They yelled, screamed, applauded, whistled and clapped to every mention of the actor's name. The Open Air Theatre at Anna University grounds was filled with energy as students gave a rousing welcome to chief guest and actor Karthi Sivakumar who inaugurated the cultural fest ‘Techofest' of the College of Engineering Guindy, here on Wednesday.
While the barricade ensured not many crowded around the actor, a group of girls held a placard with 'KARTHI' written in bold that even caught the attention of Karthi. A garland weighing nearly eight kg and a crown that was placed on the actor's head only pepped up the mood further. The impressively done stage, the sound system and the huge projectors that kept playing some of the actor's recent hits kept the momentum of the crowd high.
Inaugurating the fest, Karthi, who studied mechanical engineering and then pursued his passion for acting, said it is important to remember both the teaching and non-teaching staff. "Enjoy every moment of the cultural fest, you will not get this back," he said, to which the crowd yelled 'Rocket Raja'.
He asked them to pursue their dream, whatever profession it may be.
As a word of advice, he asked them to pledge to protect the green cover of the State. The crowd would not allow him leave the podium without a song.
He satisfied them by delivering a dialogue from the movie ‘Siruthai'.
The four-day cultural fest would have a host of events. A few of the most awaited ones being a film making workshop where director Gautham Menon and Sameera Reddy would be part.
Pro show, variety show, live-in-concert, battle of the bands and choreo nite are some of the other events, say the organisers.
Anna University Vice-Chancellor P. Mannar Jawahar said Karthi's teachers still remember him as a calm and unassuming person. Dean M. Sekar and student president V.V. Pravin Kumar spoke. The film Siruthai was screened later.
The Hindu is the media partner for the event.
