Media Release
Kuwait, Apr 8: Buntara Sangha Kuwait (BSK) led by its president Yadhunath Alva presented the much-awaited mega cultural event 'Buntaayana 2017' on Friday April 28 at the Cambridge School Auditorium, Mangaf.
The highlights of the event were 'rapid live art show' by Prashant Shetty, famously known as Chithra Mitra, special performances from Ashok Polali, and the famous 'Badaguthittu' style Yakshagana 'Panchajanya' from the Karavali team of Yakshagana artistes. Guest artiste for the day was the famous singer Vishwas Gurpur. The host for the day was the very well known, young, dynamic and up-and-coming Kannada cine star Saiheel Rai.
President and the management committee along with the ex-presidents and other senior members welcomed the chief guest of the day, Dr Indira Hegde, the famous writer-researcher from Tulunadu to grace the occasion. Sunil Jain, Indian Ambassador of Kuwait was the guest of honor for the day.
The rhythmic beats of the drums, 'chende' by the group of drummers, welcomed the guests at the entrance of the hall to a procession upto the auditorium. Beautiful ladies of Bunts community greeted the guests in to the hall with the traditional Purna Kumbha Swagatha. The entrance to the hall was beautifully decorated by the PR committee members led by Sandesh Shetty. Stage decoration was beautifully done by the cultural team led by Jaysheel Shetty.
The cultural programmes began at 4 pm with formal introduction by Shalini Vijay Shetty, and followed by prayer by Nalini Prakash Shetty, Kushi Prakash Shetty, and Deepthi Prashanth Shetty. Natya Veda Academy performed a beautiful invocation dance, after which the committee members welcomed the audience in a unique way. Distinguished guests along with the managing committee and ex-presidents inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional lamp and released the souvenir. Vice-president Uday Kumar Shetty welcomed the gathering for the mega event 'Buntaayana 2017' and briefed the audience about the Bunts community.
Scintillating and foot-tapping musical dances like 'Denana Denana', 'Bollywood mix', 'Tulunada Kalekarnika - Yakshagana song', 'Glimpse of Madhuri - Bollywood Hits', 'Hits of Bollywood mix', 'Tulunadu Porlu' skits and drama enthralled the audience. BSK talents performed with high energy and zest, equally enjoyed and appreciated by the audiences including the Yakshagana - fusion dance performed by the BSK kids which turned out to be the center of attraction.
Chief guest of the day Dr Indira Hegde was honoured with flowers, Bunts traditional shawl, garlands, peta, fruits and memento by president Yadhunath Alva and Sunil Jain, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait along with his wife Dr Gargi Jain. They along with chief guests honoured the artistes from India.
Visiting artistes Prashanth Shetty, also known as Chitra Mithra, compere-cine artiste Saiheel Rai, Yakshagana Bhagavath Ramkrishna Hillur, senior Yakshagana artiste Gopal Achari Thirthahalli were honoured by the chief guest and the Indian Ambassador for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields.
Sunil Jain spoke a few words on the event and about Bunts community. He appreciated the hard work, integrity and achievements of the Bunt community in India and abroad. He also underlined the importance of good work and charity to be done by the communities towards the society. President Yadhunath Alva in his speech explained the essence of Buntaayana-2017and spoke on the history of Bunts and their contribution to the society. The sponsors of the event were felicitated with mementos during the function.
Ashok Polali presented his unique style of variety dance, wearing different types of façades with innovative ideas. Vishwas Gurpur and guest singer Nihal Tauro entertained audience with their melodious songs. The very famous Chithra Mitra presented live rapid art show by drawing the portraits of Indian PM Narendra Modi and Saibaba, with music and dance performances. It was indeed a mesmerizing performance highly enjoyed and appreciated by the audience.
The much-awaited Yakshagana 'Panchajanya, a theater form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form in 'Badaguthittu' style entertained the audience with its professional and traditional acting and drama. It was a festival for all the Yakshagana lovers.
Saiheel Rai, an up-and-coming Kannada cine star, the young and dynamic host for the day created magical moments with his impeccable sense of humour, and the crowds loved every moment of it.
Vote of thanks was proposed by general secretary Praveen Shetty, thanking the participants, sub-committee members, sponsors and well-wishers for their continued support and for making this mega event a grand success. The programme was well coordinated by cultural secretary Jaysheel Shetty and assisted by Shalini Yadunath Alva. The function concluded with the Indian National Anthem by BSK members and the audience. Delicious and mouthwatering food was served by Classic Plaza Restaurant.