Recognition of a Musical Legend
Ilaiyaraaja Honoured at Ajanta–Ellora Film Festival 2026: Veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja has been selected for the prestigious Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival 2026.
The honour recognises his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema and music across languages and generations.
The award ceremony is scheduled during the festival held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, marking a significant cultural moment in early 2026.
About the Padmapani Award
The Padmapani Award is among the highest recognitions conferred by the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival.
It honours individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to cinema and allied arts.
The award consists of a citation certificate, a Padmapani memento, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, symbolising artistic excellence and cultural impact.
Static GK fact: The Padmapani motif is inspired by Buddhist art traditions linked to the Ajanta cave heritage, symbolising compassion and enlightenment.
Why Ilaiyaraaja Was Chosen
Ilaiyaraaja is regarded as one of the most influential composers in Indian film history.
His career spans over four decades, during which he composed music for more than 1,000 films in multiple Indian languages.
He pioneered the integration of Western classical orchestration with Indian folk and classical traditions.
This approach transformed film background scores and song structures in Indian cinema.
Static GK Tip: Ilaiyaraaja was among the earliest Indian composers to use full symphonic arrangements for film background scores.
About the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival
The Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival is a major cultural platform celebrating meaningful cinema and artistic excellence.
The 11th edition will be held from 28 January to 1 February 2026 at Mahatma Gandhi Mission, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The festival encourages dialogue among filmmakers, artists, scholars, and audiences.
It also promotes regional and international cinema rooted in social and cultural themes.
Government Support and Cultural Significance
The festival is organised with support from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra.
It is co-presented by the National Film Development Corporation and the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation.
This institutional backing underlines the festival’s importance in India’s cultural landscape.
Honouring Ilaiyaraaja aligns with the broader effort to recognise lifetime achievements in creative arts.
Static GK fact: Maharashtra hosts several internationally recognised film festivals, reflecting its long association with Indian cinema and cultural movements.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Ilaiyaraaja Honoured at Ajanta–Ellora Film Festival 2026:
| Topic | Detail |
| Award Name | Padmapani Award |
| Awardee | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Event | 11th Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival |
| Venue | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar |
| Festival Dates | 28 January to 1 February 2026 |
| Cash Prize | ₹2 lakh |
| Field | Indian cinema and music |
| Organising Support | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Government of Maharashtra |
