It was a grand program. In the afternoon, fans started gathering outside the University Centenary Auditorium in Chennai. Naturally, only those with invitation were allowed admission to the program.
The cultural program started from 4pm onwards. Prominent playback singers sang to the music of Yuvan Shankar Raja and Harris Jayaraj. This was followed by dances by Nila, Lakshmi Rai and Namitha.
At 5pm, the award function commenced under the leadership of Tamilnadu Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala.
Kamal wore a black shirt. Rajini was clad in white dhoti and shirt. Ajith was clad in a suit as usual and Vijay was sporting a pair of glasses. Rajini started his speech by explaining his appearance, saying his daughters had made him remove his beard and dye his hair and moustache!
He spoke about the Sethusamudram project, the film 'Periyar,' lauded the work of Karthi, Priya Mani and Ameer in 'Paruthiveeran' and one could see the extra happiness on the faces of those concerned. He also mentioned being invited to do Ravana's role in 'Lankeswaran' and when he spoke of this or that "adhurudhu," everyone in the audience cheered him on!
Ajith and Vijay were sitting next to each other and it was nice to see them both talking and laughing together. Kamal appreciated being given a book instead of the traditional shawl.
An emotional TM Soundararajan received the Thyagaraja Bhagavathar award and the CM blessed him with a hand on his head.
The function ended at 8.30pm.
