Ilaiyaraaja was commomerated at an event organised by the Tamil Nadu goverment on completing 50 years in the film industry. Among the attendees of the event was actor Rajinikanth, who was a regular collaborator with Ilaiyaraaja.
Speaking at the event Rajinikanth said, "A film which is releasing in the current times can become a hit if it features a song composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Even in Coolie, two songs of his were featured."
Rajinikanth also recounted a story when Ilaiyaraaja asked for his help. The actor said, "Ilaiyaraaja requested me to help his brother Bhaskar, and I readily agreed to work with him. The movie was Rajathi Raja, which was directed by R Sundarajan, who although gave a hit was a peculiar director. But Bhaskar, who was the producer, wouldn't talk about the film, and had a tendency to talk about other topics instead. I got tensed at this. Because Panju Arunachalam wasn't available, I went to Ilaiyaraaja and said, 'I am anxious about how this film will turn out.' To which he replied, "I do not know what this film is about. But if this film does not run past the silver jubilee (25 weeks), I will not touch the harmonium and I will not sing anymore.' I was shocked by this because he is a man that follows up on his words. I was prepared to even pay some distributor's to air the film. But in the end, the film ran past the silver jubilee. I have belief, but not like Ilaiyaraaja's belief in something."
Taking a playful jab at the composer Rajinikanth said, "At a particular time he was composing music for films, which were led by a lot of top actors. But to say he composes the same way for everyone, is untrue. He gives a little extra to the music he composes for Kamal Haasan's films."
He also compliment the composer by saying, "Ilaiyaraaja is an incredible man. Hats off to the great maestro. Long Live."
Ilaiyaraaja has composed for movies starring Rajinikanth like Thalapathi, Mullum Malarum, Johnny, and Aval Appadithan amongst others. Along with Rajinikanth TN CM Stalin, TN's Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, actor Kamal Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Nassar were present at the event.
