The Sharjah International Book Fair 2024 is set to resonate with the iconic sounds of Indian cinema as the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja graces the event. Renowned for his unparalleled contributions to Indian music, Ilaiyaraaja will be featured in a session titled “The Maestro’s Journey: Ilaiyaraaja’s Musical Odyssey”, on Friday, November 8th, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the ballroom. This highly anticipated event is expected to be one of the SIBF’s most celebrated sessions, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the illustrious career of the composer affectionately known as the “Isaignani” (Musical genius).
Throughout the session, Ilaiyaraaja will delve into his five-decade-long career, reflecting on his creative process, musical evolution, and the profound impact he has had on the Indian music industry. With a staggering repertoire of over 8,500 compositions, he holds the world record as the only composer to have scored music for 1,428 feature films across nine languages. His career also boasts over 20,000 live concerts, along with multiple national awards and prestigious honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, awarded in 2018.
This immersive conversation will be hosted by Sanjay Subrahmanyan, a distinguished Carnatic vocalist celebrated for his musicianship and innovative contributions to classical music. Sanjay is also the recipient of the revered Sangita Kalanidhi title in 2015 from the Madras Music Academy.
