Since the announcement of Ilaiyaraaja 75, preparations by Kollywood celebrities have been on full swing to make the event as grand as the legend himself. Social media is floating with updates about the event, planned and organized by the Tamil Nadu Producers’ Council. Many are working round the clock for a perfect outcome to make the music legend’s day special. Earlier, Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan were invited by Vishal and team. Governor Banwarilal Purohit was also invited, and is expected to inaugurate the event. With just two days to go for the music maestro’s prestigious tribute, we speak to some people from the industry about the event.
Talking to Silverscreen, actress Rohini said, “The event idea was proposed by Vishal and Tamil Film Producers’ Council. I am in the working and planning team for the event. As you know, we have invited top stars and directors. We have planned a few surprises for Raja sir and also for the people. Apart from that, actresses Andrea Jeremaiah, Sayyeshaa, Namita are performing for the event. Music directors Devi Sri Prasad, Thaman and Blazee are also performing. We are just running the show as per the council’s planning.”
“On 3rd February, it is purely going to be Ilaiyaraaja sir’s concert with his magical live music. It feels great to be a part of this big event,” she said.
Meanwhile, TV actress Ammu Ramachandran is turning stylist for this event, and she feels excited about the process. “I am taking care of costumes and styling for the dancers who are performing at the event. As the dance programs will majorly have 80’s songs, we are planning accordingly and coordinating with the actresses. We have been working for a month for these preparations. Now we just have only two days to go and I am all excited,” she says with a big smile.
Last week, the TFPC president, actor Vishal, made an announcement that there would be surprises. There are talks in the industry that the legendary music composer AR Rahman may attend the event.
Speaking to Silverscreen, Rahman’s elder sister AR Raihanah, who is also a music director, said, “I am yet to get any call for participation. I will definitely attend if they do call. There is another event honouring music maestro Ilaiyaraaja which is happening on June 1, and I am performing for that event. Ilaiyaraaja is a genius. He made all our lives better with his songs”. When asked about Rahman’s presence at the event, “I think surprises are better when kept as a surprise,” she laughs and says.
Today, the Madras High court heard the case seeking a stay on Ilaiyaraaja 75, filed by producer JSK Satish Kumar and others who alleged financial discrepancies in the council. The court adjourned the case without specifying a date for the event, so Ilaiyaraaja 75 will happen as announced on February 2 and 3 at YMCA, Nandanam.
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The event is expected to be musical treat for Ilaiyaraaja fans. With the participation of almost the entire film fraternity, the two days promise to be fun-filled and make us nostalgic of memories from the 80s. In addition to musical performances, the event will feature dance and skits too.
Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have confirmed their participation. Vishal, Vijay Sethupathi, Arya and Karthi will be part of a 10 member actor group participating at the event. Actors Jayam Ravi, Jiiva, Vishnu Vishal and others will also attend the function.
At a trailer launch for the event, Vishal said, “This felicitation has been a long time coming and we consider ourselves lucky to have had this opportunity. The program is going to be one of the best tributes to the living god Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja sir.”
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Here are pictures from the launch: Ilaiyaraaja, Vishal and others at the TFPC’s ‘Ilayaraaja 75’ launch