The soul of ‘Shashtipoorthi’ is Ilaiyaraaja sir” – A Heartfelt Tribute from the Team Behind the Film
I believed in the story of Shashtipoorthi... That’s why I composed the music. – Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja
“It’s a blessing to work with Ilaiyaraaja sir.” – Hero & Producer Rupeysh
“Ilaiyaraaja sir is the first hero of Shashtipoorthi. This film will live on forever.” Director Pavan Prabha
“Writing lyrics for Raja sir was a dream come true.” – Lyricist Chaitanya Prasad
When the legendary Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja composes music for a film, it becomes more than just a soundtrackit becomes an experience. His latest project, Shashtipoorthi, is no exception. Not only has the maestro crafted six unforgettable songs, but he’s also actively supporting the film’s promotionsa rare gesture in itself.
Produced by Rupeysh under the MAA AAIE Productions banner, Shashtipoorthi features veteran actor Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Archana, Rupeysh, and Aakanksha Singh in key roles. The film, directed by Pavan Prabha, is set for release on May 30. Ahead of its release, lyricist Chaitanya Prasad sat down with Ilaiyaraaja sir for a heartfelt conversation. Here are the highlights from their interaction, along with insights from director Pavan Prabha and producer-actor Rupeysh.
Chaitanya Prasad:
You've composed thousands of songs and even a symphony. What exactly is a symphony, and how did the idea for it come to you?
Ilaiyaraaja:
A symphony isn’t something that can be explainedit must be felt. It’s an emotional journey. I’ve composed an experimental symphony recently, and it’ll be released soon. Listen to it and experience it for yourself.
In cinema, people come to me for background scores, not symphonies. This one, I composed for myselfon my terms.
Chaitanya Prasad:
You’ve come from a humble background. Tell us about your journey.
Ilaiyaraaja:
I was born in a small village where music wasn’t taught. You called it a journeybut to me, it isn’t. A journey implies a beginning, a path, and an end. I feel like I have neither a beginning nor a destination.
Chaitanya Prasad:
How did music first enter your life?
Ilaiyaraaja:
My elder brother used to sing. Listening to him every day sparked something in me. I would pick up any instrument and play along. There’s no one like me. I didn’t learn from a guru. I don’t even know classical music theory. Music just happens through me. It’s a divine giftsongs come from within, and even I don’t fully know how.
Chaitanya Prasad:
When did you decide to become a composer?
Ilaiyaraaja:
As a child, I’d play music while my brother sang. People clapped, and that made me wonderwas it for me or the song? I realized the applause was for the composition, often by MS Viswanathan sir. That’s when I dreamed of hearing claps for my own work.
Chaitanya Prasad:
How do you view today’s trends and the impact of AI in music?
Ilaiyaraaja:
I don’t follow trends. If a song touches hearts, people will listen to it forever.
As for AIit can never match the human soul. A hundred AIs don’t equal a single human brain. AI can replicate, but it can’t create true emotion.
Chaitanya Prasad:
What made you choose to work on Shashtipoorthi?
Ilaiyaraaja:
I’ve always supported new talentwhether it was Bharathiraja or Mani Ratnam. I saw sincerity in this team. I don’t look for star powerI look for strong stories. Shashtipoorthi had one.
Chaitanya Prasad:
Pavan, why was Ilaiyaraaja your first and only choice?
Pavan Prabha (Director):
I was born in the 80s, raised on Ilaiyaraaja sir’s music. To me, his songs are sacred. I never imagined he’d say yes. But Rupeysh pushed me to try. I told sir the story in just two minutesand he agreed. That was divine.
This film is musical at its core. Ilaiyaraaja sir is its true hero.
Chaitanya Prasad:
Rupeysh, what was it like to work with the maestro
Rupeysh (Hero & Producer):
Honestly, I was nervous. But Ilaiyaraaja sir welcomed us with open arms. We’re newcomers, yet he showed us warmth and respect. Working with him is something I’ll cherish forever.
Chaitanya Prasad:
You began Shashtipoorthi at his studio?
Pavan Prabha:
Yes. His studio is like a temple to me. It was the only place we could’ve begun this journey. And he blessed us with his music.
Chaitanya Prasad:
You got Keeravani sir to write lyrics for one of Raja sir’s compositions?
Pavan Prabha:
There’s a pivotal moment in the film where we had to balance light and dark. I felt only Keeravani sir could capture that emotion. I admire his workespecially Kanna Nidurinchara. Having him write lyrics to Raja sir’s tune was surreal.
Chaitanya Prasad:
People say you’re strict and only give one tune. Is that true?
Ilaiyaraaja:
Maybe it’s because of what happened with Thalapathi. I gave the tune for Sundari Neene Nuvvanta. Mani Ratnam asked for another option. I told him, “Don’t miss this one.” He asked, “Is this it?” I said, “Yes.”
When I know a tune is timeless, I stand by it.
Chaitanya Prasad:
You’ve composed for multiple films simultaneously. How did you handle that pressure?
Ilaiyaraaja:
During Diwali, I’d have music in a dozen films releasing. I’d finish background scores in three days. Once, I handled three different films in three different studios over three dayseach a different genre. You won’t hear even a note repeating. That’s the level of focus music demands.
Pavan Prabha:
Chaitanya, how did it feel to write lyrics for Ilaiyaraaja sir?
Chaitanya Prasad (Lyricist):
It was a lifelong dream. When Pavan said Raja sir was on board, I didn’t believe him. But he took me to Chennai and sat me in Raja sir’s studiothat’s when it became real.
That studio felt like a holy place. I’m also grateful that Charan sir and Yuvan sir sang together for Raja sirfor the first timein this film. Shashtipoorthi gave me that blessing.
Shashtipoorthi is more than a filmit’s a celebration of legacy, music, and belief. With Ilaiyaraaja sir at its heart, this film is destined to stand the test of time.
Releasing in theatres on May 30.
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