Doha: Mridula Mukundan Crowned May Queen-2011 at GWA Annual Ball
Report: Gladson D’Almeida
Pics: Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Apr 29: As the bold and beautiful Mridula Mukundan was crowned May Queen 2011 by the distinguished Bollywood celebrities including Shreyas Talpade and Jay Bhanushali in the august company of Louzine Faleioro, Agnel Fernandes and Goan Welfare Association president Simon D’Silva, the large number of Goans gathered within the cool ambience of Giwana Ballroom broke into celebration. While hot Brazilian lady Polly was chosen as the first runner-up, the second runner-up spot was bagged by Anjali Bajaj at a glittering gathering here on Thursday April 28.
The Goan Welfare Association has been the face and voice of Goans living in the tiny oil-rich country of Qatar for the last 11 years without any doubts. Ably led by inimitable, social activist and multi-talented Simon D’Silva, the association has often joined hands with charitable groups such as CRY and CARITAS and has rendered yeoman’s service in nurturing Goan culture and spirit among the large number of Goan expatriates. On a larger note the association has always been in the forefront of reaching out to various causes back home, thus setting a shining example to all. It is therefore not astonishing to see them host events with great aplomb and success over the last decade. The association is known not only for meticulous planning but also perfect execution and the annual May Queen Ball has been the true example for this.
The evening was perfectly planned for a gala entertainment and it lived up to everyone’s expectations as the 11th May Queen Ball hosted by Goan Welfare Association kept the large number of participants asking for more.
The charming comperes for the evening sizzling Cheryl Almeida and spectacular Xavier Fernandes set the ball rolling with the welcome address. But it was Dubai’s renowned DJ Glorio who set the mood for the evening with some scintillating numbers. As the evening wore on, the dance floor had couples flooding in huge numbers elegantly dancing to the groovy and peppy songs of DJ Glorio.
However it was the much-awaited entry of popular band ‘The Syndicate’ that upped the mercury within the four walls of unusually cool Giwana ballroom. The Syndicate’, one of Goa’s legendary bands satiated the music buds of all the guests by playing fantastic music catering exclusively to taste and choice of all. As the time flew, the ‘’Syndicate’’proved as to why they are considered as numero uno band in Goa for such a long period. With mercurial Paul D’Souza on drums, incomparable Diego Fernandes on bass and vocals, young Adrian Pereira on lead guitar and elegant Darryl Rodrigues, the stage was perfectly set for peerless Raul D’Mello and Sharon Rodrigues. The popular duo ensured that everyone had a tumultuous time clamoring for more and more with some peppy and foot-tapping numbers.
The glittering full-house evening had lot in store in the form of surprises and prizes as the organizers rained in number of attractive prizes to the people on the dancing floor. The first dancers, the best dancers, the young dancers all were caught in surprise as valuable prizes came their way.
As the entertainment continued and The Syndicate kept the floor busy, special guests of the evening Bollywood stars Shreyas Talpade, Jay Bhanushali, Mahi Vij along with former Goa Chief Minister Louzine Faleiro and MLA Agnelo Fernandes made their entry to the jam-packed hall amidst the thunderous applause of the gathering. However, on a sadder note another Bollywood star Aditya Pancholi who was supposed to be the part of the evening could not make it to programme owing to the demise of one of his family members.
After the guests took their seats, The Syndicate kept the audience well on the dance floor with some truly scintillating dance numbers. As they belted out some of the popular golden oldies, jazz standards, retro, ballads, the bustling dance floor provided perfect deck for Jive, Salsa, Cha Cha and other Latino dances.
The May Queen contest was very glamorous and conducted in great style and fanfare. Each contestant was a winner in her own way with graceful looks, proud walk, witty answers and alluring smile, making it very difficult for the jury panel that consisted of Doha Bank CEO R Seetharaman, James John, advertising and marketing manager of Gulf Times and Francis Correa, president of Young Goans Bahrain. As the ‘Million Dollar Smile’ celebrity Jay Bhanushali shot witty yet thought-provoking questions, the contestants came out with equally-good answers compelling the audience to put together their hands in sheer appreciation beauty and wisdom of the contestants.
Finally it was fabulous Mridula Mukundan who came out with flying and was showered with gold necklace, a laptop, Doha-Amsterdam-Doha air ticket, one night weekend stay for two at the Four Seasons Hotel inclusive of breakfast, two nights stay at Bangkok plus two nights at Pattaya in a five star hotel inclusive of breakfast for two and airport transfers and sight-seeing, seven nights and eight days stay at the Royal Goan Beach Club in Goa, lunch or dinner voucher for two at Hotel Sheraton, wrist watch and DVD player.
First and second runners-up were also awarded with similar fantastic and memorable prizes.
The beauty pageant was followed by cutting the beautifully designed cake in honour of Team India that won the cricket World Cup just about a month ago, by Goa Cricket Club president Dayanand Narvekar, guests of the evening Jay Bhanushali, Mahi Vij, Shreyas Talpade, GWA president Simon D’Silva and the managing committee members of GWA cut Archie D’Mello, the office Manager to CEO of Qatar Airways also conducted a quiz contest based on the just-concluded cricket World Cup. The contest was won by Rane Warriors.
The main sponsor was Splash, official airline was Qatar Airways, official bank was Doha Bank, official hotel Ramada Plaza Doha, official video/photography is Gulf Colours and official media partner was Gulf Times.
All in all it was a wonderful and successful May Queen Ball by Goan Welfare Association. The organizers ably led by Simon D’Silva and well assisted by the GWA managing committee members dished out another flawless and perfectly planned even adding one more feather into the already glittering cap of Goan Welfare Association.