Sada ‘Master’, ace guitarist who enriched Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions, dies at 80

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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. 

“I am saddened by Sadanandam’s death. He was with me from the early days. I do not see them as dead, as they lived with me and were an integral part of my life. 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’.

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.

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