After composing music for over 1541 films, legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja humbly stated, "I don't know music, that's why I'm still working." This statement reflects the composer's relentless pursuit of musical knowledge and innovation, despite his vast body of work and critical acclaim.

Ilaiyaraaja's career has spanned decades, during which he has become one of India's most prolific and celebrated music composers. His work is known for its fusion of Western and Indian classical music, as well as his innovative use of Tamil folk music, which has breathed new life into Indian film scores. He has worked with prominent Indian poets and lyricists, including Kannadasan, Vaali, and Vairamuthu.

His journey and contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including five National Film Awards, three for Best Music Direction and two for Best Background Score. In 2012, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the highest Indian recognition for practicing artists, for his creative and experimental contributions to music. Further solidifying his position, a CNN-IBN poll in 2013 declared him the country's greatest music composer, with 49% of the votes.

Adding to his accolades, Ilaiyaraaja will be honored with the Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival. The award, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema, includes a Padmapani memento, a citation certificate, and a cash prize. The festival will take place from January 28 to February 1 at Mahatma Gandhi Mission, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

In other news, Sun TV Network has approached the Madras High Court to modify an interim injunction obtained by Ilaiyaraaja to protect his personality rights. The court had previously issued an injunction against exploiting the musician's name, image, photographs, and voice for commercial purposes without his consent. Sun TV argues that the blanket injunction impairs its ability to commercially exploit its lawfully acquired copyrights.

Despite his achievements and ongoing legal matters, Ilaiyaraaja remains focused on his work, driven by a desire to learn and explore the endless possibilities of music. His statement, "I don't know music, that's why I'm still working," encapsulates his humility, dedication, and enduring passion for his craft.