Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan launch ‘Shamitabh’ music, pay tribute to Ilaiyaraaja

Indian cinema's superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan shared stage together to pay tribute to music maestro Ilaiyaraaja at the music launch of R Balki's upcoming directorial venture 'Shamitabh', which is being composed by Ilaiyaraaja, in Mumbai on Tuesday (January 20). Also seen at the event was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek, Jaya Bachchan, Gulzar and lead actors Dhanuish and Akshara Haasan. (Source: Varinder Chawla/Prakash Yeram)

The music launch also felicitated and honoured music maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Seen here Sridevi, Big B, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan with Ilaiyaraaja. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Amitabh Bachchan asked Rajinikanth about his experiences of working with legendary composer, Ilararaja. The 'Lingaa' star shared, "I know Raaja sir from early '70s. He was very naughty and mischievous person at that time. We both used to gossip and used to have our drinks together till morning.” Seen here are the three stalwarts - Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Big B on the stage. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Amitabh Bachchan's bahu Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was glowing in a yellow Abu Sandeep churidaar kurta which she wore with Jimmy Choo sandals and chandelier earrings. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Aishwarya Rai chats with Thaliavaa Rajinikanth. The two have worked in the hit film 'Robot'. (Source: Facebook)

Amitabh Bachchan was sharp in a black suit as he speaks to Kamal Haasan and his youngest daughter, Akshara who is marking her Bollywood debut with ‘Shamitabh’. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Big B described Ilaiyaraaja as “a genius”. “It was amazing how he corrected me. Thanks for the opportunity.” (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Amitabh Bachchan shares a moment with Akshara Haasan as Dhanush looks on. This is the first time that the three will be seen sharing screen space together. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Big B also performed at the launch. “The music.. the greats present ... the tribute to genius .. and the excitement of #ShamitabhMovie .. pulsating .. !! ,” tweeted the star. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Talking about Ilaiyaraaja, Amitabh Bachchan said, “I have never dared to sing in front of him because I found it very embarrassing. Every time I used to sit in a studio separately to record… I remember one occasion while doing ‘Paa’, where I had to sing a song with Raja saab in front of me. I can’t say how frightening it was.” (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Sridevi stuck to Sabyasachi and was elegant in a cream sari with red border. Seen here with Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Abhishek Bachchan, who has a cameo in the movie, addresses the gathering, while wife Aishwarya Rai looks on. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Gulzar launches the ‘Shamitabh’ music album as Jaya Bachchan and Ilaiyaraaja celebrate the moment. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Gulzar, Jaya Bachchan, Ilaiyaraaja were joined by film's producers Krishika and Sunil Lulla of Eros International. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Amitabh Bachchan hugs bahu Aishwarya as son Abhishek watches the two. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Jaya Bachchan embraces Gulzar on stage. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Lending support to younger sister Akshara were dad Kamal Haasan and elder sister Shruti Haasan. Shruti, who wore an Arpita Mehta lehenga, poses with her dad. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Proud father! Kamal Haasan with his younger daughter Akshara on stage. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Tabu was also seen at the music launch. She was pretty in a sleek Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna churidaar suit. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Amitabh Bachchan with R Balki. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Amitabh, Dhanush and Akshara on stage. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

R. Balki refuted the rumours of 'Shamitabh' being the 1000th music composition of Ilaiyaraaja. “Let me clarify one thing, 'Shamitabh' is not Ilaiyaraaja's 1000th film. He will reach the milestone with Bala's upcoming Tamil film 'Tharai Thappattai'. We are here to celebrate that... 1000 is just a number. We don't need any excuse to celebrate Raaja sir,” said Balki. Seen here with Amitabh Bachchan, Akshara Haasan on stage. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Dhanush also expressed his gratitude to Ilayaraja, “Thank you for whatever you have given to this industry. I am your devoted fan. Your music is a big inspiration. I am not a trained actor, but accidentally became an actor… It is because of your music that I have made it so far. My every inspiration comes form your music.” (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Tabu, Jaya Bachchan, Gulzar together. (source: Facebook)

Singers Bappi Lahiri and Pankaj Udhas were also present for the grand launch. (Source: Express Photo by Prakash Yeram)

Singer Shreya Goshal, who also performed on stage, was pretty in a blue and pink anarkali. (Source: Varinder Chawla)