Ilayaraja - Non-music side of the man

How IR casually chats, cracks jokes, is at ease with people he is comfortable with, and not a grumpy person as the media/others have portrayed him to be.

Actor Suppuraj about IR on his child-like personality (from 14:28 onwards):

Manobala on Manathodu Mano program on Jaya TV about IR-Bharathiraja friendship and how IR music helped his movies:

IR helped Bharathiraja after "Nizhalgal" flopped when it clashed with "Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu" (KB and MSV) at the BO, and following which the industry began to shun Bharathiraja despite his previous box-office hits.

It was IR who said "You make a movie.  I will produce it, and together, we will make it a success".  Thus, "ALaigal Oivadhillai" was made under the banner Pavalar Creations.

From 16:00 onwards: 

Around 13.30 mark talk about IR's generosity.