Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo music fest, an evening of soulful renditions and emotions

The grand gala musical concert of Allu Arjun's Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo happened yesterday in Yousufguda Police grounds in Hyderabad.

The star-studded event was attended by Trivikram Srinivas, Tabu, Nivetha Pethuraj, Sachin Khedekar, and Sushanth, along with producers Allu Aravind, S Radha Krishna, K Venkateswara Rao, and Bunny Vaas. The evening saw music composer SS Thaman and his group of singers performing songs from the film.

Allu Arjun, who walked into the open-air auditorium, amidst thunderous applause, accompanied by his brothers Allu Bobby and Allu Sirish, started his speech saying that he is happy to be back in action after a break of 18-months. "It was an intentional break. After Sarrainodu, DJ and Naa Peru Surya - Naa Illu India, I was waiting to work in a wholesome entertainer. I heard stories, but nothing excited me until Trivikram Srinivas pitched Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. It took a few months for him to finish the script as he was busy with his other commitments. There might be a gap in the releases, but the celebrations will remain the same."

Showering praises on Trivikram, Allu Arjun added, "I don’t feel like I would be here without him. It's my third film with him and I'm really fond of his work ethic. He never said no to my requests and translated his vision into a beautiful film. He put his heart out and he deserves all the credit for Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo's success."

The Julayi actor broked down in tears while expressing his love for his father and producer Allu Aravind. "My father has taken the onus to launch me into the showbiz and went on to produce several films with me in the lead. Until now, I never thanked him openly. After the birth of my son (Allu Ayaan), I realised that I will never be better than him. I wish to become half as good as him. I love him more than anything else in the world and I take this opportunity to tell him, I love you, daddy."

He also put forth a request that his father be conferred a Padma Shri. "Over the last four decades, he has been contributing to the development of Telugu cinema in various capacities. Like my late grandfather Allu Ramalingiah, he too deserves a Padma Shri. I request the Telugu governments to confer Padma Shri in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the South Indian film industry," said Allu Arjun in a choked voice.

He further said, "I also wish Rajinikanth's Darbar, Mahesh Babu's Sarileru Neekevvaru, and my friend Kalyan Ram's Entha Manchivaadavuraa all success and that everyone will have a memorable Sankranthi."