Noted Indian music composer Ilaiyaraaja in 2018, expressed happiness for being conferred the Padma Vibhushan award and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for it.

Back then, Ilaiyaraaja said that his name in the list of the recipient of the second highest civilian award indicates that the Central government respects the people of Tamil Nadu. `The Padma Vibhushan award conferred upon me is an indication of PM Modi led government`s respect to Tamil people and Tamil Nadu,` he said.