Long LiveThe King

From "The Hindu"

Culture, the core strength of our land: Manmohan

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has congratulated music director Ilayaraja for composing Thiruvasagam in symphony.

The maestro, accompanied among others by the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary, Vaiko; the founder-director of Tamil Maiyam, Jagath Gaspar Raj; and Akila Srinivasan of Shriram Investments, called on Dr. Singh in New Delhi on June 18 and presented his latest musical magnum opus to him.

According to a release issued by the Tamil Maiyam here on Tuesday, Dr. Singh said culture is the core strength of our land and Mr. Ilayaraja's effort would be an addition to it.

Mr. Vaiko told the Prime Minister that Mr. Ilayaraja revolutionised popular music and he was the first Indian to perform a symphony at St.Albert Hall in London in 1993. The album would be released on June 30, the release said

I can't wait for the launch on June 30th. A pity i won't be able to attend the aunch at the Music Academy, Chennai. The members of Ilaiyaraaja fan club are working on a war footing to promote the magnum opus. It's a sad irony that the Emperor Of Music doesn't get due recognition in India while he has enthralled audiences elsewhere, recently in Italy
Everything A.R Rahman does is big news (with all due respect to ARR. In fact, he's my favorite Indian MD after IR), while monumental feats by Ilayairaaja remain unreported and unnoticed by the mainstream media, especially the West-aping "Bollywood-centric" media.
However, i'll be attending the club meet this weekend in Cehnnai. The IR Live in Italy CD is out in Chennai, and i shall be buying it too.
Let all the elements say His name!