9th January 2003

Hexa platinum disc function of Mahesh Babu's Okkadu was organized in the Kohinoor banquet hall of Taj Residency in Hyderabad today (Jan 9, 2003) at 8:30 pm. Okkadu is the first film to get a hexa platinum disc (6 lakhs of audio units sold so far) prior to movie release. Venkatesh, Uday Kiran, Prabhas [all the past and future heroes of MS Raju's films] and RP Patnaik attended the function as special guests. Hero Mahesh Babu was dressed in a sober checks shirt. Bhumika Chawla appeared angelic in her white dress.

Sirivennela presided over the function, as the regulars Paruchuri brothers were absent. Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry was in all praises for the director Guna Sekhar for making the songs a part of the movie narration. Sirivennela explained a few lyrics from 'Hare rama' and narrated how different the lyrics are for a hero introduction song. He also said how the hero characterzation gets revealed and the story gets elevated in terms of lyrics in tunes like 'Sahasam Swasaga' and 'Cheppave Chirugaali'. He also mentioned that the song 'Cheppave Chirugaali' is his 2000th song. He mentioned that Okkadu would become a trend setter in Telugu film industry.

Hero Venkatesh was in full spirits. He cracked a joke, when the techinician was adjusting the mike for Venky to speak, by saying that 'Nuvvu mike adjust chesinantha sepu vundadu naa speech'. He wished all the best for the team members. Indeed, his speech did not last the time the technician spent for adjusting the mike.

Uday Kiran said he liked the music of Okkadu a lot. Prabhas said that he listens to 'Hare rama' song at least 10 times a day when he travels in his car.

RP Patnaik sang the song 'Cheppave Chirugaali and felt that he missed singing for that song which would eventually stand out as the best song ever. He also praised Mani Sharma for wonderful music.

Bhumika Chawla thanked the producer, director and music director for creating such a wonderful working environment. She said that working with Mahesh Babu was a pleasant experience. She mentioned that Cheppave Chirugaali is her favorite song.

MS Raju (producer), Mahesh Babu (hero), Guna Sekhar (director) and Mani Sharma (music director) did not prefer to speak on this occasion. Venkatesh gave away the hexa platinum disk trophies to artists and technicians. Sunitha anchored the event and Supreme Music organized this function.