Ilaiyaraaja, the superstar composer of the Tamil film industry, debrahmanised music and devalourised hierarchical values attached to the use of various instruments with his musical genius. In his 75th year, it is time to give him the plaudits he richly deserves.

No other Indian politician possessed the ability for oratorical flourish like that of Karunanidhi. His political speeches recorded in the form of cassettes were as popular as Tamil film songs.

Cinema has always influenced Tamil politics, notably by turning actors into popular politicians, but Jayalalithaa's iconic stature will be hard to outdo.

Through Rajnikanth’s portrayal of a conscious underclass hero who understands the nuances of Ambedkar donning a three-piece suit, the symbol of assertion has entered the Tamil film industry, heralding a major revolution.