Day 1
The Provoke Art Festival opened to a packed audience, with Day 1 witnessing a breathtaking Bharatanatyam performance by Rukmini Vijaykumar, followed by an enchanting musical ensemble led by Subha Shree Thanikachalam, featuring celebrated playback singers Haricharan Seshadri, Sai Vignesh, Disha Prakash, Santhosh Subramanian, and Vidya Kalyanaraman.

Day 2
Carried forward the momentum with a compelling stage play by Rohini Molleti and Pralayan, followed by a mesmerising concert by the Veena maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya, joined by young sensations Rahul Vellal and Spoorthi Rao. The performances drew thunderous applause, creating a confluence of rhythm, melody, and emotion that resonated deeply with the audience.

The event was graced by top dignitaries, including senior IAS and IPS officers, actor Nassar, Director Vasanth,
Mr. Unnikrishnan, and other stalwarts from the world of cinema, music, and theatre, making it one of Chennai’s most star-studded cultural gatherings of the year. Conceptualised and curated by Mrs. Ashwini Sam Paul Vishwanathan, the festival was a seamless blend of art and emotion, a true testament to her creative vision and commitment to promoting India’s classical heritage. The initiative was supported by Dr. Sam Paul, Chairman & Managing Director of Paulsons Beauty & Fashion Pvt. Ltd.

With an overwhelming response from audiences, the Provoke Art Festival 2025 has cemented its place as one of Chennai’s grandest and most beloved cultural festivals, celebrating the timeless essence of Indian art while paving the way for new-age artistic talents.

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Rajhesh Vaidhya

The celebrated Veena maestro from Chennai, whose melodies have echoed across the nation, set the Provoke Art Festival 2025 stage ablaze with a performance to remember. With every note, he strung together a soul-stirring musical experience that had the audience captivated till the very last moment. And right after this electrifying showcase, we caught up with him for an exclusive conversation.

The audience was clearly thrilled by your performance today. How was it performing at the Provoke Art Festival 2025?
This experience was something new to me, and I was genuinely delighted that Provoke took the initiative to celebrate classical art forms through the Art Festival 2025. Joining hands with Rahul Vellal and Spoorthi Rao for this concert was truly special, with Sarvesh, Ganapathy, and Bharath accompanying us on instruments.

It’s inspiring to see you collaborate with youngsters. Can you spare your thoughts on this generation of kids?
These kids are so special. If they like something, they just latch on to it. I have worked with a lot of them. I recently worked with music director Anirudh Ravichander. In fact, I have played my music quite a bit for him. There are a lot of differences between musicians of yesteryears and the current generation, and how they operate. The current youth don’t hesitate to take a lot of input from me. They have respect for the experience.

You have been in the musical field for several decades. What keeps you motivated?
More than the motivation. It’s my Veena that’s making me do this.

Have you achieved the goal you set out to conquer at the start of your musical journey?
If I start running toward a goal, I can’t focus on anything else. In my view, when you fixate on a single target and keep chasing it, you tend to lose sight of everything around you. I prefer to let the goal come to me instead. For me, it’s always been about the Veena and how far I can go with it. For instance, if winning an award is the goal, it should come to you naturally through your work, not by consciously chasing it. Rather than wearing horse blinkers, I believe in staying open to every possibility. Sometimes, when you’re too determined to achieve one thing, you end up missing the bigger picture.

Pandia Raj

The veteran filmmaker-actor, who has dominated the silver screen since the mid-80s with his unparalleled humour and thought-provoking storytelling, rightfully owned the spotlight. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Provoke Art Festival 2025.

How special was it for you to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award?
I’m truly very happy. It takes a big heart to include me alongside such legendary names whom I’ve always looked up to.

It’s actually our honour to celebrate the artist in you, who has given us countless memorable moments on screen. Can you tell us about something you’ve created on screen that you consider special?
For me, it’s special whenever humour lands exactly the way I intend it to, and the audience enjoys it wholeheartedly. That’s my real success. I’m not too concerned about praise for my acting; my only focus has always been to make people happy.

Despite the years that have passed, the current generation enjoys your humour. How do you see them?
It’s not about now and then. I am right then, and I am right even now. In fact, I have to run on par with the current generation. If I say I am going to be something next April, it only means I haven’t known the current April. So, whoever you are, you have to always walk alongside the current generation.

What do you like about the current generation?
They’re always on the lookout for something new, never the kind to sit back and relax. If something doesn’t work out, they set it aside and move on to the next. It’s that restless enthusiasm to explore different paths, paired with the maturity and temperament to keep moving toward success.

You’ve been part of the film industry for many decades. How do you think the current generation is managing it?
Technological advancements have actually overpowered the industry, and human emotions have taken a back seat. I feel that if both are hand in hand with an equal proportion, it will be even better. A lot of them are managing to do it as well.

Finally, can you share your thoughts on the Provoke Art Festival 2025?
Legendary Vaali sir usually says this. If you encourage someone who encourages, he will go on to sell teak. Provoke is calling people here, patting their backs, and encouraging them to do well. It’s a great initiative.

MS Bhaskar

A long-overdue honour finally reaches where it belongs. This was the collective feeling that spread across the Tamil air after the versatile actor received the National Award for his chilling performance in Parking. And to further amp up the moment, we crowned him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Provoke Art Festival 2025.

How do you feel about receiving the lifetime achievement award?
Ellam Pugazhum Iaraivanuke! (All praise belongs to the God). It is something that will motivate an artist. The national award will likely motivate me to act even better in my upcoming films.

We’re happy that you won the National Award for Parking. Can you share your feelings on bagging the prestigious award?
I am happy to have received the honour because of the love you all have shown me.

Can you tell us about a character that’s close to your heart?
I won’t act in a film if I don’t like the character. I need to feel connected to it the moment it’s narrated to me, otherwise, I simply can’t do it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a big or small role, or if it’s a debutant or veteran director; if the character doesn’t move me, I step away. In that sense, every role I’ve taken up is close to my heart.

How do you see the film industry thriving at this juncture?
It’s doing great. The business is strong, and many films are finding success, though some still don’t, as it’s always been. That’s part of the industry’s rhythm. Overall, cinema is in a healthy, promising phase.