EXCLUSIVE! Singer MJ Shriram's popular SP Balasubrahmanyam - Ilaiyaraaja Night clocks 700 concerts

Ace singer MJ Shriram’s brainchild Mind Body Soul, a retro music concert that comprises SPB-Ilaiyaraaja hits, recently completed 700 concerts in Chennai. The concert is performed at a star hotel in Chennai every week and it is customary for fans of the retro numbers to arrive at the restobar in large numbers.

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 "It's not often that one gets to hear the combination of SP Balasubramanian sir and Ilaiyaraaja sir at a restobar. The concept appealed to those who love retro Tamil music and I am glad that we have clocked 700 concerts. "

MJ Shriram states that the landmark evening was quite a memorable one. "The event was a huge success. We had many big names in attendance. Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar stayed on until late in the evening and composer Gangai Amaren, too, spoke highly about the concert."

He adds, "Actress Suhasini Mani Ratnam, who was in attendance, reminisced her association with maestro Ilaiyaraaja on the big night. Music composer Ramesh Vinayagam stated that holding an event like this for 14 long years is no easy deal. (The first musical night was held on September 17, 2009)  I guess at this rate, we will be able to clock 1, 500 concerts in the next five to six years."

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 When quizzed how the retro numbers continue to strike a chord with the audience, MJ Shriram says, " The biggest reason is that everyone can connect well with these songs. I personally see a lot of people coming back." The concert is being held in Coimbatore (where it has already clocked 8 years) and Pondicherry as well."

It is to be noted that MJ Shriram is an ardent fan of the legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam and his voice, too, bears quite a resemblance to the late singer. MJ Shriram considers SP Balasubrahmanyan his guru and guiding light.  The singer-cum-actor will soon be seen in films like Idumbankari, Guardian and others.