Ilaiyaraaja to Receive Padmapani Award at Ajanta-Ellora Festival

Veteran music composer “Ilaiyaraaja” has been selected for the prestigious Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival, recognising his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. The honour underlines his enduring influence across multiple film industries and generations of filmmakers and audiences.

Recognition of a Legendary Musical Journey

The Padmapani Award is conferred annually on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to cinema and cultural expression. Ilaiyaraaja’s body of work, spanning more than four decades, includes thousands of film compositions and background scores across several Indian languages. His innovative fusion of Indian classical traditions with Western orchestration has reshaped film music and elevated its narrative role.

Award Components and Festival Schedule

The award comprises a Padmapani memento, a citation certificate, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh. The 11th edition of the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival will be held from January 28 to February 1 at the Mahatma Gandhi Mission campus in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, critics, scholars, and cinema enthusiasts from India and abroad.

Institutional Support and Cultural Significance

The festival is organised with the support of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra. It is co-presented by the National Film Development Corporation and the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation. The Padmapani Award is regarded as the festival’s highest honour, celebrating lifetime achievement and artistic excellence.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Padmapani Award is a lifetime achievement honour of the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival.
• Ilaiyaraaja is known for blending Indian classical music with Western symphonic elements.
• The Ajanta–Ellora festival is supported by central and Maharashtra state cultural institutions.
• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is the host city of the festival.

Broader Impact on Indian Cinema

By honouring Ilaiyaraaja, the festival reinforces the role of music as a core pillar of Indian cinema. The recognition also highlights India’s rich artistic heritage and the importance of preserving creative excellence through national and international cultural platforms.