Working with Ilaiyaraja sir was like walking into the room of a headmaster: AR Rahman

Speaking at the prestigious event of Ilaiyaraja 75, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman said, “Working with Ilayaraja sir was like a school experience and it’s like taking walk into the room of a headmaster. His life itself has been an inspiration to me. There have been lots of myths about music directors that they often indulge in excessive bad habits, but he was the one to break those myths. More than all, a legend will not so easily appreciate others, but it was an unforgettable moment in life to have him express his congratulatory notes during the time of my Oscars.”

Later Isaignani Ilayaraja sir asked AR Rahman, “Do you know when you (AR Rahman) come to join me?” and AR Rahman replied, “Moondram Pirai”. After that, he was asked if he remembers the first tune that he programmed for Ilayaraja and he instantly played it on his mobile keyboard instrumental app of ‘Punnagai Mannan’ Theme Music. Immediately, the keyboard was brought there and the entire crowd went gaga over the Academy Award winner playing it completely.