Students dance to Asha Bhonsle's tunes

Chennai, Mar 16 (UNI) Her mere presence in the huge auditorium was electrifying. When she bowed to public demand and rendered one of her innumerable hit numbers, melody queen Asha Bhonsle had the packed student audience spellbound at the SRM University at suburban Kattankulathur, today.

The presence of latest Kollywood hearthrob Priyamani and late thespian Sivaji Ganesan's eldest son and Managing Director of Sivaji Productions G Ramkumar ensured that the decibel levels were at its highest.

There was never a dull moment right through the nearly one hour function. After patiently watching the students display their talent in a fashion show, cultural programmes and dance, Asha Bhonsle exhilarated the crowd with her witty speech.

Participating as the Chief Guest at the valedictory function of the three-day 'Milan '08', the first-ever national level cultural festival of the varsity, she had the audience in splits when she said she would love to study in the University and walk on the ramps as the students from 50-odd colleges across the country did.

''I will also come next year. Definitely I will come,'' she said and sung a few lines of her evergreen hit 'Churaliyaa hai tumne jo dil...'' from 'Yaadon Ki Baraat'. The packed audience rose in unison and danced to her tunes.

Speaking on the occasion, Priyamani, who attracted equal attention as Bhonsle, sent the crowd in a frenzy by singing a song from one of her films and said the performance by the students brought back memories of her student days.

Later, Asha Bhonsle presented the Sivaji Ganesan Outstanding Talent award, instituted by the Sivaji Ganesan's family, to SRM University first year student Lokesh for his performance.

The best team awards were bagged by the Women's Christian College, SRM University and Loyola College in that order, while National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) was adjudged the Champions of 'Milan'08' and Loyola College the runner-up.

Ramkumar said the award would be given away by the Sivaji family every year.

University Chancellor T R Pachamuthu and Vice-Chancellor P Sathyanarayanan delivered the presidential address and special address respectively.

UNI GV LPB DB2037