Illayaraja is one of the greatest geniuses ever produced by the Indian Cinema. When he is on the dias, one just can't stop praising him. Marvellous yet humble, he is not one to take them to his head; let the praise be coming from his guru MS Vishwanathan himself.

At the audio release of Telugu film Om Shanthi, the Maestro was felicitated by Tollywood's who's who. Actor Murli Mohan, who had worked with Illayaraja many years ago for his home production Nirnayam, said that he felt proud to act in a film for which the Maestro has lent the music. For his part, Kodandarami Reddy reminisced his association with the Tamil genius for over 14 films.

Director B Gopal, who worked with Illayaraja for Bobbili Puli and Chinarayadu, said that the musician was God's gift for the world of cinema.

Meher Ramesh (director of Billa) lavished the ultimate praise. Revealing that most music directors of today remember the great while playing music, he indirectly told how Raja has already given a veritome of rich music to this generation.

However, as always, Raja did not fail to remember that it is the listeners who make a song a super hit and that he is still working because their blessings are with him. Imagine the epitome of soulful music still trying to learn more about music!

That is Ilaya for you!

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