Muscat: Talents, festivities abound at colourful 'Kudla Utsava'
Report: Nirmala Goveas and Celine D'Souza
Pics: Joachim D'Souza
Muscat, May 26: It was an amalgamation of diverse cultures and trends with the sole of purpose of uniting the people of the coastal Karnataka under one roof. A magical event with numerous participants and multitude of visitors. Yes, it was the most awaited episode in the history of the coastal Karnataka’s people residing in Muscat.
“Kudla Utsava” - a majestic function for all the Kalakars of Kudla land and their families in Muscat presented by “Kudla Friends” with a spot-on family spirit under single canopy, organized at the Al Falaj Hotel on Friday May 24, 2013 for its members and their families.
The organizers left no stone unturned to make this event a sensational and promising one, meeting the expectation of the members. Parents have been enthusiastically gearing their children up and looking forward for this exhilarating and sensational programme since January 2013.
Jaya Ramesh, a significant backbone of the community commenced the event by welcoming the dignitaries and guests, followed by a minute’s silence amongst the audience as obeisance to the Almighty.
A symbolic act of lighting the diya by leaders from each community was the hallmark of the event to spread unity in diversity among the Kudla Friends of Muscat.
After the initial inaugural function, Suraj Rebello, one of the main organizers and a vibrant leader from Kudla Friends handed over the stage to initiate the cultural part of the event.
A formal announcement of panel of judges was made,some of whom have specially flown in for this event. They werethen presented with floral bouquets. One of the most difficult tasks is that of judging and due credit goes to all“Kudla Utsava”judges for their assessment and carefully examined judgment on every aspect of the given criteria.
The panel of judges comprised Wilfred Pinto, Gopinath Kamath, Monica Waldar, Vinod Sequeira, Shamarani Shenoy, and Jagannath.
The master compere and vibrant leader Suraj kept the audience enthralled with his “marvelous “skills and talents as always. He took control of the entire program from beginning to the end, and introduced and welcomed other comperes on stage.
As per set time, the first compere of the day, a radiant and vivacious personality from the Kudla community; Bhavana who conducted the first part of KudlaKalakaar Event – Junior category very graciously with her beautiful smile and charming personality.
Our tiny tots and juniors ignited the stage with their awesome and stunning performances much to the amusement of the audienceand kindledsome nostalgic moments of Kudla with their props. This was followed by our juniors, who gave us some scintillating dance performances much to the audience whistles.
Time criteria for the event was well managed by Praveena Kunder and Celine D’souza.
The tiny tots who performed were: Nishan Sachin Shetty, Vivian Daniel Martis, Leanne Alva, Shawn Prem Menezes, Summay Mahesh Shetty, Renessa Walder, Ahlan Deepak, Varshini Acharya, Lanette Riol Rego, Avani R. Acharya, Manas, Manvi Devadas Shetty, Keosha Kiran Shetty, Pratheek Padmanabha, Lionel Sylvester Vaz, Suhag Suresh Shetty, Nicole Kaitlin D’souza, Harshil D Shetty, Sharan Harish, Kushi S. Shetty, Sameeksha Sudesh, Vihaan Rajesh and Rakshitha Kamath.
Kudla Kalakaar - Juniors comprised Shreyas, Bhakthi Shetty, Lael Alva, Leisha Kiran Shetty, Swaroop Neelitheertha, Aldrean Antony Moras, Havish D Shetty, Mithil, Sinchana Shivaram, Darren Lewis, Sudhiksha Suresh Shenoy, Melina Goveas, Lovette Rachel Rego, Auraltina Rodrigues and Stacy Vaz.
The second part of the program “Dance Kudla Dance” was splendidly conducted by yet another dazzling and elegant compere Lavina D’sa. After each performance, she painstakingly checked in to the reasons given behind every group’s title which indeed proved the perpetual efforts behind the dancing presentation and kindled enthusiasm amongst the participates to move forward in the same spirit.
She welcomed the chief guest and the dignitaries on to the stage who were escorted by Suraj, Yuvraj and Srikanth. The dignitaries were honoured with bouquets.
