Marking 60 years, with superstar shine

Actor Santhanam with Rajinikanth and his wife Latha at Narada Gana Sabha Photo: M. Karunakaran

Sunday morning saw superstar Rajinikanth enjoying the humour in the United Amateur Artistes play ‘Ragasiyam Parama Ragasiyam’ at Narada Gana Sabha.

Despite his busy schedule, the actor along with his wife Latha, sat through the entire two-and-a-half hours of the play.

The play was staged as part of the valedictory of the theatre festival organised as part of UAA’s 60 anniversary celebrations presented by

The Hindu . Actor Y. Gee. Mahendra said the day coincided with the 95 birth anniversary of UAA’s founder and his father Y.G. Parthasarathy. He noted that this particular play was first staged 37 years ago and he had played the role of a college student then and now.

Actor Santhanam, who was the chief guest at the event, said that UAA’s play ‘Parikshaiku Neramaachu’ would be remade into a film once again. The earlier version had Sivaji Ganesan and Y. Gee. Mahendra acting as father and son. He said that only theatre offered artistes the opportunity for on-the-spot improvisation, creativity and spontaneity.

Suresh Srinivasan, vice- president (Advertising), The Hindu , said this was the first time that The Hindu was associated with Tamil theatre. He also presented a memento to UAA on behalf of The Hindu . Music composer S.V. Ramanan and Malles Construction Pvt. Ltd. chairman U. Chandraprakasham were also present on the occasion.

The theatre festival was organised by

The Hindu , and sponsored by Malles Construction Pvt. Ltd. and powered by Viking and co-sponsored by Aachi Masala, Shreenivas Silks and Sarees and Besten Pumps.

The radio partner was Hello FM.