Vairamuthu-Ilaiyaraaja Controversy: Lyricist Avoids Question About Music Composer In Madurai

A controversy has erupted between two notable music industry veterans, music composer Ilaiyaraaja and poet Vairamuthu, as the latter shared some reported unpleasant statements directed at the former. However, as per the latest reports, Vairamuthu refused to speak on the matter in a recent media interaction.

The notable poet interacted with the media at an event in Valayankulam, Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Naturally, the reporters had to ask questions about his controversy with Ilaiyaraaja, which the poet avoided to speak on.

The controversy arose when Ilaiyaraaja filed a case to seek copyright for his songs. It turned a new direction when the music composer’s former partner Vairamuthu indirectly attacked him at a musical event. As per the reports, during the event, Vairamuthu stated that language and music are combined to make a song, those who understand this are wise, whereas those who are unable to comprehend it are “ignorant.” The internet concluded this as an indirect attack towards Ilaiyaraaja.

This prompted the music director’s brother, Gangai Amaran to retaliate. He reportedly, released a video warning Vairamuthu of “severe consequences,” adding that he is “ungrateful and self-conceited”. He further stated that the poet is not a good man despite being a good lyricist. He added that without Ilaiyaraaja he would not have been the Vairamuthu.

The Ilaiyaraaja-Vairamuthu duo were considered the top musicians of the 80s in the Tamil film industry, who worked together for 7 years, releasing some of the biggest hits. However, for more than 30 years the two have kept a distance from each other, which is said to be the result of a dispute between them.

Vairamuthu started his career in the film industry with the movie Nizhalgal, a Bharathiraja directorial, released in 1980. His career’s first-ever song, titled Pon Maalai Pozhuthu, was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and released on the vocals of SP Balasubrahmanyam. The duo went on to give hit soundtracks in films like Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, Mann Vasanai, Pudhumai Penn and more.