Felicitated as the ‘Icon of the Month’
Chennai, Feb 28: The inaugural edition of Super Chennai’s Arattai featured legendary Carnatic vocalist Padma Shri Aruna Sairam, one of India’s most revered classical musicians and a global ambassador of Chennai’s rich musical heritage. In a heart-warming and candid session, she shared anecdotes from her musical journey, reflections on Chennai’s cultural evolution, and personal insights into the discipline and devotion that define classical music.
Building on its vision of celebrating the spirit, stories and changemakers of the city, Super Chennai has introduced ‘Super Chennai Arattai’. Designed as an engaging, up-close interaction platform, Super Chennai Arattai will feature iconic personalities from diverse fields – arts, sports, business, cinema, literature and public life – offering audiences an opportunity to listen, interact and connect in an informal yet inspiring setting. Fans can register online to receive exclusive invites to attend the sessions, making the experience personal and community-driven.
During the event, Padma Shri Aruna Sairam was also honoured with the title ‘Icon of the Month’, recognising her extraordinary contribution to music and her enduring impact on Chennai’s cultural identity. The felicitation was presented by Mr. C. K. Kumaravel- Co- Founder & CMD, Naturals Salon & Spa, who lauded her role in taking Chennai’s musical legacy to the global stage.
Responding to the honour, Padma Shri Aruna Sairam said: “There is a real thirst in this city for something beyond the mundane – for music, for culture, for meaningful artistic experiences. That is what makes Chennai so extraordinary. I have had people stop me in traffic and tell me, ‘Please don’t leave the city,’ and that kind of love is something you can never take for granted. Chennai is my home – there is simply no comparison to Chennai. Its warmth, its passion for the arts, and its deep cultural roots are what truly make it ‘Super Chennai.”
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, Super Chennai, said: “Super Chennai was envisioned as a citizen-led movement to spotlight the positive narratives of our city. With ‘Super Chennai Arattai’, we are creating a meaningful platform where icons of Chennai can connect directly with the people who celebrate and support them. Padma Shri Aruna Sairam is not just a musical legend but a cultural force who represents the soul of this city. It is an honour to have her as the inaugural guest at Super Chennai Arattai and recognise her as our ‘Icon of the Month’.”
Presenting the award, Mr. C. K. Kumaravel- Co- Founder & CMD, Naturals Salon & Spa added: “Some cities create professionals; Chennai creates culture. Padma Shri Aruna Sairam embodies that culture in human form. When art, culture and entrepreneurship come together, we don’t just build institutions – we build a more beautiful world.”
‘Super Chennai Arattai’ will be hosted periodically, each edition spotlighting a distinguished personality whose work has shaped the city’s cultural and social fabric. With limited seats and curated interactions, the series aims to foster deeper conversations and meaningful community engagement.
Registrations for upcoming editions will be announced on Super Chennai’s official platforms.