Ilaiyaraaja visits PM Modi after his London symphony event

Following a successful symphony event in London, legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja gave a courtesy call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Hailing Ilaiyaraaja as a "musical titan," Modi on his X handle wrote, "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. This 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." (sic)

On the midnight of March 9, Ilaiyaraaja pulled off a remarkable feat of being the first Asian from the field of cinema to present the western classical symphony. He is also among the first composers from India to utilise elements of Western classical music for film music, as well as the first from South Asia to compose a full-length symphony. The event in London served as the world premiere or debut of his symphony titled Valiant.

Ever since his return from the UK, Ilaiyaraaja has been lauded across by celebrities and political leaders for this achievement.