Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Oct 13 : Naach Baila Naach, a unique baila dance contest for those above 28 years, organized by Mogachi Lahran troupe led by Vincent Fernandes Cascia concluded on a high note, with Lavina Fernandes and Jagannath bagging the first place by beating eight other couples who were in race.
The event was organized at JSS School Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road on Friday October 12 evening.
It was a spectacular beginning to the event, in a truly traditional Konkani style, with artistes and Mogachi Lahram troupe members arriving in a procession dressed in traditional attires. A tiger dance in traditional Tulu Nadu style followed.
Over 60 artistes were seen on a single stage along with nine baila dance semi-finalists.
Asha Correa, compere par excellence took charge of the event with a brief introduction of the event and the judges of the contest.
Shama Rani, Vinod Fernandes and Arun Lobo were the judges. Shobha Mendonca and John Monteiro were special judges.
After the first round of impressive dance performances by the nine couples, five were chosen for the finals - Ritesh and Silvy, Ernest and Reshma, Jagannath and Lavina, Vinay and Sandhya and Steevan and Metilda.
A non-stop live baila was performed by the singers, where the five couples had to dance spontaneously to prove their real talent as baila dancers.
Lavina Fernandes was declared the Baila Queen and Jagannath the Baila King. Ritesh and Silvy emerged first runners-up and Vinay - Sandhya pair were the second runners-up.
Earlier, Roshan D'Silva, who compered the most recent Gulf Voice of Mangalore Semi-finals, successfully handled the contest part with his unique and vibrant style and his usual wit and humour.
Vincent Fernandes, who has dedicated eight musical albums and several musical nites has come out with yet another audio album 'Naach Baila Naach'. The Volume 9 album was released during the event by Walter Nandalike of daijiworld.com in the presence of Mark Denis D'Souza, Herman Lewis, Joseph Mathias, Praveen Shetty, Harish Sherigar, James Mendonca along with Vincent Fernandes and Oswald D'Souza of Mogachi Lahran.
Addressing the gathering after the album release, Walter Nandalike said that Vincent Fernandes has been dedicating his valuable time for Konkani music and is shaping the new generation so that they do not go away from Konkani. Joseph Mathias and Denis D'Souza too wished Vincent the best for the future.
In between the contest, baila songs were presented by the artistes. Konkan Kalashree Claud D'Souza, specially flown in from Mangalore, entertained the audience with his hit baila songs. He was supported by local singers Vincent Fernandes, Ivan Fernandes, Dony Correa, Joseph Mathias, Alwyn Mendonca, Preema D'Souza, Asha Fernandes and Cresilla Rodrigues.
Ramiro Mascarenhas provided the music for the show along with his talented troupe members. Sri Lankan music director Tushar played Baila music as Monica Walder rendered Lankan Baila.
Harish Sherigar sang the Tulu song 'Mokeda Singari'.
'Pili Vesha' which conveyed the message of 'Save Tigers', was one of the highlights of the event.
Jagath Pal and his team presented skits.
Asha Correa was honoured by Mogachi Lahran troupe for her contribution to Konkani art. She is a rare Konkani stage artiste who has performed Kannada, Tulu and Konkani dramas in Dubai in the same year. She has also performed a Yakshagana role in Dubai. Apart from acting is a leading female compere and a good singer. Mogachi Lahran honoured her in recognition of her vast and versatile talent. In the past, the troupe had honoured Ratan Castelino and Preema.
The programme came to and end at around 11 pm after the presentation of awards to the winners. Walter Nandalike honoured the Baila King with memento, trophy and sash. Lavina was honoured by Shobha Mendonca. The couple walked away with Rs 45,000 cash prize.
First runners-up Ritesh and Silvy were honoured by Alfred D'Souza, Thottam. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs 30,000. Second runners-up bagged a cash prize of Rs 15,000.