Veteran musician and actor Gangay Amaran has reacted strongly to the recent comments about his brother Ilaiyaraaja. Speaking at the audio launch of his album ‘Uyirinaye’ held at Prasad Lab in Chennai, Gangai Amaran said it was painful to hear false allegations about Ilaiyaraaja’s personal life.
He criticized actor and film critic Payelvan Ranganathan for allegedly saying that Ilaiyaraaja was living alone without support.“People should not talk about things they do not know,” Gangai Amaran said firmly. He added that publishing such stories without understanding reality is unfair and disrespectful to a legendary artist.
Gangai Amaran’s powerful words against false narratives
During his speech, Gangai Amaran wondered why anyone would try to portray Ilaiyaraaja in a negative light after his immense contribution to Indian music. As reported by Cinema Vikatan, he said emotionally: “Why would someone say that he has no one and is suffering? Did they come and see his house?” The composer explained that Ilaiyaraaja’s sons,
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Karthik Raja and Karthik Raja are in good health and are keeping in touch with the family.
He also noted that outsiders cannot understand what is happening inside the house. Gangai Amaran said people should avoid making assumptions about someone’s personal life just because of interest or headlines. His emotional defense of his brother received support from fans online.
A life centered around music and peace
Gangai Amaran further explained that Ilaiyaraaja chooses a calm and peaceful lifestyle because he loves spending time composing music and being with himself.
“Even when I go to meet him, he sits quietly and writes music,” he said. He added that choosing isolation should not be misunderstood as a feeling of loneliness. According to him, Ilaiyaraaja has always been closely associated with music and creativity, and that is the life he prefers.
Gangai Amaran asked people and media platforms not to insult or emotionally hurt top artistes with unnecessary rumours. He said such comments have become painful, especially after spending more than five decades in the music industry.
Gangai Amaran calls for respect and understanding
The veteran composer also revealed that he personally called Paylavan Ranganathan and questioned him about the comments. According to Gangai Amaran, Pilvan later apologized for his remarks. “This is too cheap,” he said while expressing his disappointment over the issue. He ended his speech with an emotional appeal, asking everyone to respect Ilaiyaraaja’s personal space and lifestyle. “Ilaiyaraaja seeks peace.
“Let him live the way he wants,” he said, and his heartfelt words reflected not only brotherly affection but also the frustration of a family hurt by repeated rumors and general assumptions.
