Ilaiyaraaja, the music maestro, to receive Padmapani award!

Ilaiyaraaja is not just a music composer. He is a living legend, a musical genius whose melodies have shaped Indian cinema for over five decades. From soulful melodies to grand orchestral scores, he has created a musical universe that continues to resonate with millions across generations.

The maestro will now be honoured with the prestigious Padmapani Award , a distinguished honour given to outstanding contributors in Indian cinema, at the Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) 2026 , to be held from January 28 to February 4 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The award ceremony will take place during the opening event on January 28, where the composer will be presented with the Padmapani memento, a letter of honour, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh .

Known for his unique ability to blend Indian classical music with modern sounds, Ilaiyaraaja has transformed film music into an emotional language that speaks directly to the heart. His compositions are not just songs; they are timeless pieces of art that have become a part of India’s cultural heritage.

Over the years, he has composed more than 8500 songs and original scores for over 1,500 films across multiple languages including Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , Kannada , Hindi and Marathi . His music has the rare power to make the listener feel a spectrum of emotions, from joy and romance to pain and longing, often within a single tune.

What makes Ilaiyaraaja truly exceptional is his unmatched versatility. He can effortlessly switch between genres, be it folk, classical, rock, jazz or devotional music, while maintaining a distinct signature style. Many of his songs have become evergreen classics, still celebrated today for their depth, melody, and emotional intensity.

Ilaiyaraaja’s career is filled with milestones and accolades, but perhaps his greatest achievement is the way his music continues to stay alive in the hearts of people, long after the films have faded from memory. His legacy is not only the songs he created, but also the new generation of musicians he inspired to think beyond conventional boundaries.

The Padmapani Award has recognised many stalwarts in the past, including lyricist Javed Akhtar , veteran director-writer Sai Paranjpye , and acclaimed actor Om Puri . This year, Ilaiyaraaja joins this illustrious list, further strengthening his place among the greatest contributors to Indian cinema.

As the Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival celebrates cinema with nearly 70 films on its roster, the honour bestowed on Ilaiyaraaja is a reminder of the timeless power of music. In the world of Indian film music, he remains unmatched, a true legend in every sense of the word.