Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, Ash Root for Shamitabh

It was a gathering of the most august sort, a moment straight out of celluloid history. Indian cinema legends Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan rubbed shoulders with each other at the music launch of Big B's upcoming film Shamitabh on January 20.

Shamitabh is somewhat of a family affair. It stars Rajinikanth's son-in-law Dhanush and Kamal Haasan's daughter Akshara, with Mr Bachchan. The three superstars themselves are longtime collaborators. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have co-starred in countless films together, usually with the former playing villain and the latter hero. Rajini Sir and Mr Haasan have each co-starred with Big B in films like Hum and Geraftaar respectively.

Among the A-list guests at the event was actress Sridevi - a frequent co-star of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Big B wearing cream and red Sabyasachi. She was accompanied by husband Boney Kapoor.

The launch of Shamitabh's music also felicitated its composer Ilaiyaraaja for his 1,000th film score (which was not the one for Shamitabh)

He posed on stage with lyricist Gulzar, actress Jaya Bachchan, Shamitabh's producer Sunil Lulla, his wife Krishika and lyricist Swanand Kirkire.

Amitabh Bachchan placed a shawl around Ilaiyaraaja while Sridevi, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth applauded.

Sridevi bowed respectfully before Ilaiyaraaja while Mr Haasan and Rajinikanth stood nearby.

Mr Bachchan's son and daughter-in-law, Abhishek and Aishwarya, formed a cheer squad of sorts - she in sunny Abu-Sandeep.

Big B greeted his 'Bahu Rani,' as he calls Aishwarya on the stage, while Abhishek stood nearby.

Kamal Haasan's elder daughter Shruti was a sight for sore eyes in a grey Arpita Mehta lehenga with a matching mirrored potli and an elegant braided updo.

Shruti's little sister Akshara, who makes her Bollywood debut with Shamitabh, seemed all grown up in a sleeveless black gown with a slit.

The Haasans were out in full strength to support Akshara.

Kamal Haasan warmly greeted his former wife Sarika, Akshara's mother.

Shruti and Kamal Haasan were in the highest spirits.

Akshara, who clung to Sarika, was a dead ringer for her mother.

Actress Tabu, who starred opposite Big B in Balki's first film Cheeni Kum, was at her fashionable best in a beige and silver Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna ensemble.

The Three Musketeers: Dhanush, Big B and Akshara posed for a picture.

Dhanush shared a light moment with his wife Aishwaryaa, Rajinikanth's elder daughter, while Ilaiyaraaja seemed amused.

Perhaps the most sociable guest of the evening, Dhanush chatted with the other Aishwarya.

And gallantly bowed and shook hands with Sridevi.

Junior B, Ilaiyaraaja, Dhanush and R Balki seemed to enjoy each other's company.

Big B warmly greeted Ilaiyaraaja.

Dhanush and R Balki in deep conversation.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal was pretty in ethnic green and magenta.

Also invited were Aamir Khan's former wife Reena Dutta and their daughter Ira who were seated with Sarika and Shruti Haasan.

Shruti Haasan exchanged pleasantries with Sridevi and Boney Kapoor.

Tabu struck up a conversation with her Maachis director Gulzar and Big B's wife, veteran actress Jaya Bachchan.

Celebrated writer-lyricist Prasoon Joshi also received an invite.

Actress Ila Arun, Gulzar and Swanand Kirkire were spotted in conversation.

Colonial Cousin Leslie Lewis got along famously with ghazal king Pankaj Udhas.

Big B chatted with his film's cinematographer PC Sreeram.

Music director Bappi Lahiri and Pankaj Udhas had a lot to catch up on.

The film's choreographers Bosco-Caesar posed for a picture.

Casting director and theatre artist Dolly Thakore was also invited.