Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 13: Acclaimed Indipop and Bollywood playback singer Hema Sardesai on Sunday December 13 presented the 7th Global Konkani Awards, instituted by Mandd Sobhann, amidst a splendid festival of music blended with some great dance at Kalaangann here.
The awards were given in six categories, and there were three nominees in each category. Each winner walked home with Rs 25,000 cash prize and a citation.
The winners were:
Best Singer (Female) - Archana Khandeparkar for 'Ghazal' (Album - Ottam Vo'illim Gitam)
Best Singer (Male) - Nitin Kutungal for 'So'pnnelam' (Album-Yaad)
Best Music Arranger- Cajetan Dias for 'Devak Shimplem' (Hello Deva)
Best Music Composer - Roshan D'Souza for 'So'pnnelam' (Album - Yaad)
Best Lyricist - Wilson Sequeira, Kateel for 'Thembe Thembe Pavsa' (Album - Poilo Moag)
Best Music Album - Anita D'Souza Bela for Yaad (Mother Mary Creations)
Before the awards were announced and presented, all the nominees in each category were honoured on stage by the chief guest, special guests and dignitaries of the function.
The best was reserved for the end. The audience wanted to hear Hema Sardesai. Mesmerised by the way the ceremony was organised, a major part of her speech went in praise of the organisers.
"It feels good to be a part of this ceremony. Everything is so beautiful here - the wonderful musicians, the dancers and everyone present. Konkani is our mother tongue. It is the first word we learn to speak. We shouldnt let it to die. I congratulate the winners and the perfomers of todays's evening. You should continue this good work and all Konkani people should encourage the artistes by buying their CDs. The way an artiste is escorted to the dais is the best honour an artiste can receive. Hats off to Mandd Sobhann," Sardesai said.
The 'Fado' Queen of Goa, Sonia Shirsat captivated the audience with a Konkani number of Mangaluru and her 'Fado' song complemented perfectly by the scintillating performance of Nach Sobhann crew.
The finishing touch to the ceremony was given by Hema Sardesai in her melodious voice. She started with 'Kukku du ku kkoo' much to the delight of the audience. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed her rendition of the chorus of the popular Bollywood song 'Mast Kalandar'. But it was the baila song 'Undra Moja Maama' which got the crowd up on their feet and dancing in front of the dais. Hema Sardesai continued the baila with 'Hi Kombi Konachi', proving once again why she is such an acclaimed singer.
Ace comperes Arunraj and Soad-4 'Rani Kogull' Jacqueline Fernandes compered the programme.
Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto, gurkar Eric Ozario and Stany Alvares were present along with Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino, managing director of Daijiworld Walter D'souza Nandalike and many others.