News: Kevin Rodrigues
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Dec 11: Pratham and Keerthan Holla emerged winners in the 4th edition of Voice of Udupi, organized by the Karavli Sangeetha Kalavidhara Okkoota, DK and Udupi held at Town Hall, Ajjarkard Udupi here on Saturday December 10. Pratham won the title in the below-15 category while Keerthan bagged the top honour in the above-15 group.
Supritha and Veekshan R Acharya won the first and second runner-up spots in the below-15 category, respectively, while in the above-15 category, Vyshnavi and Pallavi were adjudged first and second runners-up, respectively.
Ranjani Samaga and Vyshnavi won the audience prizes in below-15 and above-15 groups.
Earlier in the evening, the programme was inaugurated by Krishna Rao, Kodancha, president of Udupi Chamber of Commerce by lighting the lamp.
Mohammed Moula of Naina Fancy, Puspkal Kumar Thonse, Ganesh Navagiri, president, Karavli Sangeetha Kalavidhara Okkoota, DK and Udupi, vice-president Santhosh Panna, Neerupama Shetty, Lioness Club, Udupi, Vidyalatha Shetty, Lioness Club, Udupi, Harish and Ganesh of Namma Mobiles were present.
In his inaugural address, Krishna Rao Kodancha expressed his happiness on being part of the programme and said, "We did not get many opportunities during our time but now, with programmes like these, the organizers are going good work by bringing talented artistes to the mainstream. May this work continue in the years to come."
Pushpal Kumar Thonse of Karavli Sangeetha Kalavidhara Okkoota said, "We are in the decennial year of our organization. We conduct 2 to 3 events in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada every year. Among them, Voice of Udupi is being conducted by the Udupi unit for the past four years. We work to bring talented budding artistes to the mainstream. We celebrate Children's Day and Diwali in special schools and orphanages with special programmes."
Popular singers Jogi Suneetha, Yashwanth Suvarna and the celebrated Shilpa Survarna were the judges for the grand finale.
The audience had a special opportunity to select their 'best singer' on the spot and prizes were given to the winners.
The finalists sang the following songs:
Below-15
Ranjani Samaga - 'Barede Neenu Ninna Hesara' from the movie 'Seetha'
Vaishnavi N - 'Banalli Nimmindha Suryodaya' from the movie 'Neenu Nakkare Halu Sakkare' Veekshan R Acharya - 'Idhe Nadu Idhe Bhashe' from the movie 'Thirugu Bana
Supritha - 'Kambadha Myalina' from the movie 'Naga Mandala'
Pratham - 'Santhishakke Hadu' from the movie 'Geetha'
Above-15
Pallavi - 'Kehna hi Kya' from the movie 'Bombay',
Supritha - 'Nagu Endhidhe' from the movie 'Pallavi Anupallavi'
Sinchana Vaidya - 'Haye Rama Ye Kya Hua' from the movie 'Rangeela'
Keerthan Holla - 'Mai Jahan Rahoon' from the movie 'Namastey London'
Vyshnavi - 'Salutttilava' from the movie 'Kotigobba 2'
Musicians Deepak Jain Shivamoga on keyboard, Raamu on rhythm pad, Rajgopal on guitar, Vittal on tabla, and Tony on bass guitar provided live music for the competiton.
The Season 4 title track was sung by Hidayath.
The audition round of 'Voice of Udupi' Season 4 took place at Lions Club, Brahmagiri, Udupi, wherein nearly 110 aspiring singers participated. Among them, top 20 participants were chosen for the second round, from which top 5 in each group made it to the finals. Renowned singer Yashwanth was the main judge.
Chandrakanth Padubidri, Wilfred D’Sa Pangala, Hidayath sang prayer songs from three languages.
Renowned tabla artiste Madhav Achar was honoured by the Karavli Sangeetha Kalavidhara Okkoota, DK and Udupi.
During the valedictory, Suresh Kumar Gudme, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, Birthi Gangadhar Bhandary, Harish, Ganesh and others were present.
Suneetha Jogi, Yashwanth, Prarthana and Anjali entertained the audience.
Prajwal Acharya, vice-president, Karavli Sangeetha Kalavidhara Okkoota, DK and Udupi proposed the vote of thanks, Naveen Chandra Kopa compered the formal stage function, while Hisrar compered the competiton.