Tamil Film industry is gifted to have many stars in the field of music direction, right from K.V. Mahadevan to Anirudh. Each music director came with their signature style and had set a new trend which became a blessing and variety for all music lovers.
Many of the Tamil music directors worked with popular movie directors such as K. Balachandar, Maniratnam, Shankar, and Bharathiraaja. They had also worked with popular singers such as S.P.B, Yesudas, S. Janaki, P. Susheela, K.S. Chithra, Shreya Ghoshal and so on.
K.V. Mahadevan (1942 – 1992)
Early Days
In 1918, a musical genius was born in the southern end of Tamilnadu. It was Mahadevan who made his first cry in the land of Nagercoil. His parents were Venkadachalam Bhagavathar and Pichaiyammal. The first Tamil movie in which Mahadevan composed music was for Manonmani in 1942.
Popular Songs by Mahadevan:
Oru Naal Podhuma from Thiruvilaiyadal; NalamDhaana from Thillana Moganambal; Aayiram Nilave Vaa from Adimai Penn; Mayakkam Enna from Vasantha Maaligai; Ore Oru Oorile from Padikaatha Medhai.
Did You Know?
Nadaswaram was Mahadevan’s favorite instrument and he did use this instrument frequently in his movie songs.
Awards and Titles
K.V. Mahadevan was the first person to receive the nation’s first National Award for music direction for the movie Kandan Karunai in 1967. He won the TamilNadu state award for the movie Adimai Penn. He was called Swara Brahma (Creator of Musical Notes) and Thirai Isai Thilagam (Pride of Film Music).
The man who composed music for more than 600 films, and a pioneer among Tamil music directors, passed away in 2001.
M.S. Viswanathan (1952 – 2015)
Early Days
M.S Viswanathan was born in God’s own country, Kerala, in 1928 in Palakkad. His beloved Malayali parents were the renowned couple Manayangath Subramanian and Narayaniammal.
Viswanathan joined with Ramamoorthy and composed music for the movie, Panam in the year 1952. He previously worked on the background score of a few movies and composed music along with Ramamoorthy from 1952 to 1965 for more than 100 films. They later parted ways after the movie, Aayirathil Oruvan.
Popular Songs by M.S. Viswanathan
Inbame Undhan Per from Idhayakani; Pachaikili Muthucharam from Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban; Azhagiya Tamil Magal Ival from Rickshawkaran; Atho Vaaranadi Vaarandi from Polladhavan; Sippi IrukuthMuthum Irukuthu from Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu.
Did You Know?
Viswanathan has lent his unique voice to 200 songs composed by others and almost 500 songs sculpted by him including Sollathan Ninaikiren. He sang Mazhaithuli Mazhaithuli for A.R. Rahman which became a huge hit.
Awards and Titles
Viswanathan won the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamilnadu State Government. He won the Lifetime Achievement Award – South from Filmfare. He won the TamilNadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for the film Lakshmi Kalyanam. He got honorary doctorates from Sathyabama University and Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. He was known as Mellisai Mannar (King of Melody) and Thirai Isai Chakravarthy (Emperor of Cine Music).
M.S.Viswanathan passed away in July, 2015. There is no doubt that he was outstanding among Tamil music directors.
Ilayaraja (1976 - Present)
Early Days
The year 1943, bore witness to the birth of Ilayaraja in the serene town of Pannaiapuram nestled inside Theni, TamilNadu. Raja was the cherished son of Ramaswamy and Chinnathayi. In his younger years, he performed in his brother’s music troupe named Pavalar Brothers in many places of South India. He later worked as assistant for music composer Venkatesh for more than 200 Kannada films.
In 1976, Director Panchu Arunachalam gave the first chance to Raja to compose music for his film Anakilli. Ilayaraja introduced a new style of music composition and combined folk with western music. For a long period of time, Raja was the most popular and best music director in Tamil.
Popular Songs by Ilayaraja
Machana Paatheengala from Anakilli; Poonkathave Thazh Thiravai from Nizhalgal; Senthoora Poove from 16 Vayathinile; Ninaivo Oru Paravai from Sigappu Rojakkal; Keladi Kanmani from Puthu Puthu Arthangal.
Did You Know?
American Cinema Portal, Taste of Cinema, placed Ilayaraja as the only Indian in the Top 25 greatest film music composers in the world. Ilayaraja is Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, in the arts division from 2022.
Awards and Titles
Ilayaraja has received the Padma Vibhushan (second highest civilian award) in 2018 from the Government of India. He won the national award for best music direction 3 times for the films Sindhu Bhairavi(Tamil), RudraVeena (Telugu) and Sagara Sangamam (Telugu). He won the TamilNadu State Film award six times for best music director. He was also awarded the Kalaimamani by the Tamilnadu State Government. He won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award among South music directors.
He was called Maestro by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London and Isaignani (Genius or Sage of Music) by Tamil music lovers.
A.R Rahman (1992 – Present)
Early Days
Music director Shekhar and his strong-willed wife Kareema Begum were overjoyed when their son A.R.Rahman was born in 1967 in cosmopolitan Chennai, TamilNadu. Rahman said, “I want to be like Chick Corea (American jazz pianist and composer) one day.” Music for movies was never on the mind of young Rahman.
