Muthukkalai Reflects on Ilaiyaraaja’s Influence from Childhood Shop Job

Muthukalai, who is well-known as a comedy actor, has overcome his past alcohol addiction and pursued higher education, setting an example for many. Having already completed two degrees through distance education, he earned a B.Litt degree in 2023.

Beyond academics, Muthukalai continues to focus on acting. Many actors and political leaders have met Ilaiyaraaja following the grand launch of his first symphony in London, which brought pride to India. Among them, Muthukalai also had the opportunity to meet the legendary composer.

After the meeting, Muthukalai shared his admiration for Ilaiyaraaja. Recalling his childhood, he mentioned working in a grocery shop near his hometown, where he would often abandon his tasks just to stand in front of a speaker playing songs from the movie “Annakkili.” Despite getting scolded multiple times for this, his passion for Ilaiyaraaja’s music remained undeterred.

Later, after entering the film industry, he met Ilaiyaraaja multiple times. However, witnessing the recording of “Eeramana Rojave” in 1990 at Prasad Studio left him in awe. Meeting Ilaiyaraaja now, congratulating him, and receiving his blessings was a deeply emotional moment for him. Despite acting in many films featuring Ilaiyaraaja’s music, this was the first time he took a picture with the maestro, making it a truly joyous occasion.