Ilaiyaraaja leaves for London for symphony debut: I'm incredible, no one's like me

Ilaiyaraaja left for London to unveil his first-ever symphony at the age of 81. The music director had composed the symphony in just 35 days.

In Short

• Ilaiyaraaja left for London to present his first-ever symphony
• At the airport, he expressed his pride in unveiling his symphony
• The event will take place in London

Composer Ilaiyarajaa left for London to unveil his first-ever symphony on March 8. He met the media at the Chennai International Airport on Thursday where he spoke about how proud he is of himself. The orchestra performance will take place at the Eventim Apollo, London on March 8. Days before he left Chennai, actor Sivakarthikeyan met him and wished him for his endeavour.

Speaking to the media, the music maestro said, "I'm travelling to London to release my new symphony. The world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra musicians will be performing my symphony. There is absolutely no doubt that this will be a grand musical feast for the fans who come to witness this symphony. This is not my pride alone. It is the pride of India. I pray that everyone receives the complete blessings of God."

Here's a video of Ilaiyaraaja at airport:

The reporters then posed questions about other pressing issues, which are not related to music. Irked by the questions, he said, "Please don't ask me troublesome questions; you've come with a good mind when I'm going for a good event. Everyone please pray to God that this event goes well with your blessings. Like 'Incredible India,' I am 'Incredible Ilaiyaraaja.' No one is like me. And there will never be anyone like me in the future," he explained.

He was then asked about composer Deva's open statement on asking 2K kids to use his songs without paying any royalty. Losing his cool, he said, "Did I come here for this? Don't ask unnecessary questions to me. I am concentrating only on my work. I am here because of all of you. I am going there to proclaim our greatness. May God's grace be bestowed upon everyone completely," he concluded.

A couple of days ago, actor Sivakarthikeyan surprised Ilaiyaraaja by gifting him a special musical instrument ahead of his symphony debut.

Here's the video:

Earlier, Kamal Haasan gave a shout-out to Ilaiyaraaja and wrote, "Maestro @ilaiyaraaja, you continue to inspire. Your Symphony No. 1 'Valiant' debut in London is set to blaze a trail across genres. The world eagerly awaits the symphonic brilliance you are about to create (sic)."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, VCK head Thirumavalavan, BJP chief K Annamalai and several others congratulated Ilaiyaraaja and wished him ahead of his first symphony reveal.