It was a date with popular singers who belted out chartbusters along with some golden oldies much to the delight of the Coimbatore audience

What do you say of a concert where every girl in the audience felt she was being serenaded? With a voice that teased one minute, wooed in another and passionately seduced in the third, singer Ranjith had that kind of impact on the audience. His expressive eyes and face only added to the effect.

Something for everyone

The singer was part of `Kovai Express', a music-cum-comedy show organised by Vijay TV that was interspersed with well-choreographed dance medleys by the John Britto Dance Company.Covai Guna, finalist in ` Kalakkapovathu Yaaru', Vijay TV's comedy show, was compere for the event, held at the expansive grounds at the Hindustan College of Arts and Science. His co-finalists, Muthu Irulapandi, David, Kovai Ashok and Janakiraman, pepped up the proceedings with their spoofs on a famous listeners' choice show and an interview with a glamour queen among others.

Rocking start

The first number was the beat-filled Kodambakkam from Sivakasi, rendered by Tippu, followed by Sujatha's take on Rangola from Gajini. Harish Raghavendra marked his stage presence with the rocking Chennai Senthamizh ( M. Kumaran... ) while Chinmayi chose to sing the ever-popular Oru theivam thantha poove from Kannathil Muthamittal, the song that won her the National Award for best singer. This was followed by the cascade of ragas in Thesulavudhe Thenmalaraale, from Manaalane Mangaiyin Bhagyam.Members from John Britto's troupe set the stage on fire with their dance. On offer were hits from Anniyan, Arindhum Ariyaamalum and Gajini. Malathi, singer of rocking numbers like Manmatha Raasa and Kumbida Pona Deivam, breezed her way through the fast-paced Alle Kullale from Paramasivan.Then, came the turn of Ranjith, who kept asking his co-singer Supopse Unnai Kaipidichu ... ? ( Sukran). Tippu followed it up with the soulful Kaadhal Vanthaal from Iyarkai and Harish followed suit with Sakkarai Nilavae ( Youth). Soon, it was time to shrug off the melancholic strains and the mood became upbeat as the three male singers got together to keep asking each other Enokuru girlfriend venume ( Boys). The dignified tone of Tippu and the boyish exuberance of Harish and Ranjith shone through in this ditty that had the audience asking for more.Ranjith followed it with the folksy Mama Payya from Devathayai Kandain. Sujatha, who started off by saying it was a privilege to be singing a song originally performed by her favourite Asha Bhonsle, ably rendered Konja Neram from Chandramukhi. Ra Ra, the song that took the South by rage, was greeted with enthusiastic applause. Tippu took over the male voice while members from the orchestra rose to the occasion with the goose-bump-raising laka laka laka. The six singers then shared the stage to come up with short pieces from new films as well as old hits.People got to hear everything from Netru illatha maatram, Rajaa magal roja magal, Rasaathi unna kaanatha nenju, Ilaya nilaa to Vazhkai ennum oadam.The concert will be aired on Vijay TV on April 7 at 7 p.m. SUBHA J RAO