The Mysuru Yuva Dasara, which ended on Saturday, was particularly memorable this year with performances by Badshah and Ilaiyaraaja, who were warmly appreciated for their display of love for the Kannada language. Badshah energized the audience with lively songs and ended the event by addressing them in Kannada, receiving cheers in response. Speaking in Kannada, he humbly stated, “I am not a star, not a superstar, nor a singer. I am just a writer who expresses my feelings. I am one of you.” Videos of Badshah speaking in Kannada quickly went viral on social media after the event. Renowned composer Ilaiyaraaja, known for his work in over 30 Kannada films, shared a video in Kannada on social media before the event. The next day, he sought blessings at the Chamundeshwari temple and performed some of his beloved Kannada songs. Ilaiyaraaja fondly recalled his visit to Mysuru in 1974 for a private concert, mentioning his suggestion to Guru GK Venkatesh to involve Dr Rajkumar in singing the song Yaare Koogadali for the movie Sampathige Savaal, thus kickstarting the actor’s successful singing career in Kannada cinema.