After A R Rahman concert cancelled in Chennai due to rains, CM Stalin promises ‘world-class facility’ for cultural events

In a tweet, Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin announced the setting up of the proposed Kaliagnar Convention Centre on Chennai’s East Coast Road.

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.

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.

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.