Ilayaraja’s contribution to Indian cinema and more so Tamil World is uncomparable. Ilayaraja in my opinion is the most complete Musician that Tamil Cinema ever saw with his range of genres as wide as the Pacific. It’s virtually impossible to list his top 10 songs but I’m going to give my opinion, isn’t that what Mouthshut is all about ? please keep in mind that I havent been following Tamil Songs keenly for the past 4-5 years, so here we go (in no particular order)

1. Thendral Vanthu Ennai from Thendrale Ennai Thodu (K.J.Yesudas and S.Janaki)
One of my all time favorite songs sung brialliantly by Yesudas and Janaki, simply will transport you into a different world.

2. Manathil Urudhi Vendum from Sindhu Bhairavi (K.J.Yesudas)
This movie was dominated by the Carnatic Classical Songs but The Maestro found a place to leave a mark by composing this song, the fact that this song was picturized on Sivakumar singing this on a rock by the seashore and is adored by a tribal fisherman, is just so rewarding for Tamil song lovers.

3. Mannil Indha from Keladi Kanmani (SPB)
If you thought Shankar Mahadevan was ’’cool’’ with his ’’Breathless’’ rendition, SPB sang this song for Ilayaraja long before that. SPBs voice is so smooth that one can fall just listening to it. Great song.

4. Panivizhum Malar Vanam From Ninaivellam Nithya (SPB)
One of my favorite Karthik songs, SPBs rendition is incredible, I dont think anyone and I mean anyone can claim to sing like that, you will have to listen to believe me.

5. Idu Oru Pon Malai from Nizhalgal (SPB)
A vibrant song superbly written by Vairamuthu and sung by SPB, this movie had a lot of newcomers but the songs and the script made sure that this movie went noticed.

6.Thendral vanthu from Avatharam (Maestro Himself)
I love this song no matter what people think of Ilayaraja’s singing abilities, for Nasser’s character I thought the voice suited perfectly well. It’s a great composition and superb lyrics, nevertheless.

7. Vetti Veru Vaasam From Mudhal Mariyadhai (Malaysia Vasudevan, S.Janaki)
If Mudhal Mariyadhai got its recognition apart from the fact that it had Sivaji Ganesan, it had to be the songs. I choose this song because of the versatility displayed by Ilayaraja in this complex song, easily sung by the lead singers.

8. Oru Pattampoochi From Kadhalukku Mariyadai (K.J. Yesudas & Sujatha)
This song proves that Yesudas voice will not grow older no matter what. This movie’s music came around when ’’Rahmania’’ was groping the country but the Maestro prevailed. This is a fast paced song that will keep you wanting for more.

9. Sundari Neeyum From Michael Madana Kama Rajan(Kamal Hasan & S.Janaki)
With this song Kamal Hasan proved that singing can be added as his Forte. The most complete Entertainer that Indian has seen so far pulled it off easily with ample support from S.Janaki in this ’’Malayalam’’ inclined song.

10. Sri Ranganathanin From Mahanadhi (SPB, Shobana)
This song starts of as ’’Suprabhatham’’ tune but it soon picks up a different track but keeping it divine. This song was sung by a first timer called Shobana who won rave reviews. I personally like this song because it’s one of the happiest moments in the movie. SPB, as usual was brilliant in his short but important part.

Later folks.