"In a colorful gala function Kannadiga Prakash Rai has received the applaud from superstar Rajanikanth as 'Hats Off' for having given an excellent tribute to mentor KB. KB himself has given life to so many. Now also he gave the credit for Vidyasagar the music director for suggesting the title 'POI' he said to a rain of applause.
Rajanikanth was speaking at the University Auditorium in Chennai on Sunday evening after the receiving the first piece of CD of POI Tamil film from Dr. Kamal Hassan. Rajanikanth fittingly quoted from the Mahabharatha - Drona picking the students on his choice and another anecdote 'Nemmadhi' and Power, Prestige and Panam'.
Rajanikanth showed his brilliance time sense when the song on KB was played. When all were requested to stand up when the song is played KB also stood up. Noticing this quickly Rajanikanth requested KB to sit because it is a tribute to him. The superb actor Dr.Kamal Hassan was observing this move made by Rajanikanth.
Dr.Kamal Hassan said he is a part of KB school and he is a student still today. Kbji after seeing the today's arrangement told that something happens to him in the stomach. This is only for one day it happens to him but persons like me whenever we see him we get that experience he lauded and said he is 'Raja Rishi'. He picks out the talent that is not known to us he said.
The cynosure of all eyes KB in his address said he had come today because superstar Rajanikanth and Ulaganayaka Dr.Kamal Hassan are coming. I am not for this type of grandeur. I love simplicity. When I worked for this film and prepared the first copy of 'POI' I felt 10 years of age has come down. Now if the audience see the film and bless me I would be younger by another 10 years he disclosed. He also requested everyone to go home and hear the nine melodious tunes scored by Vidyasagar.
'STRUPENDOUS' - I always quarrel with this Thai Nagesh because he speaks bad English. He was telling me after seeing the film that it is 'strupendous'. I told him there is no such English word. He was mixing stupendous and tremendous and telling 'Strupendous'. However the company of Nagesh and V.Balu is unforgettable in my life he said.
Actress Jayanthi speaking in Tamil recounted her experience working in KB camp. She also expressed that she is anxious to see the film because KB has acted in the movie.
Prakash Rai and Ramesh Aravind the two humble students conducted the whole show. Actor Shivakumar, Thai Nagesh, V.Balu also spoke on this occasion.
The artistes who have acted in KB direction in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Mayalam languages were present on this occasion. From Kannada Ramesh Aravind, T.S.Nagabharana, actress Shruthi, Jayanthi, her daughter in law Anu Prabhakar, Lokanath, H.G.Somasekhara Rao, Sunderraj, Pramila Joshai, Sridhar and Ramakrishna were present.
Six lovely tunes of KB's 101 films were picked on the occasion. KB has directed Kannada films like Sundaraswapnagalu, Eradu Rekhegalu, Benkiyalli Aralidha Hoovugalu etc. At least one song from Kannada should have been there. When Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films songs are part of the music program why not a Kannada song yaar! After all 101 direction of KB is also inclusive of Kannada films he has directed.
The program took off by half an hour late. Prakash Raj's daughter lighted the lamp to mark the beginning for the colorful function.
The arrangements made by Prakash Rai for Kannada film press that came from Bangalore to attend this function to Chennai was excellent.
