PM Modi meets Ilaiyaraaja, hails him as ‘trailblazer in every sense’


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met renowned musician and composer Ilaiyaraaja and said he made history by presenting his first-ever Western classical symphony, Valiant, in London a few days ago. A nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, Ilaiyaraaja was present during Tuesday’s proceedings as the House took up a discussion on the workings of the Union health ministry. Modi said in a post on X, “Delighted to meet Rajya Sabha MP Thiru Ilaiyaraaja ji, a musical titan whose genius has a monumental impact on our music and culture. He is a trailblazer in every sense and he made history yet again by presenting his first-ever Western classical symphony, Valiant, in London a few days ago.”

Modi noted that his performance was accompanied by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This momentous feat marks yet another chapter in his unparalleled musical journey — one that continues to redefine excellence on a global scale, he added. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also lauded the musician, describing him as a legendary composer whose music shaped Indian cinema for more than five decades.