Veteran musician and actor Gangai Amaran has strongly reacted to recent comments made about his brother, the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja. Speaking at the audio launch event of his album 'Uyirinaye' held at Prasad Lab in Chennai, Gangai Amaran expressed his pain over false claims regarding Ilaiyaraaja's personal life. He specifically criticized actor and film critic Bayilvan Ranganathan for allegedly stating that Ilaiyaraaja was living alone without any support.
Strong Words Against False Narratives
During his emotional speech, Gangai Amaran firmly stated, "People should not speak about things they do not know." He emphasized that spreading such stories without understanding the reality is both unfair and disrespectful to a legendary artist who has contributed immensely to Indian music. As reported by Cinema Vikatan, he questioned, "Why should someone say he has no one and is suffering? Did they come and see his house?" The composer clarified that Ilaiyaraaja's sons, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Karthik Raja, are doing well and maintain close family ties. He urged outsiders to refrain from making assumptions about someone's personal life for attention or headlines. His heartfelt defense garnered support from fans online.
A Life Centered Around Music and Peace
Gangai Amaran further explained that Ilaiyaraaja deliberately chooses a quiet and peaceful lifestyle because he enjoys spending time composing music and being alone. "Even when I go to meet him, he sits quietly writing music," he shared. He stressed that solitude should not be mistaken for loneliness, as Ilaiyaraaja remains deeply connected to his creativity and music. Gangai Amaran requested people and media platforms to avoid insulting or emotionally hurting senior artists with unnecessary rumors, noting that such comments are particularly painful after more than five decades in the industry.
Call for Respect and Understanding
The veteran composer also revealed that he personally contacted Bayilvan Ranganathan and questioned him about the remarks, leading to an apology. "This is a very cheap thing to do," Gangai Amaran said, expressing his disappointment. He ended his speech with an emotional appeal for respect towards Ilaiyaraaja's personal space and lifestyle. "Ilaiyaraaja is seeking peace. Let him live the way he wants," he pleaded. His words reflected both brotherly affection and the frustration of a family hurt by repeated rumors and public assumptions.
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