Veteran musician and actor Gangai Amara reacted strongly to his recent comments about his brother, Ilaiyaraaja. Speaking at the audio launch event of his album ‘Uyirinaye’ held at Prasad Lab in Chennai, Gangai Amaran said it was painful to hear false claims about Ilaiyaraaja’s personal life. He criticized actors and film critics Bayilvan Ranganathan For saying that Ilaiyaraaja was living alone without help.“People shouldn’t talk about things they don’t know,” Gangai Amaran said firmly. He added that spreading such stories without understanding the reality was unfair and disrespectful to a legendary artist.
Gangai Amaran’s strong words against false narratives
In his speech, Gangai Amaran questioned why anyone would try to portray Ilaiyaraaja in a negative light after his massive contribution to Indian music. As reported by Cinema Vikatan, he said excitedly, “Why should someone say that he has no one and is suffering? Have they come to see his house?” As the composer explains, Ilaiyaraaja’s son, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Karthik Raja, are doing well and remain connected with the family. He also emphasized that outsiders cannot understand what is happening inside the house. Gangai Amaran said people should avoid making assumptions about someone’s personal life just for attention or headlines. His brother’s emotional defense drew support from fans online.
A life centered around music and peace
Gangai Amaran further explained that Ilaiyaraaja chooses a quiet and peaceful lifestyle as he enjoys composing music and being by himself. “Even when I go to meet him, he’s sitting quietly writing music,” she shared. He added that choosing solitude should not be misunderstood as loneliness. According to him, Ilaiyaraaja has always been closely associated with music and creativity, and that is the life he prefers. Gangai Amaran asked the people and the media not to insult or emotionally hurt the leading artistes with unnecessary rumours. He said such comments are hurtful, especially after spending more than five decades in the music industry.
Gangai Amaran demands respect and understanding
The veteran composer also revealed that he personally contacted Bayilvan Ranganathan and asked him about the comments. According to Gangai Amaran, Bayilvan later apologized for his remarks. “This is a very cheap thing,” he said as he expressed frustration with the matter. He ended the speech with an emotional appeal, asking everyone to respect Ilaiyaraaja’s personal space and lifestyle. âIlaiyaraaja is seeking peace. Let him live the way he wants,” he said. His poignant words reflected not only brotherly love, but also the frustration of a family hurt by repeated rumors and public assumptions.
