Veteran producer Kalaippuli S. Thanu gave the 'Icon of Inspiration:Trendsetting Music' award to celebrated composer Harris Jayaraj, for setting new precedents in the field of film music. Kalaippuli S. Thanu recollects the initial days when Harris assisted AR Rahman in the composing work of director Rajeev Menon's Kandukondein Kandukondein. 

Thanu said "I approached Harris (Jayaraj) to compose music for Aalavandhan. The film was made on a grand scale, with leading stars such as Kamal Haasan, Manisha Koirala and Raveena Tandon playing major roles. But Harris displayed two tracks from the film and turned down the offer, citing that he had already committed to a film called 'Minnale'. Such was his conviction and respect towards commitment."