Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan were apparently hesitant to share the stage during the recent function to commemorate music director Ilaiyaraaja’s 1000th film.
“Even for Ilaiyaraaja, who both Rajini and Kamal revere, they were not willing to come together on the same stage,” an insider claimed.
It has now been revealed that it was a call to each from Amitabh Bachchan that finally did the trick. “Bachchan rang up Rajini and Kamal and told them how much their presence would matter on that special evening, honoring the living legend of Tamil film compositions,” the source said.
“Sridevi too received a personal invitation from Big B. And Gulzar, who seldom attends events, was gently reminded by Big B of the Sadma connection between Ilaiyaraaja and him.”
Director Balki added: “The entire evening was planned by Mr Bachchan. He was as excited as a child putting the event together to honour Raaja. The invitees were left with no choice but to attend.”
The Bachchan family was on attendance at the function. Apparently Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who was shooting for Sanjay Gupta’s Jazbaa, also took time off from her shooting to attend.
