Slipper Thrown at Tamil Lyricist Vairamuthu During Tiruppur Cultural Event
A bizarre and unsettling incident disrupted a public event in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, when a slipper was hurled towards acclaimed Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu. The veteran poet and songwriter was attending the inauguration ceremony of the Kongu Arts, Literature, and Cultural Federation, held at the Tiruppur District Collector's Office.
Event Disrupted by Flying Footwear
The program was proceeding normally with attendees engaged in the cultural presentations when suddenly, a slipper flew through the air toward the stage area. Fortunately, the footwear did not strike Vairamuthu directly but landed amidst the gathered crowd, causing immediate confusion and alarm among participants.
Police Investigation Identifies Perpetrator
Following the incident, law enforcement authorities swiftly launched an investigation to determine who was responsible for throwing the slipper. According to reports from the DT Next website, police identified the individual as a woman named Jaya who was present at the venue during the event.
During questioning, officers learned that Jaya had previously staged a sit-in protest in front of the Tiruppur Collectorate. Reporter TV indicated she was distressed because no action had been taken regarding a complaint she had filed earlier. Preliminary information suggests the woman may be dealing with mental health challenges, which police considered during their investigation.
Vairamuthu's Recent Public Statements
This incident marks another moment where Vairamuthu has found himself in the public eye recently. Earlier in 2025, the lyricist had expressed concerns about the Tamil film industry using his song lyrics as film titles without seeking his permission.
In a post on his X account written in Tamil, Vairamuthu shared his thoughts on the matter. His message conveyed that many of his poetic verses have been adopted as film titles by the industry, yet those using them have neither requested his permission nor offered basic acknowledgment.
"Despite them taking my lyric lines without acknowledgement, I have never rebuked anyone nor have I questioned it whenever and wherever I met them," Vairamuthu wrote. "In a society where wealth is not shared in common, I take joy in the fact that knowledge at least becomes common property. It would be uncivilized of me to ask, 'Why didn't you ask me before doing this?' But isn't it equally uncivilized of them not to have even asked me a single word?"
Industry Response to Vairamuthu's Comments
Following Vairamuthu's social media post, actor Aadhav Kannadasan responded with clarification regarding his 2013 film Ponmaalai Pozhudhu. The actor stated that he had indeed obtained proper permission from Vairamuthu to use his lyrics as the film's title.
"Sir, with all due respect, we got your permission for #PonmaalaiPozhudhu," Kannadasan wrote. "As you mentioned, it's a special feeling as #KaviyarasuKannadasan's grandson is using your lyrics as the film title. You felt proud. The lyrics in the film were written by dearest @madhankarky. Sir, thank you."
The Tiruppur incident has raised questions about security at public events and highlighted the complex intersection of celebrity culture, public expression, and mental health considerations in contemporary society.
