Ilayaraja awards for Tamil literature

Music maestro Ilayaraja has constituted a forum to promote the cause of Tamil literature in memory of his elder brother Pavalar Varadarajan whom Ilayaraja described as a "very talented person and a poet".

The forum, named "Isaignani Ilakkiya Perumandram", will be formally launched on Dec.2 at Thamukkam Grounds, Madurai, along with the audio release of Ellora Movie Club's "Ajantha", to mark the death anniversary of Pavalar Varadarajan. "He was a genius and if only he were alive he would have ruled this film world with his words and music." Ilayaraja said.

Isaignani, announcing his decision at a press conference in Chennai, said he would institute four awards to be presented annually, beginning this year. The first award would go to a person who has done yeoman service to Tamil literature and the second for the best book written in Tamil. The two other awards would be given to up and coming poets. The awards would carry a cash prize and certificate.

"Ilakkiya Perumandram" will be headed by writer and Jnanpeeth award winner Jayakanthan with lyricists Vaali and Abdul Rahman, and journalist Thiruppur Krishnan as executive members.

Ilayaraja has chosen to launch the literary forum along with the "Ajantha" audio release because the film marks yet another milestone in his career.

What is extraordinary about this film made in four south Indian languages is that Ilayaraja has composed all 36 songs for it. This is the first time in history that a music director has composed so many songs for a single film. "Ajantha" has Ramana and debutant Vandana Gupta in the lead in the Tamil version, Saikiran and Vandana in Telugu, Vinu Mohan and Honey Rose in Malayalam and Venkatesh and Honey Rose in Kannada. Thirumavalavan has directed the film and also written the story, screenplay and dialogues. Ilavarasu has handled the camera while Rajba Ravishankar is the producer.