Gangai Amaran the youngest sibling of Isaigniani Ilayaraja is by his own rights a true all rounder in Tamil cinema having contributed as a lyricist, musician, singer, music composer, television host, writer-director, actor and producer.  Having migrated to Chennai with his brothers Bhaskar and Ilayaraja from Pannaipuram in Theni district in 1969 he is one of the pillars in the growth of the maestro Ilayaraja.  Amar as he is fondly known by his industry colleagues as written a staggering 3000 songs starting from "Senthoorapoove senthoorappoove...:and  continuing till "Ithu varai illatha uravidhu".. He has scored music for over 150 films in all South Indian languages.

Many hit songs of Gangai Amaran are attributed to Ilayaraja as his quality is on par with his legendary brother. He has even dubbed for K.Bhagyaraj in two films, 'Puthiya Vaarpugal' and 'Baama Rukmani'.   The first film behind the screens as writer-director was 'Kozhi Koovuthu' which proved to be the turning point in the careers of Prabhu, Suresh and Viji.  Leading heroes of the time Vijayakanth, Prabhu, Karthick, Ramarajan and others have starred in the sixteen films he has helmed and most have been money spinners,.  

'Karakattakaran' directed by Gangai Amaran with music score by Ilayaraja went on to smash all box office records in 1989 to become the highest grosiing film ever in the history of Tamil cinema.  The Banana comedy that Amar crafted for the film with Gowndamani and Senthil remains as the most hilarious.

Gangai Amaran set a record of sorts by directing three films each in 1984, 1988, and 1992.  In those same years he has also scored music for other films like for example in 1984 alone nine films released with him as music director.  

Kamal Haasan signed a film titled 'Athiveera Pandian' under Gangai Amaran's direction which unfortunately did not take off due to unknown reasons.  Similarlly the easy going entertainer planned a huge multistarrer with Vijayakanth, Sathyaraj, Prabhu and Karthik which also did not materialise.  He was also the first choice of Bharathiraja to play the hero in 'Puthiya Vaarpugal' but due to some unfortunate circumstances opted out and K.Bhagyaraj made his acting debut instead. 

Gangai Amaran's two sons Venkat Prabhu and Premgi have followed in his footsteps to become allrounders themselves and his wish is to see his younger son as a succesful music director rather than an actor. 

The "Saroja saaman nikalo" lyricist is also known for his frank opinions even if it is against his brother or close friends. Known for his non-stop speeches, Gangai Amaran for many decades has the habit of devoting one day in a week when he will not utter a word to anyone for 24 hours.  Today he is active in politics and is a leading member of the BJP in Tamil Nadu.