Rajini - Raaja Beer sessions and How Rahman was Discovered

 Was not Rajinikanth responsible in a way for downfall of Illaiyaraaja ? This question comes after hearing Thaliavar speak about all controversial aspects of the maestro life at the felicitation function hosted by TN CM Stalin.  FLASHBACK :It was a function where Rajinikanth- Vairamuthu- KB along with Raaja were present to celeberate success of a film. Raaja went on a tangent and said that without his music no film can be a hit and took credit for all silver jubilee hits that he scored music. This trampled egos of those on stage. The look for a new music Director started. Result was adjingle composer Dilip aks A R Rahman. Film Roja.

Ilaiyaraaja recounted the story of a particularly memorable music session during the making of Johnny (1989), Rajinikanth himself joined in, adding more colorful and “spicy” details to the narrative. n a humorous twist, Rajinikanth disclosed that the duo had indulged in beers until 3 a.m., and after finishing an entire bottle, Ilaiyaraaja had taken to inquiring about gossip concerning heroines.

The revelation sent the entire hall into fits of laughter, capturing the spontaneity and warmth of their camaraderie.

This delightful episode is a testament to the enduring bond between two of Indian cinema’s most cherished legends. This is a friendship built on mutual respect, shared memories, and a touch of mischief. At a grand felicitation ceremony held in Chennai on Saturday, celebrating Ilaiyaraaja’s illustrious 50-year musical career, Rajinikanth took the stage to reminisce and share some light-hearted “secrets” from their early days in the film industry. The atmosphere was electric with nostalgia as both legends revisited memorable moments.

Rajini boldly addressed the period when Illaiyaraaja lost ground to rival music directors and added that including himself went to the new music Director. He also commended the period that Illaiyaraaja kept himself busy with his usual recordings. Yet another tricky area was Raaja’s copyright ownership issue with his compositions and including the stopping of SPB musical nite in USA overnight. He admired Raaja’s statement that he is still the greatest and to prove it was the London symphony, he added. Rajini also touched the exit from Prasad Studios recording studio by Raaja.