Chennai: The inaugural edition of ‘Super Chennai Arattai’ brought together music lovers and cultural enthusiasts for an intimate interaction with legendary Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam. The Padma Shri awardee, widely regarded as a global ambassador of Chennai’s classical music heritage, engaged in a candid conversation that blended music, memories and reflections on the city’s evolving cultural landscape.
Launched as a new initiative by Super Chennai, ‘Super Chennai Arattai’ aims to celebrate the spirit, stories and changemakers of the city. Conceptualised as an up-close and interactive platform, the series will feature iconic personalities from arts, sports, business, cinema, literature and public life, offering citizens an opportunity to engage in informal yet meaningful dialogue. Fans can register online to receive exclusive invites, reinforcing the community-driven nature of the initiative.
During the session, Aruna Sairam was felicitated as the ‘Icon of the Month’ in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to Indian classical music and her enduring impact on Chennai’s cultural identity. The honour was presented by Mr. C. K. Kumaravel, Co-Founder & CMD of Naturals Salon & Spa, who praised her role in taking the city’s musical legacy to global audiences.
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, 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, 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.”
The ‘Super Chennai Arattai’ series 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 platform seeks to foster deeper conversations and meaningful community engagement. Registrations for upcoming editions will be announced on Super Chennai’s official platforms.
