Glimpses into the past of celebrated Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu on his birthday

On 'Kavi Perarasu' Vairamuthu's birthday, Express takes you down memory lane with our photographers capturing some of the best of his moments.

Lyricist Vairamuthu with actor Kamal Haasan at a function where film director T Rajendar receives an award. Also seen are music director Deva (2nd from R) and actor Ramki (extreme R). (File photo | Express)

Vairamuthu with the late Tamil poet, Vaali. (File photo | Express)

Vairamuthu is seen at the felicitation function of a young A.R. Rahman. The late film director, K Balachander (extreme L), and veteran director P. Bharathiraja (third from L) are also seen. (File photo | Express)

Lyricist Vairamuthu along with the then CM of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi, at actor-couple Ajith and Shalini's wedding in 2000. (File photo | Express)

Vairamuthu receiving the award for best lyricist from the then President, Shankar Dayal Sharma. (File photo | Express)

Lyricist Vairamuthu presents a book to the late President, A P J Abdul Kalam, at a function held at Raj Bhavan in Chennai. (File photo | Express)

The late Governor of Tamil Nadu, Surjit Singh Barnala, with lyricist Vairamuthu at a book release function in Chennai. (File Photo | Express).

Vairamuthu with a galaxy of film celebrities, including the late music director M S Viswanathan (extreme L), the late playback singer T M Soundararajan, and the late carnatic vocalist M Balamuralikrishna (fourth from L), at a birthday function. (File photo | Express)

Vairamuthu with actor Mohan Lal, film director Mani Ratnam, actor Prakash Raj, the late music director M S Viswanathan, and other celebrities at an audio release fuction held in Chennai. (File photo | Express)

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishan, MP Tarun Vijay, lyricist Vairamuthu, Governor K Rosaiah, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan at the Thiruvalluvar Ganga Payanam event in Tamil Nadu. (File Photo | Express)

Actor Rajinikanth with Vairamuthu at his residence in Chennai. (File photo | Express)

Lyricist Vairamuthu with actors Shriya Saran, Tamannaah Bhatia, Madhavan (2nd from R), Jayam Ravi (extreme R) and others at the inauguration of a showroom in Chennai. (File photo | Express)

Poet Vairamuthu wishing Playback Singer P Susheela who had won the Guinness World Record in Chennai. (File photo | Express)