Music composer Ilaiyaraaja spoke about his encounters with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in the GDP podcast with host Sharat Bhattatiripad. The composer met PM Modi after presenting his first Western classical symphony in London.

When the host asked when Ilaiyaraaja first met the prime minister in person, the composer said, said,"Personally, it never happened. Only through the phone on my 80th year, he wished me."

The composer then said that the first time he met the prime minister was when he received the Padma Vibhushan award. "I was surprised that I got the Padma Vibhushan... because of our PM. He is very kind to me." Ilaiyaraaja also mentioned that he did not have any words to express his happiness when the announcement was made. He recalled, "After the (awards) function is over, there was a tea party. Only there I met him. I said, 'Sir, I have a prayer for you. You have to rule India for another 20 years.' It is happening."

When asked about his opinions on the prime minister, he said that when a list of accomplishments of the prime ministers before Narendra Modi was compared against the list of accomplishments of PM Modi, the difference would be clear. He went on to speak highly of the prime minister's efforts in the renovation of the Kashi Viswanath temple.

Ilaiyaraaja recently presented his first Western classical symphony titled Valiant at the Eventim Apollo Theatre in London. He was joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the performance. With this performance, Ilaiyaraaja became the first musician with a background in cinema from Asia to achieve this milestone in London.