Sada ‘Master’, ace guitarist who enriched Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions, dies at 80
Master guitarist Sada ‘Master’ Sadanandam, key Ilaiyaraaja collaborator and mentor, dies at 80 in Chennai after shaping Tamil film music.
“I am saddened by Sadanandam’s death. He was with me from the early days,” Ilaiyaraaja said in a message
Updated - October 29, 2026 05:04 pm IST - CHENNAI
Sada ‘Master’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
S. Sadanandam, popularly known as Sada ‘Master’, whose guitar enriched many of the finest compositions of Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, died in Chennai on Thursday (October 29, 2026). He was 80.
Sada ‘Master’ was among the musicians who began working with Ilaiyaraaja in the mid-1970s, starting with Annakili, released in 1976. Both were students of Dhanraj ‘Master’, who trained several accomplished instrumentalists in Tamil Nadu, including A.R. Rahman.
Sada would appear with Ilaiyaraaja and his drummer Purusothaman in the song, Madai Thiranthu Thaavum Nathi Alai Naan in the film Nizhalgal.
Sada ‘Master’ (extreme right) | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“I am saddened by Sadanandam’s death. He was with me from the early days. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace,” Ilaiyaraaja said in a message.
Sada ‘Master’ belonged to a family of musicians. His father was the late music director R. Sudarsanam, popularly known as Sudarsanam ‘Master’, who worked as a music director for AVM Studios. His uncle was Govardhan ‘Master’.
Though Sada ‘Master’ attributed his success to Ilaiyaraaja, who meticulously wrote every notation and specified the dynamics, leaving little room for deviation, he had an exceptional understanding of what each composition demanded. His contribution to background scores and theme music speaks volumes about his talent.
Decades later, his guitar passages in songs such as En Iniya Pon Nilave, Vaadi En Kappa Kizhange, Entha Poovilum Vaasam Undu, Raja Raja Chozhan Naan, and Chinna Raasave continue to ring in listeners’ ears. And who can forget the iconic guitar passage in the Hindi song Chura Liya Hai Tumne?
His guitar could sound like a veena. Ilaiyaraaja used guitar passages in place of the veena in songs such as Thendral Vandhu Ennai Thodum and Aagaya Vennilave. The background scores and interludes continue to mesmerise listeners. Another memorable passage is the prelude to Indha Maan Undhan Sondha Maan from Karagattakaran. It was a technically demanding piece, but Sada ‘Master’ brought it to life with a richness and grandeur that made it truly exceptional.
In Paruvame Puthiya Paadal Paadu, he played both the vibraphone and the guitar, the combination elevating the song to another level. He also played the theme music for Moodu Pani and Mouna Raagam, creating musical motifs that remain memorable.
Writer and director Suka, who shared a close relationship with Sada ‘Master’, recalled his contribution to several memorable songs.
“One can hear his outstanding guitar work in songs such as Thulli Ezhunthathu Paatu; Poove Chempoove; En Iniya Pon Nilave; Nalam Vaazha; and Raamanin Mohanam. In my opinion, he was one of the most talented and brilliant guitarists,” he said.
Musician Abaswaram Ramji, a friend of Sada ‘Master’, said he was the lead guitarist of the band they formed together in 1968.
“Before becoming a permanent member of Ilaiyaraaja’s troupe, he worked with other film music directors. The only thing he knew in the world was the guitar. I used to tell him that he might as well marry a guitar rather than a woman,” Mr. Ramji recalled.
Sada ‘Master’ was also a dedicated teacher who trained generations of guitarists and musicians interested in film music. Along with his students, he recorded renditions of songs featuring his guitar work and shared them on social media.
Published - October 29, 2026 02:59 pm IST
cinema / Tamil cinema / music / Tamil Nadu / death
Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
