Veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja explained why he prefers not to attend funerals of those close to him, saying that he does not wish to see them after their death. His message came in a condolence video following the demise of guitarist Sadanandam, who passed away in Chennai on October 29, at the age of 79.

The music composer spoke about his long association with the musician for several decades. Remembering their long-term friendship, Ilaiyaraaja expressed his grief in his condolence message that said," I was deeply saddened to learn that Sadanandam, who worked with me for a long time from the early days of my career, passed away today. I do not see people after they have passed away. I do not like seeing them in that state either. This is because they were all people who worked and lived with me when they were alive and became a part of my emotions. I pray to the Almighty that his soul rests in peace."

Clarifying his approach further, the composer said that the people who he worked with since the beginning of his music journey hold an integral part of his emotions. He prefers to preserve their living memories of their journey together instead, he said.  

The music maestro had faced criticism previously surrounding his absence from the funerals of several personalities from the Tamil film industry. The recent backlash happened when the composer did not visit music composer Deva's funeral to pay his last respects.

Sadanandam also known as Sada Master served as Ilaiyaraaja's lead guitarist and was a longtime member of his musical ensemble. The son of Veteran music composer R Sudarsanam, he had worked alongside Ilaiyaraaja for more than four decades, contributing to several music projects. Sadanandam began his long association with Ilaiyaraaja right from the composer's 1976 debut film, Anakili. Ilaiyaraaja had spoken on several occasions about their friendship. The two musicians worked on over 50 films in a single year, during their early days, according to reports.

With his recent message, the ever famous music composer has provided an explanation for why he avoids attending funerals, emphasising his preference to remember them through memories they shared rather than witnessing their mortal remains after their passing.