Aishwarya Rai

This is one audio launch the Tamil film industry was not going to forget very soon. After all, it’s not everyday that you get Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to release an audio album. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the cynosure of all eyes at the audio launch of ‘Imayamum Sigaramum Rettaisuzhi’.

The “Bachchan bahu”, accompanied by her mother, attended the function with a white designer sari, and was showered praises by all dignitaries who spoke at the event. When the Tamil filmmaker requested her to release the album of his other production, Rettai Suzhi, she readily agreed.

R Parthiban even read out a poem in praise of Aishwarya. The audio was launched by Aishwarya, who gave the first copy to Vairamuthu. Two songs and trailer were screened for the full-house crowd, which, Aishwarya said, impressed her a lot. “I saw the trailer and songs and think that the film will be a complete entertainer for family watching. Shankar sir is a genius. I enjoyed working with him in ‘Jeans’ and in ‘Endhiran’ movie”.

The film is directed by Thamira, K Balachander’s protege. Aishwarya’s connection with the Tamil film industry started 12 years ago when she made her debut in Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar. She has also acted in a double role in Shankar’s Jeans. “In many ways, Jeans was the reason where I am now. It taught me a lot technically,” she said.

She has also acted in Rajeev Menon’s Kandu Kondein Kandu Kondein besides Mani Ratnam’s bilinguals Guru and the latest Ravan.

Shankar’s Enthiran in which she is paired opposite the Tamil super star is touted as the costliest film ever made in India.

Those who had attended the function include veterans Bharathiraja and Balachander, the lead actors of the film, director Thamira, music director Karthik Raja, Rama Nnarayanan, V C Guhanathan, Abhirami Ramanthan, Hansraj Saxena, directors Sasi, Lingusamy and Ameer.