IlayarajaвЂ™s penchant for playing with classical ragas вЂ“ in this case, Vasantha - is showcased in this song from the Kamal Haasan-starrer. Anthi Mazhai Pozhigirathu, from Raja Paarvai The voice of K J Yesudas and music of Ilayaraja will take anyone who was young and in love in the mid-вЂ80s on a nostalgic journey.ДЎ6. This song added lustre to a film that was a light-hearted romance.

Thendral Vandhu Ennai Thodum, Thendrale Ennai Thodu Shot in a cave in Kodaikanal, the song also made the location famous.ДЎ5. Kamal Haasan sang for friend and mentor Ilayaraja in this song. This was also the time when the maestro began to include table pieces in his film songs. The superb lyrics of Pulamai Pitthan meet their match in the music of Ilayaraja in this 1991 hit. Atho Megha Oorvalam, from Eeramana Rojave This song from Nizhalgal is made wondrous with its haunting violin pieces.ДЎ3. When it comes to classical tunes, Ilayaraja is in supreme control. Poongkathave Thaazh Thiravai, from Nizhalgal S P BalasubramaniamвЂ™s voice and the maestroвЂ™s music combine to make a super-hit number.ДЎ2. In the film, this song is a prelude to a tragedy when the young lovers decide to commit suicide. Enna Sattham Indha Neram, from Punnagai Mannan Ilayaraja chose Jency to render the song.ДЎ1. The guitar pieces are the highlight of the interludes.ДЄnother gem from the вЂ80s, this song is from the Rajinikanth-Sridevi starrer, Johnny.

This fast-paced number made extensive use of acoustic guitar. If Ilayaraja reigned over the вЂ80s it was because of songs such as this one. Ilaya Nila Pozhigirathe, Payanangal Mudivathillai The lyrics do justice to the maestroвЂ™s music.Д©. This one, in the rich voice of K J Yesudas, is from the 1978 black & white film Aval Appadithan. ItвЂ™s the magic of Ilayaraja that the songs he composed 30 years and more ago still continue to delight listeners. Uravugal Thodarkathai, from Aval Appadithan The song, from Kamal HaasanвЂ™s period film, was sung by Asha Bhonsle and Hariharan. HereвЂ™s another gentle, haunting melody from the master composer. Nee Paartha Parvaikkoru Nandri, from Hey Ram With its classical overtones and beautifully constructed wordplay, it creates a mellow mood.Д§. This song, featuring Mammootty and Amala, is another of the maestroвЂ™s super-hit romantic melodies. The video features Rajinikanth and a ravishing Shobana.Д¦. Set to the maestroвЂ™s favourite Kalyani raga, it combines soft melody, rousing scores and superb lyrics. This song is from Thalapathy, the last film on which Mani Ratnam and Ilayaraja worked together. This one in Shyam Kalyani, sung by Chitra and Mano, makes it to the top ten of most peopleвЂ™s favourite love songs.

In this beautifully shot song, featuring Kamal Haasan and Saranya, from Mani RatnamвЂ™s Nayagan, Ilayaraja displayed his flair for working with classical ragas. The song featured a young Rajinikanth and the very lovely Madhavi.Д¤. This evergreen song from the вЂ™80s brought together the very best talent of the time: the golden voices of SP Balasubramaniam and Janaki, lyrics by Vairamuthu and, of course, the maestroвЂ™s music. Kannil Enna Kaarkaalam, from Un Kannil Neer Vazhindhal More than a few fans of this song say it transports them to another plane. Ilayaraja himself sang this song from Metti, by Mahendran, with Janaki providing the humming. The вЂ80s were marked by dozens of melodies of this sort. This vibrant song in the sweet voice of Janaki will always remain a favourite with those who listened to the radio in the late вЂ70s. For the songs in this sensitive, black & white film about unrequited love Ilayaraja combined folk rhythms with the film music techniques of the times. It marked the arrival of a phenomenon on the South Indian film scene. In 1975, a young man who had come to Chennai seeking his fortune was given the opportunity to score the music for Annakili. And which music lover isnвЂ™t? We attempt the impossible, drawing up a list of 20 most-loved Ilayaraja songs, conceding there are hundreds more that should have made it.

Balki, the filmвЂ™s director, is a devoted fan of the master composer. One of the talked about aspects of Shamitabh, the upcoming big-ticket release, is the music of Ilayaraja.