Thalaivar to inaugurate folk legend Yugadharma Festival

Rajinikanth, king of Tamil filmdom and the man who has won hearts of people all around the world, will have the busiest October after the release of Endhiran. His calendar is full of social appearances, prime among them being meeting Ramanna.

Ramanna, also known as Yugadharma Ramanna, is an inspiration for thousands, including Rajinikanth. Ramanna, who failed class I five times, grew up to be a legend in the world of folk music. This singer-lyricist can recite more than 6000 folk songs from memory . Memorising lyrics was important for Ramanna since he couldn't read or write.

Ramanna, now 73 years old, will lead a team of 500 singers for a live performance in October. The Yugadharma Festival will cost more than a crore. But entry will be free for all. Film director Pallakki Radhakrishna has taken up the responsibility of directing the event.

"I have had more than 12,000 performances in my life, but none has been so grand," says Ramanna, "and this is happening because none other than Rajinikanth will be inaugurating the programme to be held in Palace Grounds."

Rajinikanth usually meets his fans close to release of his films. The last time fans got such an opportunity was in 2008 just before Kuselan hit the screens and Rajni even posed for fans' cameras at his residence. Endhiran brings such a chance all over again for his ardent fans.

So here is your chance to meet the Thalaiva at the Yugadharma Festival!