A fitting tribute

Illayaraja Ayiram hosted by Star Vijay lived upto its billing as an evening for the ages, as the star-studded event saw many from the music and film fraternities attend. Veteran musicians like Vikku Vinayakram and T.V.Gopalakrishnan (who was a mentor for Illayaraja in classical music) got the evening rolling with rousing acts. The host, DD of course, was her usual bubbly self, urging everyone on and keeping spirits at a high.

‘Guitar’ Prasanna along with his international band, delighted — all the more so when he teamed up with vocalist Karthik and director Gautham Menon for a spontaneous ‘favourite Raja playlist’ medley! Directors who worked with the Isaignani like Bala, Panju Arunachalam, Balki, Mysskin, Bhagyaraj and Prakash Raj; actors from Kamal Haasan and Kushbu to Gauthami and Meena; as well as singers such as SPB, P. Susheela and Chithra were unanimous in their tributes and performances on stage. Singer Usha Uthup with her usual energy also stole the show, along with composer Devi Sri Prasad.

Kamal shared his admiration for Illayaraja, requesting him to sing a song from the much-awaited Maruthanayagam along with some engaging visuals from the film.

There were also celebrities from other states, like Venkatesh and Jayaram, who talked about the Isaignani’s music impacting and helping them in their respective careers.

As the occasion drew to a close amidst rapturous applause and cheers, there was a palpable sense of awe across the grounds — mixed with one of heavy nostalgia.