Stop listening to notes composed through digital tech, Ilaiyaraaja’s formula to revive waning folk music

“If folk music like ‘parai’ and ‘villupattu’ has to be revived, then students should stop listening to modern day music composed through digital technologies,” he said while addressing students of AVS College of Arts and Science in Salem district. 

He was speaking at a function organised to celebrate his 75th birthday (He turned 75 on June 2, 2018). Recalling his younger days, the musician said that he never thought of his musical ability. 

“Once an astrologer toldme that I wouldn’t study after class eight. I wanted to prove him wrong. To join class nine, my mother didn’t have even Rs 25 to pay school fees. So, with the reference of a relative, I joined work in the Vaigai dam to pour water on the construction. I earned Rs seven a week. While receiving the money, I felt like flying in the air. I didn’t have the same happiness even when I earned seven crores,” he said. 

The maestro also advised folk artists to teach their skill to the next generation to revive the traditional music. He also played music and sang songs to the request of students.