While Ilaiyaraaja’s illustrious name comes with a prefix – ‘Maestro’, his son Yuvan Shankar Raja has earned the moniker of ‘Little Maestro’. The singer-music director, who is celebrating his 39th birthday today, started his career with Aravindan, and has composed songs for over 100 films since then. He has a dedicated fan-base among the youth. Not just his compositions, he is also called the ‘BGM King’ by his fans for his background scores.
Currently, he is working on these films: Pei Pasi, Om, Kazhugu 2, Maari 2, Sandakozhi 2, Super Deluxe, Santhana Dhevan, Kolaiyudhir Kaalam, Madai Thirandhu, NGK, Kanne Kalaimaane, Genius and Nenjam Marapadhillai.
On his birthday, his fans share some of their favourite songs of YSR:
‘Oru Devathai’
Vaamanan (2009)
YSR has a song for every emotion and for every situation in life. I am not too fond of his music in Punnaigai Poovea, but his work in Thulluvadho Illaimai was a game-changer for me. But my favourite is ‘Oru Devathai’ from Vaamanan. It beautifully portrays a man’s feelings for his lover. I personally relate to it. The lyrics are by Na. Muthukumar. This song is apparently a favourite of the music composer as well.
Nirmalraj Lakshmanan, Video Journalist
‘Ninaithu Ninaithu’
7G Rainbow Colony (2004)
I grew up listening to YSR’s songs. The songs of Mounam Pesiyadhe is so good that I could watch the film just for the songs. His songs can make me cry and console me at the same time. My favorite song is ‘Ninaithu Ninaithu’ from 7G Rainbow Colony. It’s another beautiful collaboration between Na. Muthukumar and YSR that talks about love and the pain of separation.
Navya, Final Year Political Science Student
Idhuvarai Illadha Unarvidhu
Goa (2010)
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is for the soul. He is one of the few artistes who is capable of composing for all kinds of genre. His mesmerizing voice directly touches our emotions. My favorite song is ‘Idhuvarai Illadha Unarvidhu’ from Goa. In this song, two lovers confess their feelings for each other for the first time.
Abi Aravind, Entrepreneur
Kadaloram
Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum (2009)
His voice has the power to conquer all emotions. All I need from him is one album every year. My favorite song is ‘Kadaloram Oru Ooru’ from Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum. The song is a rural melody which has lyrics by Vaali and portrays the young love between a school-going couple.
Deepan, Vlogger
Endha Pakkam
Dharma Durai (2016)
YSR’s work is inspiring. Despite his talent, some of his songs like ‘Ulagamellam Ellam Unadhallava’, ‘Oru Naalil’ remain relatively unknown. Written by Vairamuthu, ‘Endha Pakkam’ from Dharma Durai is a motivational song which explores the emotions of an alcoholic hero who’s on the road to recovery.
Ram, Second Year Mass Communication Student
