By Denzil Fernandes
Pics by Jovin Dsouza
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jan 14: A brilliant socio-comedy with clean comedy and very fine acting was the hallmark of “Aaye Subhage?” tulu drama which was performed in front of a near capacity crowd of drama lovers on Friday at the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium of the Indian High School.
For the first time ever probably, each and every member of the audience sat without moving for almost 5 hours of the programme enjoying every bit of the humorous dialogues that were merged with meaningful social messages throughout. At the end of it all, the multi talented drama troupe “Rangataranga” from Kaup headed by social worker Kaup Leeladhar Shetty showed the immense talent of the artistes having come all the way to Dubai. This was the first time that “Rangataranga” troupe were performing outside India. All credit to Dubai’s ‘Namma Tuluveru’ who took the initiative to organize the enjoyable as well as entertaining event. ‘Namma Tuluveru’ comprising like minded members have in the past ventured into many social causes and helped plenty of deserving cases apart from organizing and supporting deserving artistes from U.A.E. as well as India.
The evening’s programme started with a welcome speech by the force behind ‘Namma Tuluveru’ Shodan Prasad followed by a brief audio/video presentation on the activities of ‘Namma Tuluveru’ by Shantaram Achar. Lighting of the traditional lamp was done by Dr. B.R.Shetty with assistance from Shivanand Hebbar, Sarvotham Shetty, Yogesh Shetty, Pradeep Shetty, Raghuram Sunder Shetty, Manoj Shetty, Ganesh Shetty in the presence of all the team members of ‘Namma Tuluveru’ UAE. As soon as Dr. B.R.Shetty finished his congratulatory speech to the artistes from Kaup the stage was ready for a scintillating dance performance by Mervin Shirva who also acted as one of the lady characters in the drama later. It was indeed an energy filled dance rendered with ease and poise.
Just as the visiting drama troupe would remember their debut show in Dubai, the U.A.E. audience too would do well to remember the fine acting and the high quality drama itself.
Penned by Basuma Kodagu who himself is a multitalented creative personality having presented various works at art films, feature films, documentary, drama, stage settings, art direction, costume, lighting etc. there was something for everyone in the drama. Music was set by Sharath Uchil and songs by Dharmaraj. For the first time in U.A.E. the drama audience saw some novel visual effects live on the stage like the video screen depicting some of the ongoing scenes with great and novel effect.
There was no denying the fact that all the actors have their script perfectly practiced. The dialogues were crisp and instant finely coordinated with superb acting. The role of ‘Vasooli’ played by Sandeep Shetty Manibettu was brilliant and voted by the public as one of the best comedy acts ever seen in Dubai. Sandeep was the star of the night and had the audience with non stop splits of laughter with his brilliant dialogues which were full of comedy and action.
There was equal support coming from Rajesh Alape and Prassanna Shetty Bailur. Vivek Maddur as the ‘dwarf’ in the drama captured the hearts of all with his acting as well. Other actors on the stage were Raghuyraj Paniyari, Madhukar Amin, Divesh Shetty, Viraj Nandikur, Shivaprakash Harekala, Sujith Shetty Kaup, Marvin Shirva, Prakash Kotiyan Karandadi, Sujith Kaup, Roopashri Varkadi, Geetha Kaup and the leader himself Kaup Leeladhar Shetty as the ‘elder’ in the family.
The entire night’s programme was ably handled by “Namma Tuluveru” who honoured all those who had supported the charity event. All the Sponsors and the Media were felicitated and presented with Mementoes. There was a special felicitation to Raghuram Sunder Shetty of India House Restaurant, Ajman who wholeheartedly supported with funds in the initial stages.
Special Felicitation to Kaup Leeladhar Shetty for his services to society was the highlight of the evening which was deserving to a fine personality from Kaup. Leeladhar Shetty is a simple and down to earth person liked not only by his actors but also by one and all where he lives. Assisting in the felicitation were Sarvotham Shetty, Shivanand Hebbar, Yogesh Shetty, Walter Nandalike, Raghuram Sundar Shetty, Ashok Shetty, Nilesh Shetty with Shawl, Fruits Basket, Flower Bouquet, Felicitation Letter & Mementoes.
Appreciating the efforts of “Namma Tuluveru”, the visiting drama troupe “Rangataranga” group felicitated Shodhan Prasad, Purushottam Salian, Ashok Shetty, Nilesh Shetty, Sarvottam Shetty, Noel Almeida, Chidanand Poojary, Prasad Rai with mementos which they carried all the way from Kaup.
All in all, it was a collective effort by the selfless members of “Namma Tuluveru” who plan to carry out their charitable work to benefit the society both in the U.A.E. and India also. They were extremely satisfied with the support from the various sponsors including Dr. B.R.Shetty and Shivanand Hebbar apart from others who contributed immensely to make the event a success.
The evening’s programme was compered by Shodhan Prasad and Shantaram Achar and ended with a vote of thanks by S.P.Deepak.