He started his own band, made jingles, composed for industrial films, programmed music for other Tamil music directors, and wanted to make independent albums. He was also very good in the electronics of the music instruments and was asked to fix any instrument that was not working.
But destiny had different plans, and Director Maniratnam asked Rahman to compose music for his film Roja in 1992 and the rest became history.
Popular Songs
Chinna Chinna Aasai from Roja; Oorvasi Oorvasi from Kadhalan; Chikku Buku Chikku Buku Raile from Gentleman; Narumugaye from Iruvar; MunbeVaa En Anbe from Sillunu Oru Kadhal.
Did You Know?
The first band Rahman founded when he was 13 was called Aristocrat. His own recording studio is named Panchatan. A street is named after Rahman in Ontario, Canada.
Awards and Titles
Rahman won 2 Oscars, for best original song (Jai Ho) and Best original score for the movie Slumdog Millionaire. He won two Grammy Awards. He won the Padma Bhushan (third-highest civilian Award of India). He won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction five times. He is known as Isai Puyal (Musical Storm) and Mozart of Madras.
Deva (1988 – Present)
Early Days
Deva was born in verdant Tamilnadu in 1950. His parents were M.C. Chokkalingam and M.C.Krishnaveni. In 1973, he formed the Boses Deva troupe along with Chandra Bose and performed in many stage shows. He also composed music for 450 devotional albums.
His first film as music director was for the movie, Manasukketha Maharasa in 1989. However, the film for which his music made a big impact was Vaikasi Poranthachu in 1990. Deva soon became one of the top music directors in Tamil.
Popular Songs
Chinna Ponnu Thaan from Vaikasi Poranthachu; Naan Autokaaran Autokaaran from Baasha; Rekka Katti Parakutaiya from Annamalai; Engenge Engenge from NerukkuNer; Thilothamma from Aasai; Thoothuvalai Ilai Araichi from Thaai Manasu.
Did You Know?
Deva popularized the Gaana genre in Tamil films among Tamil music directors and made it mainstream.
Awards and Titles
Deva won the TamilNadu State Film Award twice. He was awarded the Kalaimamani by the TamilNadu Government. The veteran music director M.S. Viswanathan awarded Deva the poetic name Thenisai Thendral.
Harris Jayaraj (2001 – Present)
Early Days
The year 1975 heralded the birth of Harris Jayaraj in vibrant Chennai, the capital of TamilNadu. He was born to S.M. Jayakumar, a film guitarist and Rachel Jayakumar. Harris worked as a music programmer for more than 600 films under 25 different music directors. His first film as a music director was for the movie Minnale in 2001.
Popular Songs
Vaseegara from Minnale; Mudhal Kanave from Majnu; Uyirin Uyire from Kaakha Kaakha; Aagaya Sooriyanai from Samurai; Suttum Vizhi Sudare from Ghajini.
Did You Know?
The first world music tour of Harris was named ‘Harris on The Edge’ and was staged in India and Dubai in 2011-2012.
Awards and Titles
Harris was a famous Tamil music director and won the TamilNadu State Film Awards three times. He won six Filmfare awards. The Tamilnadu government awarded him with Kalaimamani. He also got the Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Dr. M.G.R Educational and Research institute.
Yuvan Shankar Raja (1996 – Present)
Early Days
The maestro Ilayaraja music lineage was well extended when Yuvan Shankar Raja was born as a third child to Maestro and Jeeva in 1979 in Chennai, TamilNadu. Jacob Master was Yuvan’s music guru. Yuvan’s mother suggested making music as his profession. So, he started composing music for an album. The producer of the Aravindhan movie liked the tune and asked Yuvan to compose the trailer and music for the songs. Thus, Yuvan entered the film music arena in 1997.
Popular Songs
Ninaithu Ninaithu Paarthal from 7G Rainbow Colony; Oru Naalaikul Ethanai Kanavu from Yaaradi Nee Mohini; Rowdy Baby from Maari 2; MalargaleMalara Vendam from PudhuKotaiyilirundhu Saravanan; Enthan Vaanamum Neethaan from Deepavali.
Did You Know?
Yuvan popularized the remix culture in Tamil Cinema and he remixed old songs such as Per Vechaalum Vaikaama and Vachikava Unna Mattum. He introduced hip-hop music in Tamil cinema, he also sings for other prominent music directors like Kadal Raasa Naan for Rahman from the movie Maryan.
Awards and Titles
Yuvan won the TamilNadu State Film Award twice for best Tamil music director recognition. He won the Filmfare Award for best music direction once. He received the Kalaimamani from the TamilNadu Government. Sathyabama College of Science and Technology awarded him an honorary doctorate. He is known as the King of Background Music.
VidyaSagar (1989 – Present)
Early Days
In 1963, the land of Andhra Pradesh welcomed a future melody king VidyaSagar into its arms. His father U. Ramachandar was a musician. During his initial days, he worked as an assistant under many music directors. He showcased his music composition skills through his maiden film Poomanam in 1989.
