Ilaiyaraaja on meeting PM Modi for the first time. Ilayaraja recollected his reaction and feelings after he met PM Modi for the first time. He shared how he felt after receiving Padma Vibhushan in 2018.
Ilaiyaraaja shared "I was surprised I got the Padma Vibhushan, because of our PM. He is very kind to me. He announced it. I've no words to express my inner happiness. It's a wonderful thing...After the (awards) function was over, there was a tea party. There only I met him. I said, 'Sir, I have a prayer for you. You have to rule India for another 20 years.' It is happening,"
He added “I request you, suppose Modi we don't want. You name other leader. Just name other leader or ten leaders you name. But all the Indian people must accept that person. is there anyone? This is my opinion about him.” He praised PM Modi for transforming Kashi and the Lord Shiva temple there.