It was a delightful gathering of who's who of  the South Indian film industry at the launch of director P Vasu's Thottal Poo Malarum, marking the debut of his son Shakthi as a hero.

With the participants recalling their memories working with Vasu, emotions overflowed at the venue in Chennai. Rajnikanth recalled his experience working with Vasu.

'He brought a smile back on my face in Chandramukhi. Looking for and creating fresh talent is his trait, a safe bet for any producer.'

'Shakthi should strive to keep up the good name of his father.'

Kamal Haasan felt that for an artiste to excel, one has to be backed by a good director and production house. 'I was fortunate to get K Balachander and AVM Productions. Shakthi is doubly fortunate to have a father, who is an institution by himself.'

Tollywood actor Balakrishna, currently acting in a Telugu movie directed by Vasu, described the rapport that he shares with Vasu.

Describing Vasu as a man with golden arm, Balakrishna, said, 'Though Andhra is my native, Chennai is my second home. I come here to watch Vasu's films', he said.

Balakrishna said, 'Every actor has to work hard to make it to the top. Though my father (N T Rama Rao) was a popular star, I had to work hard to reach where I am now.'

Yesteryear actress Jayapradha, A V M Saravanan, Prabhu and Sathyaraj also spoke.

A host of film personalities including directors S P Muthuraman, K S Ravikumar, Seeman, Saran, Rama Narayanan, producers Ram Kumar, LMM Muralidharan, editor Mohan, actors Prabhu, Raj Kiran, Jeyam Ravi and actress Kushboo took part.