On the occasion of music maestro Ilaiyaraja's birthday June 2, his fans are planning to plant 71,001 saplings across the state of Tamil Nadu. Hundreds of volunteers from his recently formed official fan club will join hands on this occasion.

 

 "Volunteers from Ilaiyaraja fan clubs representing different districts of Tamil Nadu will come together to plant 71,001 saplings on his birthday. Raja sir wanted to give back to the society through his fan club and that's why we are doing this," said Thangaraj, member of Ilaiyaraja fan club.

 

 "He hates the idea of cake cutting or hosting parties for his birthday. When his fan club was formed, it was decided that it will work towards a better society," he said. In April, Ilaiyaraja's official fan club was launched in Madurai. It has over 10 million registered members, including singers and musicians.

 

 The 70-year-old has composed music for over 900 films in his career. He is currently busy composing tunes for R. Balki's yet-untitled Hindi film besides a few southern projects.