The Mysuru Yuva Dasara, which ended on Saturday, was made even more special this year with performances by Badshah and Ilaiyaraaja, who received a lot of love for embracing the Kannada language. Badshah, known for his high-energy songs, wrapped up the event with a speech in Kannada that garnered applause. In his address to the audience, he humbly stated, “I am not a star, not even a superstar. I am not a singer, just a writer sharing my feelings. I am one of you.” Videos of the rapper speaking in Kannada went viral on social media after the event. Renowned composer Ilaiyaraaja, who has composed music for over 30 Kannada films, shared a video speaking in Kannada before the event and visited the Chamundeshwari temple the following day to seek blessings. During his performance of beloved Kannada songs, he fondly recalled his visit to Mysuru in 1974 for a private concert and revealed his role in suggesting Dr. Rajkumar to sing the song Yaare Koogadali for the film Sampathige Savaal in a significant moment in the actor’s singing career in Kannada cinema.