In response to Oscar-winning musician A R Rahman cancelling his open-air concert in Chennai on Saturday owing to unfavourable weather conditions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin promised the setting up of a “world-class” Kalaignar Convention Centre in the city.
The two-day leg of the concert on August 12 and 13 had to be rescheduled following persistent rains in the city. Rahman said the decision was taken after consultation with authorities and to ensure the safety and well-being of those attending the concert.
In a tweet following the announcement of cancellation, Rahman called upon the government to construct “next level” infrastructure that could accommodate cultural events in Chennai.
I hope and pray that ..with the help of our government..we construct the next level infrastructure for art,mega shows and international experiences for Chennai #SafetyFirst #rain-resistant #sun-resistant #cluttterfreeparking #notrafficjams https://t.co/8QpwN56mYs
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 12, 2023
Responding to this, Stalin announced the setting-up of the proposed convention centre named after late former CM M Karunanidhi, who was referred to as “Kalaignar”. He said the centre will come up on the East Coast Road.
“With iconic landscaping, hotels, food courts, parking spaces and excellent connectivity it will be the new cultural icon of the city,” he said.
Chennai will soon fulfil this long-felt aspiration!#KalaignarConventionCentre to be established on #ECR, will be a world-class facility that can host large format concerts, performances, events, exhibitions and conventions.
With iconic landscaping, hotels, food courts,… https://t.co/NiXtNntTzp
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) August 12, 2023
The proposed Kalaignar Convention Centre will be equipped to host large format concerts, performances, events, exhibitions and conventions, Stalin added.
Earlier in June, Stalin had announced that an international convention centre with a seating capacity of 5,000 would be established in Chennai. The announcement came at an event to mark Karunanidhi’s birth centenary celebrations.