Tamil Nadu who's who at Alagiri son's reception

A host of political leaders and the cream of Tamil film world were among those who turned up for the wedding reception of Union Minister M K Alagiri's son Durai Dayanidhi on Wednesday at the sprawling Tamukkam grounds in Madurai, which was converted into an excellently decorated wedding hall.

Alagiri's father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, his younger brother and Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin, and other members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's first family were present at the reception held under very tight security.

Former Union telecom minister A Raja, who quit over the 2G spectrum scam, was seen standing near Karunanidhi for a long time, chatting with him at times.

Entry into the grounds was allowed only to VIPs, senior partymen and those close to Alagiri, the party's strongman in the state's southern districts.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, Congress leaders including Jayanthi Natarajan, Paattali Makkal Katchi president G K Mani were among the political leaders who attended the reception.

Actors Kamal Hassan, Kushbu, Vadivel, Napolean, Madhavan and Ajit were among the notable stars from the tinsel world who greeted Durai Dayanidhi and Anusha, daughter of a Chennai-based advocate.

Almost all the family members of Alagiri, including his mother Dayalu Ammal, were seen at the specially-decked dais put up for the reception. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and her mother Rajathi Ammal greeted the couple.

A performance by members of noted music director Gangai Amaran's orchestra, which lasted for over three hours, was the highlight of the function.

A sumptuous dinner with a variety of dishes also formed part of the reception.

The wedding is slated for Thursday.

The police had made elaborate security arrangements for the function around the grounds and the entire city was illuminated brightly. Traffic had been regulated in certain areas for easy flow.