Rajya Sabha felicitates Ilaiyaraaja for composing English classical symphony ‘Valiant’-OxBig News Network

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, right, praises composer Ilaiyaraaja, left, in the Rajya Sabha on March 18, 2025, for his composition titled ‘Valiant’ which was performed in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
| Photo Credit: X/@VPIndia

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 18, 2025) felicitated musician and nominated member of the Upper House, Ilaiyaraaja, for becoming the first Indian to compose, record, and perform live a full English classical symphony.

The renowned composer performed the symphony titled Valiant in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on March 8.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja composed the symphony in 34 days, which is a unique achievement. Mr. Dhankhar said the whole nation and the people are proud of his work.

“The achievement is yet another testament to his enduring brilliance and global appeal,” Mr. Dhankhar said in the Rajya Sabha amid applause by members.

Five decades of work

The Vice President said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s music has shaped Indian cinema for over five decades.

“Revered as Isaignani — The Musical Genius — his extraordinary mastery of blending classical traditions with contemporary sounds has given rise to timeless melodies that transcend generations and borders. His compositions are much beyond songs; these are deeply felt emotions that have touched millions,” Mr. Dhankhar said. 

He added that the legendary musician has composed over 8,600 songs, besides being the only composer in the world to have composed music for about 1,523 feature films in over nine languages.

“Shri Ilaiyaraaja Ji’s unparalleled contributions to music have been accoladed and recognised with numerous honours, including five National Film Awards — three for the Best Music Direction and two for Best Background Score. A gold medalist in classical guitar from Trinity College of Music, London, he has elevated Indian music to global recognition,” the Rajya Sabha Chairman said.

He added that the country had honoured Mr. Ilaiyaraaja by conferring the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan and an honorary doctorate in recognition of his remarkable legacy.

Mr. Ilaiyaraaja has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since July, 2022.