Maestro ilaiyaraaja news & titbits

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Karthikeyan Nuggets
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1. As I explained, it was Karthik who represented the crowd and urged Raja to explain the process, which is what led to the fascinating peek into the genius's mind. Karthik asked exactly the questions I had in my mind. Telpathy, telepathy!!

2. "We love you Karthik" shouted a smart alec after IR wound up his explanation. And he has my full approval for it, although KV pointed that I had competition now. I half-suspect that the gentleman in question was none other than our mumbairamki, which hopefully means there is no new competition among my Karthik fan club, consisting of 2 members in the world - MR and myself.

3. The Bach record that Raja bought, Raja said, is what used to be played to months old Karthik as thirupalli ezhuchi and as thaalaattu. In my paravasam, I dont remember the exact words, but a lengthy praise of his elder son followed with "That is why he is an unique musician, is Karthik. There is no one like him". : paravasam : , : pulagaangidham :, :sAndrOn ena kEtta thaai:

4. Yuvan was teased during the Thiagarajar story, Bhavadha got a nice reprimand for the choice of songs to be sung under the gaze of Thiagaraja and Bach but HIS voice when talking about Karthikeyan..........:wavecollar:.....it was abundantly clear that the elder-born was the favourite son, and that our Genius considers Karthikeyan as a worthy musician more than any of his other children(admittedly not a tough choice). But it means a lot to me - I am convinced that Karthik is special for IR as much as he is special to me - and not just because karthik is his son. It is clear he doesnt reserve the same level of admiration and respect for his other children. It is more of love, kaNdippu and lording over them as a loving but unbiased father who is not going to give them anything more than what is due to them as credit. With Karthik, whether it is just his fatherly love or not we dont know, but there is a special respect in his tone when he talks about Karthik. As a Karthikeyan fan, this is an Oscar and Grammy combined for my idol. Karthikeya, unakku vAzhkkaila vERa praise thEvai illaidA. nee sAdhichuttadA chellam, idhu pOdhumdA!