Popular Songs
Minsaaram En Meedhu from Run; Aasai Aasai from Dhool; Raa Raa from Chandramukhi; Silendra Theepori from Thithikudhe; Thaen Thaen from Kuruvi.
Did You Know?
VidyaSagar was the first South Indian composer to compose music for an English film, Beyond the Soul.
Awards and Titles
VidyaSagar has won one National Award for music direction. He won the TamilNadu State Film Awards for best music direction for two years. He was one of the top Tamil music directors of all time and took home the Filmfare Awards for South five times. He won the Kalaimamani award from the Tamilnadu Government. Vidyasagar was nicknamed as Melody King.
Imman (2002 – Present)
Early Days
Imman was born in Chennai, TamilNadu, in 1983. His parents are David Kirubaakara Dass and Manjula David. In his initial days, he worked as a music composer for TV serials and as assistant to other Tamil music directors. He first composed music for the movie Kaadhale Swasam. However, his first major hit film was Tamizhan in 2002. Imman was just 19 years old when he composed music for Tamizhan.
Popular Songs
Ayaiyayo Aanandhame from Kumki; Mailaanji from Namma VeetuPillai; Kooda Mela Kooda Vachi from Rummy; Vaaney Vaaney from Viswasam; Kannana Kanney from Viswaasam.
Did You Know?
Imman has composed Title Tracks for 80 TV serials and the Bgm for over 5000 episodes. The University of Toronto in Canada, honoured him with the recognition of ambassador for Tamil chair (prestigious award in canada).
Awards and Titles
Imman won the National Award for music direction once. He is the fifth among Tamil music directors to win a national award. He won the TamilNadu State Award for music once. Imman also won the Filmfare Award for music direction South once.
Anirudh (2011 – present)
Early Days
Anirudh, the young musical rockstar, was born in 1990 in the happening city of Chennai, TamilNadu to actor Ravi Raghavendra and Lakshmi Ravichander. Anirudh completed a Diploma in sound engineering. He was also part of a band. Aishwarya Rajnikanth, his cousin’s sister, gave him his first chance as music composer in the movie ‘3’.
The song Why this Kolaveri Di from 3 became an overnight sensation and the most searched song on Youtube in India. Soon, Anirudh became one of the famous Tamil music directors.
Popular Song
Velicha Poove from Ethirneechal; Aaluma Doluma from Vedhalam; Selfie Pulla from Kaththi; Amma Amma from Vellai Illa Pattadhaari; Manasilaayo from Vettaiyan.
Did You Know?
Anirudh composed music, appeared onscreen with Dhanush and Anushka for the Sachin Anthem for Boost based on Why this Kolaveri song.
Awards and Titles
He has won two Filmfare awards among south music directors. He won five Vijay awards, ten SIIMA awards and six Edison Awards.
Final thoughts
Though we have listed 10 music directors, there are so many others who have contributed some remarkable mellifluous numbers to Tamil Music. From the olden times, the names that popup are Shankar Ganesh, V.S. Narasimhan, Devendran, Sirpi, Shyam, and V. Kumar. From the latest times, the names that popup are G.V. Prakash, Santosh Narayanan, Sean Roldan, James Vasanthan, and Sabesh-Murali.
Does the journey of each music director to stardom inspire you? Do you want to embark on a similar musical adventure? Then enroll for a demo with MusicMaster to learn an instrument or get vocal training.
FAQs
Who are the top Tamil music directors?
The top Tamil music directors are M.S. Viswanathan, K.V.Mahadevan, Ilayaraja, A.R. Rahman, Vidyasaagar, Deva, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Harris Jayaraj.
How did Ilaiyaraaja revolutionize Tamil film music?
Ilayaraja combined western classical music with the folk tunes for Tamil songs and revolutionized Tamil film music.
How has Tamil film music evolved over decades?
Tamil film music evolved from the live orchestra-based composing to programmed music using synthesizers over the decade. It also saw different styles like folk, hip-hop, reggae, and gaana.
Which Tamil music director has won the most awards?
A.R. Rahman has won the most number of awards, both national and international.
How Tamil music directors create film scores?
The movie directors brief the Tamil music directors about the scenario in which the song appears. Based on the mood, the music director composes a tune. This tune may have been changed multiple times based on the movie director’s wish. Once the melody is finalized, the lyric writer writes the lyrics. The music composer writes musical notes for the various musical instruments and distributes them to the team. Then, finally the song is recorded along with the singers. Sometimes, lyrics are written first.
Who is the youngest Tamil music director?
Anirudh is 34 years old and is the youngest Tamil music director.
How Tamil film music influences global music trends?
Tamil film music composers like A.R. Rahman composed music for western movies like Slumdog Millionaire and went on to win the Oscar and Grammy awards. A.R. Rahman composed music for the London Musical named Bombay Dreams. Ilayaraja recently composed a symphony named Valiant in London. Many music schools abroad create cover versions of Tamil songs of Ilayaraja and Rahman. So, Tamil film music always impacts global music.
