King of Kings five-hour concert goes on without star
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KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 17,000 people revelled in the melodious strains of Indian film music composer Illaiyaraaja’s music at the King of Kings Maestro Illaiyaraaja Live in KL 2013 concert.
Although the legendary composer having cancelled his appearance at the last minute after suffering a minor heart attack earlier, his Malaysian fans were nevertheless entertained by his evergreen songs at the five-hour concert at Merdeka Stadium late Saturday.
Full house: An audience of nearly 17,000 fans attending the concert at Merdeka Stadium.
One of the most revered music composers in India, Illaiyaraaja, 70, has composed about 4,500 songs and scored more than 950 films in his 35-year career.
Headlining the concert in his place was his eldest son Karthik Raja, who was joined on stage by his siblings, composer Yuvan Shankar Raja and singer Bhavatharini.
Concert-goers were thrilled when a live video feed from Chennai had Illaiyaraaja personally expressing his regret at not being able to attend.
Family representation: Illaiyaraaja’s children (from left) Karthik, Bhavatharini and Yuvan performing at Merdeka Stadium.
“I may not be there in person, but wherever my music is, I am there,” he said.
Organised by My Events International and MOJO Resources, the concert featured a 70-member orchestra flown in from India, as well as south Indian celebrities, including actress Suhasini Mani Ratnam as host
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