The chief guest Gurukiran Shetty who flew in exclusively for the event all the way from India is a music director of the Kannada film industry in India. He started his career as a music director of the Kannada movie "A", directed and acted by Upendra. He has also acted in several movies in side (character) roles and also sung several songs. He is popular in Kannada cinema for his foot tapping musical scores.
Lavina then continued with the Dance Kudla Dance junior category.
The teams of Dance Kudla Dance – Juniors comprised
Kudla Spellbound
Muscat Kudladaar
Coastal Jewels
Domina Rising Star
Prophecy
Pokri
After the dance performances, the audiences were eagerly waiting to some sensational music and the contestants quenchedaudiences thirst by delivering some magnificent songs. After each performance, the contestants were given valuable suggestions and applauded by our beloved judges boosting the contestant’s morale.
Voice of Kudla
The brain child of eminent and vibrant leaders Suraj, Yuvvraj & Srikanth “The Voice of Kudla” was one of its kind that marked history in bringing out the best singing talent amongst singers from Mangalore residing at Muscat. Voice of Kudla created a robust platform for the talents to galore for this year and the years ahead.
Ashok the eminent compere with efficient command over Tulu language was a graceful entry to conduct the Voice of Kudla.
The morning session of the competition was compered by Deekshitha with an unique style and presentation.
Kudla Utsava’s anthem was created by Apolinaris D'Souza, a legendary Konkani musician of Muscat and presented by all the participants of Voice of Kudla. The anthem’s lyrics were formulated by all the languages of the Coastal Karnataka.
He introduced the 6 semi-finalists in male category namely Zino Michael Saldanha, Ambrose Ivan Moras, KishanUdayawar, Jonathan Bennett, Rithesh Shetty, Mahesh Shetty, Udaya Acharya. The 7 in female category who marched into the semifinals round were Zeba, Flavia Castelino, Melanie Marian Crasta, Kavya S Amin, Prema Harish Acharya, VijayshreeRai, Chaithra Kotian.
Irrespective of the caste, creed and religion the singers performed wholeheartedly with enthusiasm. The eminent judges commended the phenomenal performance of all. The eminent lady jury who has the credit of singing in 8 different languages and a fantabulous performer Monica Valdar said to one of the participants that he blew off the roof with his melodious, spectacular performance. The other talented jury members were Gopinanth Kamath and Wilfred Pinto.
The participants gave a tough time to the judges as each one gave a spell binding performance. Finally the jury's judgment chose three men Zino Saldanha, Jonathan Bennett and Kishan Shetty as the finalists in male category. Zeba, Melanie Marian Crasta, Chaithra Kotian marched into final rounds of female category.
The male solo team participated in the initial round of Voice of Kudla during morning hours of the day were: Sandesh Suresh Alva, Udaya Acharya, Zino Michael Saldanha, Amrose Ivan Moras, Santosh Vasudev, Dilip Correa, Kishan Udayawar, Harish Acharya, Jonathan Benett, Mahesh Shetty, Ritesh Shetty and Kishan Shetty
The female category of solo singers were: Zeba, Flavia Castelino, Melanie Marian Crasta, Kavya S Amin, Prema Harish Acharya, Vijayashree Rai and ChaithraKotian
Then event moved on with a brief intro of “Gulf Voice of Mangalore” by Lavina D’sa followed by honoring of Reena D'Souza the winner of GVOM 2012 by chief guest Gurukiran Shetty. She then mesmerized the crowd with her melodious voice singing Kannada and Konkani numbers. One of them, “Chili pili” delighted the audience and all were glued to their seats during her performance.
Bhavana took over the stage and called upon all the tiny tots namely participants of “Kudla Kalakaar” who were honored with a memento by Gurukiran. The children walked away with beautiful smile on their faces as it was a great honor to them having opportunity to meet and greet the renowned chief guest. Parents have all thrived to appreciate and obliged for this action by the committee and the leaders of “Kudla Friends”.
