Ilaiyaraaja's 50 anniversary festival: Kamal Haasan honors veteran composer with a soulful music tribute - Watch

The Ilaiyaraaja 50th Anniversary Music Journey Festival held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai was not just a tribute event, but a memorable moment. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Rajinikanth, and many others participated in this ceremony held on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government. However, it was actor Kamal Haasan's speech that left a deep impression on the fans. He began his speech with the words, “உயிரே, உறவே, தமிழே வணக்கம்! (Life, friendship, Tamil, greetings!)” and the arena was lit up with applause from thousands of fans.

Kamal Haasan's poetic words

Speaking further, Kamal Haasan said, “Ilaiyaraaja’s 50-year musical journey cannot be summed up in one sentence. Words are not enough to express the pride and emotion of that journey. So, today I wrote a special song to thank you,” he said. His words revealed a fan’s deep respect and affection for his lifelong companion, the composer.

Kamal Haasan's soulful lyrics celebrated music

Thereafter, a song by Kamal Haasan doubled the joy of the ceremony. The lyrics included lines like, “A thank you to a broken world, a thank you to a nature that brought us together, a thank you from an unchanging fan, a thank you from a soul with a heart, thank you…”The song paid a befitting tribute to the vertan composer and also reinforced how music is the soul of the Tamil community.

'Thug Life' actor reminds fans of Ilaiyaraaja’s timeless impact

At the end of the ceremony, when Kamal Haasan chanted, “Long live life, long live music, long live Tamil!”, everyone in the audience was moved with emotion. This event, beyond a music festival, was an experience that combined gratitude, Tamil culture, and the affection of the fans. Kamal Haasan's speech laid emphasis on how Ilaiyaraaja's music has been a significant part of people's lives for fifty years. His heartfelt words and a special thank-you song brought a memorable energy to the event.