Popular music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja has opened up about his conversion to Islam religion. In an interview to the Times of India, Yuvan has revealed as to what made him convert to Islam and has also talked about his relationship status.
Last year, Yuvan revealed on his Twitter page that he has embraced Islam religion. The revelation surprised many, while others supported the composer's decision. Following some unwarranted messages about his decision to Islam conversion, Yuvan deactivated his Twitter account and maintained silence over the issue. Finally, the music composer has now talked about it to the leading daily.
Yuvan has revealed that his mother's sudden death, a few years ago, had prompted him to convert to Islam. He said that he was devastated after his mother passed away holding his hands in a hospital. "I was crying but wondered where her soul went within seconds as she was alive just a few seconds back. I was in search of the answers and I should say that I got a direct calling from Allah. It was a spiritual experience," he told the TOI.
He said that he started reading the Quran and began practicing the religion. By January 2014, he decided to convert to Islam. Yuvan decided to go ahead with his decision despite the opposition from his father, music maestro Ilayaraja, who is a staunch Hindu.
However, the composer's brother and his wife seemed to have been supportive. Yuvan also stated that he might be changing his name in the future. As of now, he has retained his popular name in his passport and other records.
The music director also revealed about his relationship status. He got married to Sujaya Chandran in 2005 but the marriage did not last and they got divorced. Later, he married again in 2011, but has now separated from his second wife as well. The couple is on the verge of getting a divorce.
Yuvan began his film career as a composer at the young age of 16. His first film was the 1996-release "Aravindan", starring Sarathkumar. Since then, he has composed for several films and completed his 100th album "Biriyani" last year.
Some of his notable albums are "Kaadhal Konden", "7G Rainbow Colony", "Mankatha", "Saroja", "Pudhupettai", "Paruthiveeran" and "Thanga Meengal" among others.
The composer has also made his debut in Bollywood with Emraan Hashmi's "Raja Natwarlal".
