The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Skits, music programmes mark Kollywood show

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 09, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Skits, music programmes mark Kollywood show

By R.K. Radhakrishnan

CHENNAI, NOV. 8. The Nehru indoor stadium here was crowded much before the start of the `Thank you Chief Minister' programme today, as hundreds of the Kollywood fraternity — from top actors to the lowly clap boy — occupied every inch of space in the spacious hall.

They had gathered to thank the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, who announced various measures for the industry, including invoking of the Goondas Act against those selling and manufacturing pirated VCDs, a reduction in entertainment tax and rent for shooting and also the State award for Tamil films for 2000, 2001 and 2002.

"It is only for those from the industry. There would be no space to accommodate fans or others," said director Vasanth, who was in charge of the entertainment part.

Kunnakudi concert

The show began with a musical concert by violin maestro Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and was followed by cultural events. Director K. Balachander presided over the programme. All members and office-bearers of the 24 craft unions of Kollywood took part.

The South India Film Artistes' Association president, Vijaykanth, lead actors Rajnikant and Kamal Hassan and top producers including A.V.M. Saravanan watched the proceedings and joined in expressing the collective gratitude of the industry.

Stuntmen put up a special show. The highlight of the event was a performance by music director A.R. Rahman. Skits by actor-director Parthipan and comedians Vadivel and S.Ve Sekar had the crowd asking for more. Vivek's special song was greeted with a roar of laughter.

There were also many well-choreographed song and dance sequences. Actors Dhanush, Jeyam Ravi, Shyam, S.J. Suriya, Sebiraj and Bharat and actresses Rema Sen, Roja, Sridevi, Mumtaz and Madhumathi were among those who danced on stage to the remixed numbers.

Ms. Jayalalithaa and her Cabinet colleagues, as also the leading lights of the film world, applauded the artistes.

The speeches were kept for the end.

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