It was a memorable night for Tamil music fans as top Indian singer Naan Pradeep Kumar mesmerised them with soulful music in his "Pudhu Vidha Anubavam" live concert at the Plenary Hall, KLCC, during the weekend.
The singer delivered an unforgettable night of music for his fans, and that he delivered it with full panache and style as the 40-year-old Trichy-born star belted some of his best hits. The crowd sang along to almost all his tunes.
More than 2800 fans packed the venue as Pradeep was at his element with his top hits including Maya Nadhi from the megahit movie Kabali, the amazing duet hit song Aval from the movie Manithan, Kannama (movie: Kaala), Nee Kavithaigala (Maragatha Naanayam) and Megamo Aval (Meyadha Maan).
He also gave his fans a string of his independent songs from his first album Osai Kekkudho and his second album under production, Ore Idam Solven, releasing in 2027.
"It is always an honour to be here in Malaysia. The fans have always been kind to me in this country, and I hope everyone goes home happy after this concert, done specially for you wonderful fans," said Pradeep during the concert.
The show was also special because Pradeep shared the stage with his band and also a 16-piece symphony orchestra troupe led by the legendary Datuk Mustafa Fuzer Nawi, the former Music Director and Chief Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia, serving from 1999 until his retirement in 2020. Datuk Mus has spent 27 years building and shaping local orchestral music culture.
"Actually, Malaysia has a very special place in my heart. Every time I come here, I'm welcomed, and all my previous shows have had a tremendous response. I hope fans continue to support the group as this concert is a very special one. I hope it was an unforgettable night for all the fans," said Pradeep.
It was also a special outing for Pradeep as his wife Kalyani Nair, an acclaimed playback singer, orchestral arranger, and choir conductor, herself joined on stage with him for the concert.
This was the fourth time Pradeep was performing in Malaysia. The KLCC Plenary Hall was also the first time Pradeep performed in Malaysia in 2022.
He also performed in 2023 at the Penang Spice Hall and then also a sold-out show at the Axiata Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil in 2024, where more than 10000 fans flooded the venue.
For the record, Pradeep is the top Indian playback singer and music director who has worked in Tamil-language films. After beginning his career as a Carnatic musician, he has regularly collaborated with top composers in his musical career.
The brilliant song of 'Aval' in the movie Manithan under Sony Music has hit an incredible over 800 million views on music platforms. It has been said to be one of the most soulful Tamil love songs in the new age.
The much-awaited Pradeep concert for fans was brought to Malaysia by Aakaar Foundation along with Roots Entertainment. Team Aakaar and Roots have been collectively building a reputation for creating experiences that leave a lasting cultural imprint. Since its inception in 2019 and subsequent registration as a foundation in 2021, Aakaar Foundation has evolved from a small group of art enthusiasts into one of Malaysia’s most ambitious curators of Indian performing arts.
Helmed by co-founders Krithika Prabhakar and Vinothkumar Subramaniam, together with Mathavan Muniandy (trustee) and Kannan Subramaniam (project director). Also including a team of passionate collaborators, Aakaar has consistently challenged conventional programming by presenting productions that blur artistic boundaries and encourage cultural conversations.
Krithika said during an interview session with The Star that Pradeep always gives a brilliant outing for all music fans when combined with the talented and skilled Datuk Mus & Friends Orchestra.
