PremiumChiranjeevi to Nagarjuna and Anup Rubens: Big names from Telugu cinema to grace Ilaiyaraaja’s Hyderabad concert
Hyderabadi music buffs are set to turn up in large numbers to experience the legendary composer’s two-day concert series this weekend
Last Updated: 08.24 PM, Feb 24, 2023
Very rarely has a music concert caught the fascination of music buffs in Hyderabad as much as Ilaiyaraaja’s in the recent times. The two-day concert series, organised by Hyderabad Talkies, will regale crowds this weekend (February 25, 26) at the Gachibowli stadium. The who’s who in Hyderabad, from Telugu cinema celebs to politicians and bureaucrats, will be gracing the concert.
From what we hear, the event organisers, Hyderabad Talkies, formally invited Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao a.k.a KTR, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Industries and Commerce, Information Technology of Telangana, Srinivas Goud, Minister of Culture and Sports. The politicians will be honouring the musician as well in the tribute concert.
Other popular films tars Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna Akkineni have confirmed their presence for the concert as well, which promises to be musical feast for the attendees. While expressing his happiness to be a part of the tribute concert and honour Ilaiyaraaja, Chiranjeevi called it a great opportunity to be on stage with the legend and pay homage to him and his work across decades.
Chiranjeevi recollected that some of his biggest films, from Abhilasha to Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, had music by Ilaiyaraaja, and its songs were much-loved by audiences. Nagarjuna, concurring with the former, remembered another musical blockbuster of the maestro, Geethanjali and how his music helped it become one of the most iconic films in his career.
The first among the two events, to be held on February 25, will be tribute concert, which brings together a stellar line-up comprising Anup Rubens, Vishal Chandrasekhar, leading bands in Hyderabad, and other several musicians, who’ll help audiences relive Ilaiyaraaja’s musical journey on stage. On Sunday, February 26, Ilaiyaraaja, himself, will perform live along with an ensemble of 80 musicians. The event is expected to draw nearly 20,000 attendees.