"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind and life to everything. For me it always starts from my harmonium, the only best friend I have," said eminent musician Ilaiyaraaja at a function held to mark his birthday at the PSG College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore.

The music composer regaled the audience with unending melodies after a brief address to the students, 'Casians' as they are known. Ilaiyaraaja stared with a spiritual song followed by an interactive session with students.

"Your mistakes are the best teacher in your life. We have to see a failed film four to five times because we will learn certain things from it. And it applies in your life also," he said. "Never think your life is a failure."

Legendary soundtracks like 'Thendral vanth theendum poth' and 'Sundhari kannal oru sethi' were played on the occasion.

Students gave a tribute to the maestro with his evergreen combinations as birthday gift. The music legend cut the cake in the presence of thousands at the function held on October 24.

Preparations to welcome him were a grand occasion on the campus.