Daijiworld News Network – Doha
Pics: Sunil Crasto
Doha, May 17: Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ), the socio-cultural association that unites the Kannadigas working and living in Qatar has been known for organizing events of highest quality and wholesome entertainment. Vasantotsava-2015, the cultural extravaganza heralding the setting in of spring season, again proved that when it comes to quality programmes, KSQ is the answer among the coastal Karnataka community in Qatar. Under the dynamic leadership of young and energetic Deepak Shetty, KSQ threw up superb cultural show at DPS Auditorium here on Friday May 15 evening, that would remain in the minds and hearts of Qatar Kannadigas for long.
The programme began with a short introduction about Vasantotsava-2015 by compere H K Madhu before the lighting of traditional lamp by KSQ president, executive members and voice of Karnataka Rajesh Krishnan who was specially flown in from Bengaluru for Vasantotsava-2015.
With this stage was thrown open for cultural fiesta for which everyone in the gathering was eagerly waiting for. It was the onset of ‘Bhushan’s Reflections’ that set the tone for the evening bash. Bhushan’s Reflections is a well-known dance troupe from Bengaluru led by talented Kulabhushan Aras. They were flown in specially from Bengaluru and they dished out professional show of dance that left the audience spellbound. While their scintillating dances were the highlight of the evening, their acrobatic moves had the audience showering applause in abundance for they had witnessed something spectacular and stunning. Along with Bhushan, troupe members Basavraj, Chandan, Magesh Rajagopal, Manjula Ananda, Ramya Ramu, Sudarshan Rao and Vinod entertained the audience to the maximum.
It was then time for ‘unplugging’ as RJ Mayur of 92.7 Big FM and ‘Unplugged with Mayur’ fame in the company of Voice of Karnataka Rajesh Krishnan and enchanting Sinchan Dixit set the stage on fire with musical extravaganza of the highest quality. Melodious and handsome Rajesh Krishnan does not need an introduction. He is a household name in Karnataka and is the most sought-after singer in the Sandalwood. He has lent voice for over 4000 songs in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and other languages. Rajesh is the owner of sonorous voice and is often considered as one of the greatest ever playback singers in Kannada filmdom after legendary P B Srinivas and incomparable S P Balasubrahmaniam. He was joined on stage by versatile Sinchan Dixit who has been hitting headlines in Sandalwood these days.
At Vasantotsva 2015 both Rajesh Krishnan and Sinchan he lived up to their reputation belting out super-duper hit Kannada and Hindi numbers such as ‘Usire’, ‘ Joteyali Jote Joteyali’, ‘Pehla Nasha’, ‘Yeh Jawani Ye Diwani’, ‘Nooru Janmaku, ‘Naguva Nayana’, ‘Preetiyalli Iro Suka’, ‘ Santhoshake Haadu Santhoshake’, ‘Tum hi ho’, ‘Teri Galiyan’, etc.
While they went on rendering hit songs one after the other, it was RJ Mayur who provided the ‘tadka’ with his unique style of hosting. He surely knows how to keep the audience attentive and involved and his ‘unplugged’ version with Rajesh Krishnan and Sinchan left the audience asking for more. Rajesh and Sinchan were ably supported by skilled musicians, Venky and Ashwin on keys, Karthik on guitar, Sandip Vashishta on flute, Manu on drums and Pradyumna on table. As evening wore on and dance numbers rocked the auditorium, audience had no choice but to storm to the dance floor. It was indeed a great display of singing and music by extremely talented artistes.
Earlier the guests of the evening R K Singh, Deputy chief of Mission, Indian consulate Qatar, Indian Culture Centre president Girish Kumar, ICBF president Arvind Patil, Bahrain Kannada Sangha general secretary Kiran Upadhyaya, Satish, executive manager of QDC, Gazi, General Manager of Alma, presidents and representatives of various organizations from Doha and visiting artistes were welcomed by presenting of saplings.
Vasantotsva-2015 is the last programme for the present president and executive committee of KSQ. The occasion was marked by presenting mementoes to those who have contributed in various ways in successful organization of various programmes for KSQ in the last 2 years. The outgoing executive committee members too were felicitated with mementoes for their yeoman’s service to KSQ in the last 2 years.
During the short stage programme Sateesh, Executive Manager of QDC, Girish Kumar, president of ICC Qatar and Rajesh Krishnan were felicitated by R K Singh, KSQ president Deepak Shetty, vice-president Nagesh Rao and V Mannangi. They were draped with shawl and were presented with traditional ‘Mysore Peta’. Accepting the honour Girish Kumar thanked KSQ for recognising his service to expat community and honouring him. Rajesh Krishnan too in his speech said that he felt immense pride in accepting this honour from KSQ.
KSQ Deepak Shetty under whose leadership KSQ has scaled greater heights in the last two years, too was felicitated on the occasion.
Deputy Chief of Missions, Indian consulate Qatar R K Singh, ICBF president Arvind Patil, Gazi of ALMA, KSQ General Secretary Mahesh Gowda were also present on the occasion.
Deepak Shetty welcomed the gathering while Mahesh Gowda proposed vote of thanks.
Presidents and representatives of other Karnataka-based organizations in Qatar too were present on the occasion.
The entire stage programme except for the ‘Unplugged with Mayur’ was ably compered by H K Madhu in his unique style.