Muscat: Spandana 'Yaadon Ki Baraat' Rekindles Yesteryear Melodies
Pics: Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Report: Prakash Naik, Muscat
Muscat, Jan 23: They came, they performed and they stole the hearts of thousands of music lovers who attended the 'Yaadon Ki Baraat / Nenapinangala' event organized by Spandana Muscat recently at the Le Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel.
The musical trio, Tagore Das (the 'Mohammed Rafi of South India'), Sangeetha Balachandra ('the nightingale of coastal Karnataka') and Naveen Kumar Koppa (the multi-talented 'Malenada Mari Kogile') gave a dazzling performance in front of nearly 1200-strong audience.
The event organized by Spandana Muscat was a grand tribute to legends Padma Bhushan Dr Raj Kumar and Padmashree Mohammed Rafi and the theme of the event truly depicted the journey from Sandalwood to Bollywood.
The show has been conceptualised by Spandana – a group of like-minded individuals sharing common interests in music, entertainment and socio-cultural activities. The motto and vision of Spandana, 'together we can make a difference' defines the aims behind their goal.
Nostalgic music memories poured out from Tagore Das (Mohammed Rafi of the South India), Sangeetha Balachandra and Naveen Kumar Koppa. They were accompanied by P Padmanabhan (Pappan) on the keyboard, Rajesh Bhagawat on tabla, dolak and congo, Deepa Jayasheelan on keyboard, Anthony Prakash on rhythm pad and drums, Sharat on guitar and Vijaykumar (Manager).
Prakash Naik Koni, convener of Spandana, commenced the event with the welcome speech He welcomed the chief guest J S Mukul, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. He thanked him for his presence, and Ramesh Shettigar presented him with a floral bouquet.
Anwar Hussain, representing Saeed Al Hosni, the proprietor of SAH properties, was presented with a floral bouquet by Riyaz Ahmed Basrur. Ramanand Kunder presented to Zainul Abdeen, proprietor, National Coast, Trade and Projects and Karunakar Rao to G V Rmakrishna, Head, National Sales and Expat Services, Bank Muscat.
Jaya Shettigar narrated the theme and activity of Spandana. She also spoke on Yakshagana.
Yakshagana Ballet
The first event of the evening was Yakshagana ballet – Sudhanva Moksha. This was presented by Karthik Shanker Kunder as Sudhanva and Vishbhav Vittal Poojary as Arjuna.
This musical dance drama piece was directed and choreographed by Prakash Naik Koni, convener of Spandana.
The make-up was by Mani sir and costume was by Vishwanath Bangera, Mahesh Bangera, Jagdish Billava, Aravind and Ullas. Special assistance was by Ravi Kanchan.
Ramesh Shettigar presented a shawl to J S Mukul, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. He was also presented peta (a headgear) by Riyaz Ahmed Basrur, co-convener of Spandana and a memento by Prakash Naik Koni, convener of Spandana.
Musical Journey from Sandalwood to Bollywood
The melodious musical journey started off with an invocation song of Spandana. This was followed by an introduction of the singers by Riyaz Ahmed Basrur.
Sangeetha Balachandra started the musical nostalgia with a devotional song Sharanu Siddhi Vinayaka. Tagore Das made his entry with the song Badi Doorse Aaye Hai and Chaahunga Main Tuje…followed by a song by Naveen with Navaduva Nudiye Kannada Nudi in Kannada.
All their olden and golden hits renditions transported the audience back to the golden era of Bollywood and Sandalwood.
Naveen Kumar Koppa entertained the audience with his mimicry apart from singing. He sang popular songs like Nagu Nagutha Nali, Ashwamedha, Aaradisuve Madanari complemented by a live dance by Raadhika and Saanika Venkatesh. Beautiful duets like Na Ninna Marayalare, Yelleli Nodali, Olave Jeevan Saakshakara in Kannada were presented by Sangeetha Balachandra and Naveen Kumar Koppa.
Tagore Das regaled with Yeh Phoolon Ki Rani, Badan Pe Sitare, Yeh Reshmi Zulfen, Parda Hai Parda, Yeh Gulbadan, Pukarta Chala Hoon Main, Dil Ke Jharoko Me Tujko Bhitakar, Hum Kaale Hai To Kya Huwa Dilwale Hain (in Hindi).
Sangeetha Balachandra, trained in Carnatic classical music, sang Lag Ja Gale', Dooradinda Bandanta Sundaranga Jana, Parde Mein Rehane Do, Dil Cheez Kya Hai, Mera Naam Chun Chun. Her renditions touched the hearts of all music lovers.
Tagore Das and Sangeetha rendered hits like Mere Mitwa, Dil Tera Deewana, Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera.
Felicitations
Tagore Das, Sangeetha Balachandra and Naveen Kumar Koppa and the accompanying artistes were felicitated by G V Ramakrishna, the Guest of Honour. They were presented with mementoes and gifts.
The local artistes who enthralled the audience with their performances were honoured.
Karthik Shanker Kunder and Vishbhav Vittal Poojary (Yakshagana). Enthusiastic about this art form Yakshagana, both of them are presently undergoing training from Prakash Naik Koni, convener of Spandana.
Raadhika Venkatesh and Saanika Venkatesh known as Muscat sisters have performed their arangetram in Bharata Natyam, performed in India and in Muscat. They choreographed the dances for Madhuban Mein Raadhika Nachera and Aaradisuve Madanari by themselves and presented it live on stage while Tagore Das and Naveen Kumar Koppa were singing.
Ananya Ravi and Bharat Hegde performed a foot tapping duet dance for Kannda film songs Neerige Bare, Na Board Irada Bassige, Nidde Bandilla Nange Nidde Bandilla.
Varun Bantwal presented an electrifying fusion dance blending Michael Jackson and Kishore Kumar’s songs. Varun, an upcoming dancer, has won the first runner up in ISC Dance Mania competition,
Amulya Ravi presented a sizzling dance for Madhuri Dixit hits Ek Do Teen, Mera Piya Ghar Aaya O Ramaji and Humko Aaj Kal Hai Intezaar. Both Ananya Ravi and Amulya Ravi (the twin sisters) are undergoing training in Carnatic classical music. They enjoy dancing. Amulya Ravi was the winner of the Minara musical event.
Young Bharath Sridhar Hegde gave a power packed dance performance for a medley of Mohammed Rafi songs. He was the winner of Muscat Dance Mania in sub junior category (solo and group) in 2009, duet and group category in 2010.
The magnificent artwork/design created by Zubair for the advertisement material and the backdrop was a treat to eyes and needs a special mention.
Riyaz Ahmed Basrur, co-convener of Spandana proposed the vote of thanks.
The entire team of members along with dedicated volunteers led by Walter Mendonca created a soothing evening for the music lovers in Muscat. Umesh Bantwal handled the printing and publishing efficiently.
Spandana team members are Prakash Naik Koni (convener), Riyaz Ahmed Basrur (Co-convener), Ramesh Shettigar, Karunakar Rao, Nagesh Shetty, Ramanand Kunder, Jaya Ramesh Shettigar, Yogananda and Zubair (the Dziner).