The Mysuru Yuva Dasara, which concluded recently, was particularly special this year as it featured performances by Badshah and Ilaiyaraaja. Both artists were praised for their love for the Kannada language. Badshah's energetic songs were a hit with the audience, and he garnered cheers when he spoke in Kannada at the end of his performance, declaring that he sees himself as a writer who expresses his feelings rather than a star. Videos of Badshah speaking in Kannada after the event went viral on social media. Renowned composer Ilaiyaraaja, known for his work in over 30 Kannada films, shared a video on social media before the event where he spoke in Kannada and visited the Chamundeshwari temple the following day seeking blessings. During his performance of popular Kannada songs, he fondly recalled a concert he held in Mysuru in 1974 and mentioned how he had suggested that the legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar sing the song "Yaare Koogadali" for the film "Sampathige Savaal," which marked the beginning of Rajkumar's successful singing career in Kannada cinema.