Amitabh, Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja, Kamal Haasan, Sridevi come together

Bollywood film star Amitabh Bachchan (2R) felicitates music director Ilaiyaraaja (C) as film actors Sridevi (2L), Rajinikanth (R) and Kamal Haasan look on during the music launch of new film 'Shamitabh' in Mumbai on January 20, 2015. 'Shamitabh' is scheduled for release on February 6, 2015. (AFP)

Published Wednesday, January 21, 2015

By Bollywood Correspondent

Music maestro Ilayairaaja's contribution to the Indian showbiz industry is huge.

And to ensure his feat didn't go unnoticed, filmmaker R Balki organised an event to felicitate him.

Indian cinema giants Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sridevi and Gulzar came together on Tuesday in honour of the music composer.

From (L-R) Dhanush , Ilaiyaraaja, Amitabh Bachchan and Akshara Haasan.

During the music launch of 'Shamitabh' Amitabha Bachchan took to the stage and sang a number from the movie. Big B confessed he never dared to sing in front of the maestro.

'Shamitabh' stars Bachchan, Dhanush and Haasan's younger daughter Akshara, who is making her Bollywood debut with the film.

Apart from Big B other singers and music composers including 'Shamitabh' actor Dhanush also performed at the event.

(From L-R) Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth.

Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and superstar Rajinikanth each spoke about their experiences of working with the legendary composer.

Big B described Ilaiyaraaja as "a genius". "It was amazing how he corrected me. Thanks for the opportunity."

Kamal Haasan, who has worked with Ilaiyaraaja in several films, said that Raja has become a part of his life. "Today I got the opportunity of hugging him. He is a bit shy. I knew that he would do his 1000th film and I am glad that his 786th film was with me."

(From L-R) Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan.

When Bachchan asked Rajinikanth about his experiences of working with the legendary composer, the 'Lingaa' star shared, "I know Raaja sir from early '70s. He was very naughty and mischievous person at that time. We both used to gossip and used to have our drinks together till morning. And suddenly, I saw a transformation in Raaja sir which extended to his dressing style. And then I started calling him Raaja swami. He is a saint now and mata Saraswati lives in him."

Jaya Bachchan with music composer Ilaiyaraaja.

Besides the star cast, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shruti Haasan and Tabu were among others who were present at the event.

Social media enthusiast Amitabh Bachchan took to Facebook to write about the event and share pictures of the music launch.

He wrote, "Launching today the Trailer No 2 of ‪#‎SHAMITABH‬ and also the music of the film, in the presence of the maestro Ilayairaaja, who has given music and songs to over 1000 films .. historic !!

"Launched trailer of ‪#‎Shamitabh‬ .. and paid tribute to the genius of Ilaiyaraaja .. and what a presence .. Raja Sir, Rajnikant, Kamal Hassan, Jaya, Abhishek, Aishwarya, Gulzar, Tabu, Sridevi, Shruti, Akshara, Danush .. endless the names and moments .."