CHENNAI: Just like thunderous bout of rain leaves the earth pleasant for the next few days, the music event Isai Sangamam by Raindropss, an NGO, guaranteed joy in the lives of 34 underprivileged children. The event, which saw a number of celebrities contributing to the cause, had several children including a dozen from Seers Girls Home receiving scholarships for the academic year.
Started by a youngster Aravind Jayabal, the NGO’s musical night, which had TNIE as its print partner, was one of several initiatives taken by Raindropss to help the less privileged. Taking on the role of anchor himself, Aravind introduced the celebrities as and when they entered the almost-filled hall of Kamarajar Arangam. One could spot veteran music composer Gangai Amaren, Ilaiyaraaja’s daughter Bhavatharini, actor Karunakaran, actor Aarthi and playback singer Kalpana Raghavendar on the row closest to the stage.
Raihannah, accompanied by singer Al Rufian, kickstarted the evening with the famous number Aagayam Meghagangal Pozhiyum Bodhu from Kochadaiyaan, which was followed by the romantic song Moongil Thottam from Kadal by Abhay Jodhpurkar, and the peppy number Engeyum Eppothum from Ninaiththale Inikkum by Kalpana Raghavendar. Playback singer MLR Karthikeyan also crooned the romantic song Va Va Vasanthame, before giving an elaborate talk about the importance of education for a quality life. The singers were accompanied by Gentlemen Orchestra and electrifying performances by members of Twist N Turn Dance Studio.
While the roar of applause sincerely followed after each of their performances, for celebrities like Hip Hop Tamizha Adhi who sang a few lines from his popular number What’s your name and number girl, and director Balaji Mohan who is gearing up for the release of his film Maari, the youngsters in the audience added hoots and whistles to their claps. And then there was a sudden pin-drop silence when National-award winning child singer Uthara Unnikrishnan took to the stage along with her brother Vasudev Krishna on the keyboard. If Uttara’s pitch-perfect song melted the hearts of the listeners, Vasudev created magic on the keys with quite an ease.
In between the songs that continued for over two hours, kids walked on to the stage to receive their scholarship certificates from the celebrities. While that reminded the audience the objective of the event, Gangai Amaren, who delivered a soothing number Thendral Vanthu Theendum Pothu from Avatharam along with Bhavatharini, emphasised on the significance of such initiatives. “I am happy to be part of this initiative. Apart from academics, I request Raindropss to train the students, who cannot afford to undertake dance and music lessons, and organise classes for free,” he said.
And as if in answer to his request, children from the Seers Home, one bunch dressed in bright red kurtis and another in plain white, took to the stage to give a riveting performance.