tension."

Worried about the film's prospects, Rajinikanth even considered paying distributors to ensure its success. To his surprise, the movie did, in fact, go on to celebrate its silver jubilee, a testament to Ilayaraja's confidence and foresight.

A Jocular Jab and Personal Triumphs

In a lighthearted moment, Thalaivar Rajinikanth playfully teased Ilayaraja about giving his "best songs" to his close friend, actor Kamal Haasan, a joke that drew laughter from the crowd. He even hummed a few lines from a song in Kamal Haasan's iconic film, Nayagan.

Rajinikanth also spoke about Ilayaraja's resilience in the face of immense personal and professional hardship. "His brother, wife, and daughter passed away one by one," he said, highlighting the tragedies the composer has endured. "But despite all that, he kept doing music."

He also commended Ilayaraja's fighting spirit, citing the composer's legal battle for the copyright to his music and his swift action in setting up a new studio after being asked to vacate his old one at Prasad Studios.

A Surprise Interruption and a Hilarious Anecdote

The evening’s most humorous moment came when Ilayaraja began his speech and was immediately interrupted by Superstar Rajinikanth. The actor couldn't resist sharing a hilarious, previously untold story from the sets of the 1980 film, Johnny.

"Me and director Mahendran were drinking when we invited him as well," Rajinikanth confessed. "He too drank with us and gossiped about almost every heroine. He was up until 3 AM and had so many romances. That's how the songs came!"

As the audience erupted in laughter, Thalaivar Rajinikanth concluded with a grin, "There is so much to tell, and I will save it for another day."

The event was a beautiful tribute to Ilayaraja's extraordinary journey, filled with laughter, love, and a deep appreciation for a man whose music has been the heartbeat of generations.