Report by Clarence Kaikamba
Pics by Dilip Correa
For Daijiworld News Network - Muscat

Muscat, March 7: Chitra Lahari, as expected by many Kannada music lovers in and around Muscat, was one more mega musical extravaganza presented by Karnataka wing of the Indian Social Club – Muscat on 02nd March, 2006 at Le Grand Hall of Al Falaj Hotel. It was a melodious, well presented and above all, flawless Musical Program by the Karnataka wing.  No doubt the whole show was completely packed with new and old songs of Kannada films by some of the finest and ebullient singers of Karnataka region. Chitra Lahari, without any doubts, brought sweet memories of olden days Kannada movies into the minds of many and thrills of modern times too. 

As reported earlier the main attractions of Chitra Lahari musical evening were the popular and well-known singers of Karnataka region. The first South Indian singer to win TVS Sa Re Ga Ma(Zee TV) in the year 1999, Archana Udupa, Sugam Sangeet Expert and All India Radio and Doordarshan artiste  Srinivas Udupa ,  Winner of the International episode of SA RE GA MA held at New York, USA, “Kala Kusuma” and “Upasana” awards winner Divya Raghavan and “ARAYA BHATA” and “UPASANA” awards winner Pancham Halibandi. All of them were well prepared to enthral the whole Muscat Kannada audience. 

While father daughter duo, Srinivasa and Archana Udupa made the listeners to sail through the fantasies of fine memories of old classics and new hits, gorgeous Divya Raghavan and charming Pancham Halibandi mesmerised the audience with thrilling and giggling new and old numbers.

Program started with welcome address by Gireesh Rao and then, official welcome by the president of Karnataka Wing Ahiraj Gururaj, who thanked all the sponsors, who helped and supported the event and have contributed immensely for the success. He also thanked all the members who worked relentlessly for the event.

Prominent member of the Karnataka wing, Raghavendra introduced all the performers and their supporters.

The program started with a brilliant musical number – Kannada  Nadu by Srinivas Udupa. From this song, the musical flow went on without any hindrance. Some of the very fine and old numbers from Bangarada Manushya classic movie – Bhaala Bangara neenu by  Divya Raghavan, Panchama Veda from Gejje Puje movie by Archana Udupa, Binkada Singari by Srinivas Udupa were superbly mesmerised the audience.  MTV by Pancham made the crowd to dance on the floor.

The program’s music was ably supported by efficient and elegant musicians Krishna Udupa and Sangeeth Thomas on Keyboard, Shiv Satya on Rhythm Pads and Lokesh on Dholak & Tabla.

One more major attraction of the program was skits by Shiv Satya. Satya presented his comedy skills bringing waves of laughter.

The major sponsors of this musical event are Indian, International Contracting, Damas, Bank Muscat, Oman UAE Exchange, Minara, Karim Baksh Trading & Contracting, Khimji’s Bait Al Ahlam, Times of Oman and Swagath Udupi Restaurant.