Clarence Pinto
Pics by Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network

Muscat, May 19: Kudla Friends – Muscat, piloted by three young and energetic advocates of Tulunadu Culture and Heritage in Muscat, Suraj Rebello, Srikanth Shetty and Yuvaraj Salian,  organized one of the best and beautiful thought provoking Tulu Drama to the Tulu drama lovers of Muscat produced and directed by Lion Kishor D Shetty titled “Dada Malperapundu?” (What can be done?) at Le Grande hall of Al Falaj Hotel – Ruwi on Thursday, 17th May 2012.  The well organized and loved by all show was presented by Kudla Friends - Muscat in association with Majan Events Management (Group Kaleem Ent. LLC), a leading event management company in Oman  

 The Le Grande Hall was fully packed with Tulu drama lovers of the Konkan Region around 7.30 pm of Thursday, 17th May.   A word of appreciation should be extended to the organizing committee of Kudla Friends for making sure of smooth reception of the audience at the entrance and greeting every member with a smile.

 The program commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the Mangalorean community leaders of Oman and India, Bhuvanendra Kidiyoor, a well-known Entrepreneur and supporter of Tulunadu culture, Ramesh Shettigar, a eminent Social Activist and Tulu Drama promoter, Dr. S. N. Salian, a Household name in Health Care in Oman,  Henry Martis,  past president of MCCP for the record four times, Diwarkar Shetty, one of the prominent leader of Bunts in Muscat and Businessman, Lion Kishor D. Shetty – Owner of Lakumi Troupe, producer and director of Dada Malperapund drama, an active member of Lions club - Mangalore, Managing director of Leeds Group, Mangalore and a great promoter of Tulu language, culture and drama.  One of the leading social activist and Tulu Culture promoter Jaya Ramesh Shettigar was the anchor of the evening.  Suraj Rebello welcomed the audience with an expression of sincere gratitude for the great support and encouragement that has been bestowed on the one year old Kudla Friends Muscat.

Dada Malperapundu was a superbly written play by Navin Shetty Alake (writer of classic dramas like Anchilat Inchilat, Nambunene Nambod and owner of Sumeru Enterprises – Mangalore) and wisely directed by Lion Kishor D Shetty.  Every twist and turn in the three and half hours drama was tactfully maneuvered with clean comedy and perfect Tulu Vocabulary.  Basically the storyline of Dada Malperapundu was to highlight the prevailing corruption in Indian society and politics and thus influence of the modern busy life style on children and their growth. 

 The outstanding performance of every artiste has to be greatly appreciated without pointing out the extent of role played in the drama.  Every performer supported the drama wholeheartedly thus helping to shape a great performance and classic presentation.   The fascinating roles played by Aravind Bolar (Kamath of Kamath Hotel), Sunder Rai Mandara ( Koosa), Suresh Majeshwar (Manja), Ravi Kumar Surathkal (Pandith), Shoba Shetty Shaktinagar (Reshma) were the highlights of the drama.  The performance of these actors was probably much better than most of the top class theatre artistes of Indian Theatre. The acting of Vasanth V. Amin ( Teacher), Dharmendra Amin (Vatsala Kamath), Girish Shetty (Harishchandra), Chandrahasa Kadri ( Kalyani), Suresh Shetty Jodukal (Malini), Navin Shetty Alake ( Lokayukt officer), Navin Rai and Rajesh  Manjeshwar ( Dancers and police officers), Suchariyha Kavoor (Sundari), H K Nainad and Navin were enjoyed by every visitor to the hall.

 The skilled and cleverly presented music by Rajesh Bhat Kelavar furnished a beautiful golden lace to the performance fortifying the presentation.  Sound control by Gopal and Kishor was a focal point to drama with smartly monitored lights by Rukmaya Pandeshwar.

 Prior to the performance of Dada Malperapundu drama, local singers and musicians of Band Aria entertained the audience with Tulu, Hindi and Kannada songs. The members of the band were Morvine, Astrin and Zino.  Kishore Shetty and Zeba also presented songs that enthralled the audience.

 Denis Alva, one of the great supporters of the Mangalorean community programs and instrumental for availing many major sponsors for the events was felicitated by Kudla Friends.  Sheik Kaleem Ahmed of Majan Events Management was also felicitated by memento.

 As a mark of appreciation and expression of gratitude for their constant and continuous support to the community activities, Diwakar Shetty of Multitech Trading and Lion Kishor D Shetty of Lakumi Troupe were honored by Kudla Friends with shawl, basket of dry fruits and memento by Kudla Friends leaders .

 Prior to the end of the program, Sunder Rai Mandara introduced all the members of Lakumi Troupe. Every member was presented with floral bouquets and mementos by Bhuvanendra Kidiyoor, Sheik Kaleem and Denis Alva along with the leaders of Kudla Friends.

 Surprisingly, probably due to the exceptional presentation of the show, audience were glued to their seats till the end of the program. As one of the senior artiste of the Lakumi Troupe, Sunder Rai Mandhar said – Muscat audience were really great and we enjoyed every bit of the show. We could feel the pulses of their great participation in the drama from the stage itself.  I am sure Muscateers enjoyed the show thoroughly and that is the blessing for any good artiste.”
 
 Lakumi Troupe has already presented some of the classic Tulu dramas like Kusalda Kusal ( Writer : Suresh Manjeshwar – 95 shows), Erend Erek Gottu ( Writer : Suresh Manjeshwar – 21 Shows), Nama Voikla Sai ( Vasanth Amin – 3 shows), Ganguna Gammath ( Suresh Manjeshwar – 214 shows), Aapina Avode ( Ramachandra Ullal – 89 shows), Porlu Daaye ( Dinesh Attavar – 92 shows), Anchilat Inchilat ( Navin Shetty Alake – 289 shows ) Nambunene Nambod ( Navin Shetty Alake – 198 shows) Benpinori Tinpinori ( Navin Shetty Alake – 197 shows), Edurond Onji Piravud Onji ( Shashiraj Kavoor – 98 shows) Daane Apund Tuka ( Vasanth Amin – 87 shows) Budi Budi Gadi Bidi ( Suresh Manjeswar – 152 shows) Oikla Yoga Bod ( Navin Shetty Alake – 239 shows), Dada Malperapundu ( Navin Shetty Alake – 145 shows)   

 The mega sponsor of the event was Mr. Jeppu Chidananda Naik – M. Pallonji – Qatar.  Stage was designed, installed and sponsored by Diwakar Shetty – Multitech Trading and Contracting LLC. The associate promoter of the event was  Sheik Kaleem Ahmed of Majan Events Management (Group Kaleem Ent. LLC). The silver sponsors of the program were Omantel, Lahoob Trading, Al Kaif Trading and Rock Fort Trading.

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