Fans brave the rain for a nostalgic night with Ilaiyaraaja

Even heavy downpours could not dampen the spirits of Ilaiyaraaja’s devoted fans, who turned up in full force for the “Raaja Rhapsody” concert at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil. More than 8,000 attendees, draped in plastic ponchos, filled the open-air venue on a wet Saturday evening, eager to witness the maestro’s latest performance alongside his impressive 70-piece orchestra.

The orchestra, comprising talented musicians from Tamil Nadu and Budapest, set the stage for an unforgettable experience. The rain eventually subsided, as though nature itself made way for an epic musical journey. The moment Ilaiyaraaja struck the first notes of Janani Janani from the 1982 film Thaai Moogambigai, a wave of anticipation and warmth swept across the audience. For nearly five hours, the maestro and his team delivered one classic after another, reaffirming his title as a musical titan.

A celebration of cinematic masterpieces

The evening’s repertoire was a rich tribute to the golden era of Tamil cinema, especially films that starred screen legends Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Fans were treated to powerful renditions of tracks from films like Vikram (1986), Thalapathi (1991), and Hey Ram (2000), each number invoking vivid memories of the actors’ iconic roles.

When the orchestra launched into the title tracks of Vikram and Hey Ram, the energy in the stadium soared. These electrifying performances had the crowd singing along, swaying, and even dancing under the open sky. Playback singers SP Charan, Madhu Balakrishnan, Karthik, and Yugendran Vasudevan lent their voices to the ensemble, adding depth and charisma to the performances. Each song unfolded like a page from a well-loved book, drawing both tears and cheers from the audience.

Ilaiyaraaja’s ability to connect generations of fans through his compositions was evident throughout the night. Whether it was the haunting melodies or the energetic beats, the maestro proved that his music transcends time, uniting fans young and old in a shared celebration of artistry.

A moving tribute

The concert took an emotional turn as Ilaiyaraaja paid homage to the late actor Vijayakanth, who passed away in December 2023. With an orchestral rendition of Chatriyan‘s (1990) gripping background score, followed by the soulful Yezhaigal Vaazha from Poonthotta Kaavalkaran (1988), the maestro honoured the cherished actor’s legacy.

Adding to the heartfelt moment, fans were treated to Rasathi Unna from Vaidehi Kathirunthal (1984), an evergreen hit synonymous with Vijayakanth’s on-screen charm. The tribute was both poignant and celebratory, a reminder of the late actor’s lasting impact on the Tamil film industry.

Equally stirring was the homage to the late singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. The maestro, joined by SP Charan — Balasubrahmanyam’s son — dedicated a segment of the concert to the iconic vocalist, who passed away in 2020 due to Covid-19 complications. SP Charan shared fond recollections of the enduring friendship between his father and Ilaiyaraaja, as the orchestra performed a selection of beloved songs immortalised by the legendary singer.

This musical tribute resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom grew up with SP Balasubrahmanyam’s voice as the soundtrack of their lives.

Ilaiyaraaja’s enduring magic

As the night unfolded, Ilaiyaraaja did more than just perform — he transported the audience into a realm where memories and melodies intertwined seamlessly. His third concert in Malaysia, organised by Pink Creative Agency, proved once again that the maestro’s appeal knows no borders.

In a lighter moment, Ilaiyaraaja shared an amusing anecdote about one of his compositions. He recounted how the enchanting strains of Rasathi Unna once lured wild elephants to the outskirts of a village theatre in Tamil Nadu, demonstrating the irresistible power of his music even over nature itself.

Such stories added a personal touch to the grandeur of the night, reminding fans of the depth behind each melody. The seamless blend of orchestration, nostalgic visuals, and evocative performances ensured that the Raaja Rhapsody concert was not just an event, but a cherished experience.

As the final notes lingered in the cool Bukit Jalil air, it was clear that Ilaiyaraaja’s music continues to reign supreme in the hearts of his fans. The maestro left the stage to roaring applause, his legacy ever-engraved in the symphony of emotions that filled the night sky.