Isaignani Ilayaraja Interview

Isaignani Ilayaraja is known for his mesmerizing melodious tunes. He came to Hyderabad for the release of Prakash Raj's 'Dhoni' audio. He is very jovial in his interactions with media and here are some of the snippets for the fans of Isaignani.

Q. You have given great music for over 30yrs. whom do you believe as your competitor? Your Sons Yuvan,Karik or your daughter Bhavatarani

I will not enter into competition with anyone. Each has their own style. If my children ask I will give advice. That's it.

Q. There is a feeling that present day music is dominating the lyrics. Your opinion on this.

Each has his own opinion. I have nothing to do with their opinion. If you find any mistakes in my tunes let me know. I will rectify. If you ask about someone else how can I answer? For one thing music should be like a new born baby.

Q. All these years no music director came anywhere near to replace you. What is the reason for that?

I should not say the reason. Anyway why are you thinking about replacement for me? Only when my songs are not good people think of replacement. You mean my tunes are not good? (Smiling)

Q. Then... Whom do you announce as your successor?

If I have anything I can announce a successor. I am giving tunes for your sorrows and happiness. What will be I left with?

Q. Present genex music directors are taking their own time to give tunes. Your opinion on it.

Recipe should be ready. For that one should go to market get the right ingredients. How can you expect instant mix?

Q. But you provide tunes instantly..

If you ask a person who's recipe is ready won't he give.

Q. Does music has capacity to melt stones

Yes. Mind itself is a stone. Is it not melting while listening to music?

Q. We heard that if you don't like story, you refuse to tune music to any person...

Yes. Some time back Kamal Hasan came and told me a story. It was full of violence. What can I do for such a film? I refused to do. He came after some days with changes in story. I asked him once you have told the story, what changes it will have. I didn’t score music for his film. Many such stories came and I refused.

Q. How do you feel if some one copies your tune?

Nothing. I feel they have taken it because they need it or since they don't have capacity to make similar tune. I don't like to demean and downgrade others. I don't get angry.

Q. You have thoughts of writing Autobiography?

If I had a feeling that I am a great personality I would have written. But I always underestimate myself. I never feel that I came and conquered everything in the world.

Q. What is your life ambition?

Should not have another life. Atreya wrote 'Prema Enta Khatinam'. But I say 'Janma Enta Khatinam'