Ilaiyaraaja’s ‘Music for Meals’ Concert in Bengaluru!

In a heartwarming blend of timeless melodies and social service, legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja (also known as Maestro Ilaiyaraaja or Isaignani) delivered a grand live concert titled “Music for Meals” yesterday (January 11, 2026) in Bengaluru. The event, part of the “Ilaiyaraaja 50: A Legendary Musical Journey” series, celebrated his remarkable 50-year journey in the music industry while raising funds for the Akshaya Patra Foundation.

The concert, held at a prominent venue in the city, drew massive crowds from Bengaluru, various parts of Karnataka, and neighboring Tamil Nadu. Fans of all ages and languages came together, united by the magic of Ilaiyaraaja’s music, proving once again that his compositions transcend barriers of time, age, and region.

Highlights of the Evening

• Ilaiyaraaja’s iconic and evergreen hits echoed through the venue, taking audiences on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
• Each song evoked deep emotions, with fans immersed in cherished memories triggered by the maestro’s timeless melodies.
• The performance featured live orchestration, bringing his classic tunes to life in a grand symphonic style.

The primary goal of the event was to support Akshaya Patra, a renowned NGO that provides nutritious mid-day meals to millions of schoolchildren across India (serving approximately 2.33 million children daily in partnership with the government’s PM POSHAN scheme). Every ticket sold and contribution made directly aided this cause, helping ensure daily meals for underprivileged students.

Ilaiyaraaja’s initiative has been widely praised, with many lauding his effort to give back to society through the power of music after five decades of enriching Indian cinema and culture across languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and more.

This Bengaluru concert marked a special return for the maestro to the city after several years, coinciding with Akshaya Patra’s silver jubilee celebrations. Attendees described the evening as unforgettable—a perfect fusion of artistic excellence and compassionate service that nourished both hearts and futures.

Fans and well-wishers continue to celebrate this meaningful event, highlighting how music can drive positive change in society.