VALI: KOLLYWOOD PAYS FINAL RESPECT

Tributes continued to pour in for Tamil cinema lyricist Vaali, who died in Chennai yesterday following illness.

DMK chief M Karunanidhi, actors Kamal Haasan and Khushboo, top music directors M S Viswanathan and Ilayaraja, veteran director S P Muthuraman and a slew of cinema and political personalities paid homage to the poet at his R A Puram residence in Chennai.

Karunanidhi paid rich tributes to Vaali, a Padmashri recipient, describing him as a comrade. The 90 year-old leader, who has shared many a platform with Vaali at literary events, said Vaali may have passed away but his evergreen and memorable songs will keep his glory and pride alive.

MDMK leader Vaiko, senior BJP leaders including former state president  Ganesan paid homage to Vaali. DMDK founder Vijayakant and VCK leader Thol.Thirumavalavan condoled Vaali's death, saying his passing away had caused an irreparable loss to the Tamil cinema industry and to the state in general.

After suffering from respiratory problems, Vaali, born T S Rangarajan in the temple town of Srirangam in Tiruchirappally, breathed his last at a private hospital here yesterday.

He has penned nearly 10,000 songs, while working with the charismatic actor and former Chief Minister, M G Ramachandran (MGR) in many movies including blockbusters such as Enga Veetu Pillai.    He had worked with actors, musicians and directos across generations including Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan and Dhanush.