It's yet another jewel in the already-festooned crown of Isaignani Ilayaraaja.
Needless to day, the music maestro, who has just won the award for the best music director (Background Score) for the Malayalam film Pazhassi Raja at the 57th National Awards, is quite impassive to the honour, which many dream to achieve. "I have already received three National Awards. But this time, I'm glad that the effort for background music has been recognised," begins Ilaiyaraaja. The maestro heaps praises on Hariharan, the director of Pazhassi Raja, who was a pillar of support throughout the composing process. "It's not a cakewalk to make a film of such a huge magnitude. The producers of the film were initially reluctant when I asked them for a live orchestra for the composition. They were worried that it might exceed the budget. But finally, they agreed, and that helped me deliver. I used to start composing around 4.30 in the morning and Hariharan's son would always be on my side in the wee hours," he muses.
There is one particular song in the film (Aalamadankala Mythavanalle...) that's close to the composer's heart. "It's a very Islamic kind of song with a Naushad touch. I was extra conscious and took extra effort while composing this number as I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. To my satisfaction, when the unit heard the first note, they were instantly impressed."
And it's not only the music of the film the composer is proud of. He's also happy with the way the film has been canned and the dedication of the crew, especially the director. "I remember one battle scene where Hariharan needed 200 people to do the job. He barely managed to get 50 and I must say that he did a great job of it. It was quite a difficult scene as even if a crow flew past the camera, the entire scene would have had to be re-shot!"
Ask Ilayaraaja if he'd expected this award in the first place and he instantly shoots back. "I think music, not awards. Awards will come when they have to. For me, music is everything. I do not want to do anything mechanically. Music is not work and I'm not a labourer to work for money. I do not think in commercial angles. To me, a good song is a good song; it doesn't matter if it's a hit or not."
Ilaya Raja wins National Award for Back Ground Score
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