Why Ilaiyaraaja boycotted the 63rd National Awards

Ilayaraja was awarded the Best Background Score award for his 1000th film Thaarai Thappattai at the 63rd National Awards. But the maestro did not go to Delhi to receive his award. According to a report in The Hindu, the renowned musician was upset with the fact that there were two awards for Best Music Direction.

He questioned why there was an award for Best Music Direction - Background Score and one for Best Music Direction. He told the daily, "It not only means that I have done an incomplete job as music director but also implies that only half of my work is good. It means that the committee now encourages music directors to do half the job."

The Hindu also reports that two letters were written by Ilaiyaraaja to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting where he asked the same question. He also added that a music composer should be on the jury so that the point he was making would be understood and appreciated.