The much awaited ‘Nenje Ezhu’of A.R. Rahman in Coimbatore began with his signature “ella pugazhum iraivanukae’ number. He went on to croon some of his favourites and the popular favourites of the Tamil audiences through the three-hour concert.

The maestro’s performances were interspersed with lovely soul-lilting numbers from veteran musicians such as Hariharan, S.P. Balasubramaniam and also from newer crop such as Srinivas, Karthik, Haricharan and Vijay Prakash.

The woman singers included Neeti Mohan, Sunita Sarathy, Lady Kash, Shweta Mohan, Rahman’s sister A.R. Reihana, and not to forget the 15-year old Haripriya, who accompanied Hariharan. Rapper Blaze also shook the stage with his fast fusion numbers.

The concert got a good response and most of the galleries were filled to capacity despite the high pricing of tickets. However, the platinum gallery (Rs. 25,000) did have vacant seats.

“It has been a pleasure performing in Coimbatore and I did not want to do it like another concert but a special one, because you all are special,” he told the enthralled audience.

Actors Dhanush and Trisha were among the celebrity guests who were at the concert.

Rahman wound up the concert with Vande Mataram and few lines from the song Nenje Ezhu, the theme of the concert.

The concert was not only special in content, but also spectacular in its presentation that included brilliant lighting. Yet, music remained the hero of the evening.