Dance Kudla Dance seniors:
It was once again a nerve-wracking & puzzling situation for the judges as the senior groups gave a thundering performance with wonderful ideas, presentation, synchronization, expression and props. The groups were: Konkan Chi Payzana, Fusion group, Kudlamundas, Prophecy, Chennachenni, Tulu Express and Muscat Rockers.
Soon after the dance compere Lavina D’sa streamed few questions, fortified the participants and regaled the crowd as well.
The next compere Umesh Jeppu, in his inimitable style with melodious poetry in Tulu, took the stage to conduct the program of honoring the dignitaries of the Kudla Community, guests and sponsors. He introduced Gurukiran in a poetic presentation and welcomed him on stage with other dignitaries. Gurukiran was honored by the Suraj, Yuvraj and Srikanth Shetty, in a traditional manner with shawl, fruit basket and memento. Gurukiran mesmerized the audience with his thrilling performance of singing in hindi and tulu language. Crowd applauded in vigilance / celebration for the rocking performance by Gurukiran.
Umesh Jeppu then handed over the mike to Ashok to conduct the finals of Voice of Kudla.
Once again there were breath-taking performances for a common Tulu song by all the participants. Judges gave a fair decision and their task was well appreciated by all.
Suraj then once again took the center stage to thank all the sponsors/well-wishers and various coordinators.
He said, the strength and power of any program lies on the shoulders of not only the organizers but mainly on the generosity of munificent benefactors and this was supported by the following team:
Event Sponsors:
J C Nayak
Bank Muscat
Nissi Infinity – the Builders and Promoters from Udupi.
Gold Sponsors:
Multitech
Sea Pearls
Al Kaif Trading
Lahoob Trading Est.
Support Sponsors:
Omantel
Khafeef
New India Assurance
Sahara
Worldwide Business House
Blue Mountain Caterers
BP
The support team who have contributed their time and service for the happening of ‘KUDLA UTSAVA’
Apolinaris D’souza, composer of KFM anthem: He is an acclaimed musician and composer of Catholic Mangalorean Community, regarded as the musician of royal ancient time! Numerous compositions and renditions are to his credit.
Due credit goes out to event co-ordination, backstage and floor supporters which were well managed by the following teams:
Prescilla Menezes – Publicity and Event Co-ordinator
Keerthana & Aparna – Registrations and Floor Management
Kundar & Team – Back Stage Management
Walter Mendonca – Hall Management
Prince Gopalkrishna – Graphic Design
Jenny Joseph – Hairstyles and Make-up
Kurian - Printing
Gautam and Rajesh
Guru
Lanston – Orchestra
Micheal – Sound and Lighting
DJ Lovelyne Rego
Jacintha Mendonca
Ganesh
Dolly Gomes
Benedict Pereira
Shalet Noronha
Coastal Cricketers
Miss Amanda Pinto
Shashita
Poornima Vijay
Gurukiran honored all the sponsors/well-wishers/ dignitaries /coordinators mentioned above.
Winners walked away with beautiful trophies with the event logo, sash and cheques as announced.
List of winners:
KUDLA KALAKAAR - JUNIORS
1 Aldrean Antony Moras
2 Sudhiska Suresh Shenoy
3 Melina Goveas
KUDLA KALAKAAR - SENIORS
1 Sharan Harish
2 PratheekPadmanabhan
3 VarshiniAcharya
DANCE KUDLA DANCE- JUNIORS
1 Ultimate Generation
2 Domina Rising Stars
3 Kudla Spellbound
DANCE KUDLA DANCE- SENIORS
1 Prophecy
2 Fusion Group
3 Tulu Express
VOICE OF KUDLA - MALE
1 KishanUdyawar
2 ZinoMichealSaldanah
3 Jonathan Benett
VOICE OF KUDLA - FEMALE
1 ChaithraKotian
2 Zeba
3 Melanie Crasta
The fragrant memories of “Kudla Utsava ” which marked the history can never fade from the hearts of all Kudla lovers at Muscat who witnessed the event.