Stars pay tribute to Ilaiyaraaja

Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Sridevi on Tuesday came together to celebrate the 1,000th film of music composer Ilaiyaraaja at the music launch of Shamitabh, where the maestro was felicitated in the presence of the entire star cast of the film. The event also saw a live performance by Big B and Dhanush, apart from other singers and music composers.

“Thank you for whatever you have given to this industry. I am your devoted fan. Your music is a big inspiration. I am not a trained actor, but accidentally became an actor... It is because of your music that I have made it so far. My every inspiration comes from your music,” Dhanush said.  R. Balki, however, clarified that Shamitabh was not Ilayaraja’s 1,000th film. “Director Bala’s film is the 1,000th film of Ilaiyaraaja,” he said.

Besides the star cast of Shamitabh, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shruti Haasan and Tabu were among others who were present at the event.

“It’s an honour to be present here with the wonderful talent around us. Thank you for giving us this opportunity Raja sir,” Abhishek Bachchan said.

“Thank you very much. It’s an absolute honour to be present here. We have enjoyed your music. Thanks to the team of Shamitabh. Thank you all the legendary icons. I have the pleasure of calling one of them Paa,” Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said.