Listen: Ilaiyaraaja's "Kaatril Varum Geethame" (Tamil)

Maestro Ilaiyaraaja is a blackhole I wouldn't mind getting lost into time and again. It's not just the sheer bliss you experience when you listen to his compositions, the fact that they have stood the test of time speaks volumes about the genius he is and the impeccable craft he brings to the table. Taken in that sense, the rich tapestry of sounds that adorns Kaatril Varum Geethame cannot be merely described in words. Agreed the lilting melody, tuned in kalyani raga, is not the only one to come from the composer — Amma Endru Azhaikkatha, Janani Janani and Nirpathuve Nadapathuve are some of the other popular songs set in the same raga — but there is something very calming and hymnal about Kaatril Varum... that makes it so captivating and infinitely appealing. Perhaps it's also to do with Bhavatharini, Shreya Ghoshal, Sadhana Sargam, Ilaiyaraaja and Hariharan's singing that all goes together so well. Have it a go below -