It truly was a musical evening, one that Kollywood buffs will remember for a long time to come. The Tamil Film Producers Council hosted a grand event on Saturday, celebrating 75 years of
Isaignani
Illaiyaraaja. While several top artistes performed at the show, one definite highlight was when both the maestro and Isai Puyal
AR Rahman
shared the stage. The latter had worked with
Ilaiyaraaja at the beginning of his career.
Speaking on the occasion, Rahman said, “Avara (Ilaiyaraaja) pakkarappa
headmaster
room-kulla pona madhiri irukkum. His way of living has inspired me a lot. Oru isai kalaignan-na ippadi than irukkanum. I’ve initially thought that musicians would have some bad habits, but avara paathadhukku apparam, my belief changed. He is truly an inspiration as an artiste and as a person.”
The two musicians then went on to have a friendly banter, with Ilaiyaraaja asking Rahman if he remembers when he joined him. When Rahman replied, ‘Moondram Pirai’, the former asked him to play the first tune that he programmed for him. Soon, Rahman played the theme music of Punnagai Mannan on the keys, and later, on anchors Suhasini Maniratnam and Kasthuri’s insistence, the two jointly performed Mandram Vandha (from Mouna Ragam) – Ilaiyaraaja sung the number and Rahaman played the tune on the keyboard. At one point, Ilaiyaraaja jovially asked Rahman, ‘Anga eppadi A vasikkara nee?’, and went on to correct the notes, and Rahman, too, sportingly played along!
Lakshmi.V@timesgroup.com