A biography for Y. G. Mahendranhasn’t been written yet.
“I always was a great fan of Malayalam cinema, Sathyan in particular. I loved their understated acting.”
“The plays that I performed in the '70s are not the same plays that I perform today. However, what they have in common is a solid foundation of a story, and good, healthy comedy.”
“Of course, there is no substitute for live performances.”
“I have spent more time on stage than at home.”
“Every musician should announce the raga and the sahityam before performing.”
“I've been a part of Margazhi festival even as a little boy. I used to accompany my mom to concerts held by the Music Academy.”
“Even when I was working in 30 films a year I was doing 20 plays a month.”
“Live stage shows cannot be replaced.”
“People knew that I was a disciple of Sivaji Ganesan and wanted to honour his memory. In fact, I did a movie and play adaptation of 'Vietnam Veedu,' and used the song 'Un Kannil Neer Vadinthal' as part of the play.”
“I too once thought of producing a musical play on Tyagaraja. People fell at my feet, saying please don't commit such a folly.”
“It is impossible to forget a great actor like Sivaji Ganesan.”
“Even when I have a vintage play, I draw in elements from current scenarios, so that modern audiences can empathize with the characters.”
“My mother made me listen to Carnatic music saying that only then I will be able to appreciate any good music. But what this has also done for me is that I'm unable to accept modern-day cinema songs.”
“I would like to do one of Ilaiyaraaja's songs. After all, I did play drums for him and have watched him closely while composing, recording and performing. I would like to do an album of Mohammed Rafi's Hindi songs, too.”
“You cannot stage plays to make money. That's quite impossible until our people start spending more on tickets.”
“I believe in the need for paying for art. Free shows must not be encouraged.”
“There was a time when people were afraid that film music would totally displace classical music.”
“If I'm to have another birth I wish to be born to the same parents and also have the same supportive wife, Sudha.”
“'Kadamban' is a movie with a social message on deforestation. Along with my daughter Madhuvanthi, I am playing a significant role.”
“Maybe Carnatic music will become more digital, because it is an audio form. But even then, why do people flock to the December season in Madras? Because they want to see the artiste face-to-face.”