CHENNAI: A grand, star spangled event celebrating the 80th birthday of Tamil writer and lyricist Vaali, was organised by Brahma Gana Sabha on Saturday. The event had both seasoned stalwarts like musician MS Viswanathan, actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, as well as young actor Suriya, and filmmaker Shankar.
Speaking at the event, Kamal Haasan recalled he forced Vaali to rework on a song he had written for the film Aboorva Sagodharargal, Unna Nenachen, which had made the lyricist angry. The new song won the lyricist a National Award.
Actor Rajinikanth likened the lyricist to the epic character Vaali, who stood supreme when pitted against competitors.
Actor and political commentator Cho Ramaswamy said Vaali was a writer who could write praising both gods and atheists.
Vaali 1000, a book compiling 1000 of the lyricist’s 1000 film songs, was released by Kamal Haasan and the first copy was received by filmmaker Shankar.
Shankar recalled his association with the lyricist from the film Kadhalan for the song Muqqala Muqabla to the Sivaji film song, Adhiradi.
Vaali honoured music luminaries of his time, including singer P Susheela and music director MS Viswanathan.
In his speech, Vaali said he owed it all to his mentor MS Viswanathan. Others present at the event include actors Saroja Devi, Rajashri, Suriya, singers Vani Jayaram, TM Sounderrajan, PB Srinivas and SP Balasubrahmanyam.