Ilaiyaraaja to celebrate 50 years in music with special Bengaluru concert

Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja is set to celebrate 50 years of his iconic musical journey with a special concert early next year. The event will also mark the silver jubilee of the Akshaya Patra Foundation and support its initiative to provide meals to schoolchildren.

Titled ‘Ilaiyaraaja 50: A Legendary Musical Journey’, the concert will take place on January 10, 2026, at NICE Grounds, Madavara. The event is being organised in support of ‘Music for Meals’, an Akshaya Patra Foundation initiative that uses music-driven programmes to raise awareness and funds for child nutrition.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ilaiyaraaja shared that he didn’t hesitate when the foundation reached out. “The moment they mentioned it, I immediately agreed to do the concert. It was a spontaneous decision. When it is for a good cause, I have to do it,” he said.

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As it completes 25 years, the Akshaya Patra Foundation currently provides nutritious mid-day meals to around 2.33 million children every school day across 23,978 government and government-aided schools. The foundation is also a key partner in the Centre’s PM POSHAN programme.

About Ilaiyaraaja

Ilaiyaraaja, often hailed as the “Isaignani” of Indian music, is one of the most influential composers in the history of cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, Ilaiyaraaja has composed more than 7,000 songs and scored music for over 1,000 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. Known for blending Indian classical melodies with Western harmonies, his versatility has produced some of Ilaiyaraaja’s best songs like Ilamai Idho Idho, En Jodi Manja Kuruvi, and Janani Janani. A true pioneer, Ilaiyaraaja’s music continues to inspire generations of filmmakers, musicians, and fans worldwide.

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