Ilaiyaraaja Live in KL: A Soulful Return to the Golden Years
A Night to Remember
Beneath a canopy of lights, Ilaiyaraaja graced the stage at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday to roaring applause. The maestro delivered a four-hour performance filled with his iconic Tamil songs that lit up the hearts of thousands of Malaysians.
A Return to the Golden Years
With a career spanning nearly five decades, the 82-year-old has composed over 7,000 songs and scored music for more than 1,000 films. His first-ever full-orchestra concert in Malaysia was a return to the golden years, a night of nostalgic joy.
A Night of Nostalgia
Months before, fans had been given the opportunity to vote for the songs they wanted to hear, building anticipation for the event. FMT Lifestyle attended the concert to witness it all unfold.
Despite the Hiccups
Despite rain pouring down just hours before the show began, fans lined up eagerly to enter the stadium, raincoats in hand. Organised by Pink Creative Agency, the proceedings were not without their flaws. The organisers released a statement addressing several issues raised by ticket holders, such as “delayed entry due to rain”, “chaotic seating experience” and “sound-system issues”.
Fans across the country gathered to witness the Indian composer at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)
A Night to Remember
For many in the crowd, the performance made up for logistical and technical mishaps. One attendee, Trishaiyini Ramanitaram, told FMT Lifestyle she had travelled all the way from Perak with her father to attend the concert. “I’m a huge Ilaiyaraaja fan, so that’s what drew me to attend this concert without a second thought. There’s something timeless and soul-stirring about the way he composes,” she shared.
Ilaiyaraaja.
A Magical Night
One of the most unforgettable moments was when “Nee Partha Paarvai” was performed. “The arrangement was hauntingly beautiful. It hit differently in a live setting, you could actually feel the emotion in the air. But what truly gave me goosebumps was Ilaiyaraaja himself singing ‘Oru Jeevan’. Hearing that live was surreal. It was easily one of the most magical highlights of the night.”
A Tribute to the Maestro
Indeed, the night offered a captivating mix of old and new, including a special tribute to the late actor Vijaykanth. The score to the film “Chatriyan” was impeccably performed, evoking memories for fans of the actor.
A Stellar Lineup
The stellar lineup of playback singers moved the audience with their powerful vocals, with SPB Charan – son of the legendary SP Balasubrahmanyam – honouring his father’s legacy by singing many of SPB’s iconic songs, including “Enna Satham Intha Neram” and “Kaattukuyilu”. Other singers such as Karthik and Aparna Narayanan also graced the stage.
A Night to Remember
Each instrument was given its time to shine – whether it was the drum solo for “Megam Kottatum”, the beautiful flute melody from “Sundari Kannaal”, or the a capella and Tamil folk-music performances. The diversity of the musical arrangements kept the audience engaged throughout with songs like “Hey Ram”, which resonated with even the younger generation.
Several popular singers like SPB Charan and Karthik graced the stage. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle)
A Conclusion
As the night drew to a close, Ilaiyaraaja finished with a beautiful medley of songs. As confetti exploded into the air, he expressed his deep love for his Malaysian fans and bade them a fond farewell, leaving them in thrall despite some bumps in the road.
FAQs
Q: What was the theme of the concert?
A: The concert was a celebration of Ilaiyaraaja’s iconic tunes, featuring a 70-piece orchestra.
Q: Who were the playback singers that performed at the concert?
A: The playback singers that performed at the concert included SPB Charan, Karthik, and Aparna Narayanan.
Q: What was the special tribute to the late actor Vijaykanth?
A: The special tribute to the late actor Vijaykanth was a performance of the score to the film “Chatriyan”, which was impeccably performed and evoked memories for fans of the actor.
Q: What was the most magical highlight of the night for one attendee?
A: For one attendee, Trishaiyini Ramanitaram, the most magical highlight of the night was when Ilaiyaraaja himself sang “Oru Jeevan”.