Shivarajkumar sings special song for Kamal Haasan at Thug Life audio launch

Shivarajkumar made a special guest appearance at today's Thug Life audio launch event, entertaining the audience with his infectious energy. The actor opened his speech declaring himself as "a fan of Kamal Haasan". He said that he habitually attends Kamal Haasan's films on the first show of release day. "I like his smile, I like his eyes, I like his personality, I like everything about him," said Shivarajkumar, eliciting massive cheers from the audience and a big smile from Kamal himself.

Shivarajkumar then went on to reminisce about an incident where Kamal Haasan paid a visit to his home and hugged him. "I did not take bath for three days because I wanted his smell, his odour on me," said the Bhairathi Ranagal star. He went on to add, "I am that kind of fan. I have fought with many people about the quality of Kamal sir's films. Even if they give bad opinion about the films, I would only say good things."

Shivarajkumar also revealed a conversation he had with Kamal Haasan after his surgery in the US. "I still remember, I was in Miami in December. I finished my surgery there. After that, Kamal Haasan sir called me from Chicago, and I felt so happy talking to him. Following the conversation, he told me, 'You do not know Shivanna, I have got tears in my eyes after speaking to you'. I can never forget that because it was just like my dad speaking to me, an honour."

Towards the end of his speech, Shivarajkumar dedicated a song for Kamal Haasan: 'Ore Naal Unnai Naan' from the latter's 1978 film Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu.

The Thug Life audio launch was originally set to take place on May 16 and was postponed to today following the geopolitical situation involving India and Pakistan. Reuniting Kamal Haasan with Mani Ratnam 38 years after Nayakan, the film is slated for a June 05 release in theatres.