Report by Gladson D'Almeida
Pics by Viju and Praveen Tauro
For Daijiworld News Network
Udupi, Feb 21: It was a perfect evening planned to enthrall those who were high in spirits and moods after the grand celebrations of the golden jubilee of St Pius Church at Palimar in the morning. The king of Konkani music world did not disappoint even a single soul. The three-hour show made everyone to sit glued to their chair right till the end, appreciating the richness of this rare gem of Konkani -Wilfy Rebimbus.
The programme began with the foot--tapping “Nach Nach Konkanna” by Wilfy, Meena, Vishwas, Premkumar and Claud. Even before the thunderous applause to this song could dry up, the young and up-coming Wilfred Moras came up with a haunting solo, “Oh Sonia”. This followed the scintillating duet “Ye Cheddua Tuzo Mog” by charming duo, the birthday boy Vishwas Rebimbus and a new sensation Princia. But what followed was indeed a delicious delicacy to the Konkani music buffs of yore with Konkann Maina Meena Rebimbus singing the golden oldie “Jeevan Amchen” and enthralling the crowd. When old and new stars of Wilfy’s troupe came up with stunning numbers one after the other, how can the crowd’s favourite Dolla limit himself only to humorous skits? In the cool company of Premkumar and Claud, Dolla presented the new song “Oh Oh Dolla.”
The enthusiastic crowd of Palimar wanted something more than served by none other than Ester Noronha, the new singing sensation on the Konkani stage, who is touted to be the next queen of Konkani world with her melodious song “Ko Ko ko Re Ko Ko Ko Ko.” One of Wilfy’s recent numbers, which has become a household melody, is “Vande Mataram.” This patriotic number was sung at its best by Vishwas, Wilfred, Babita and Princia.
Yet something and someone was missing. People who had gathered in huge numbers to listen to their evergreen hero Wilfy were at last paid richly for their patience with vintage Wilfy presenting the meaningful and melodious solo number “Divorce”.
For the next couple of hours the crowds were glued to their chairs as Wilfy and his troupe presented famous numbers one after the other. While Babita sang the Tulu song “Enk La Elle Ellenji”, Vishwas, Claud and Premkumar sang the ‘fearsome’ number “Denvcharachi Ladin”. People’s heart-throb Ester Noronha was right there with her another famous number “Alli Milli” which was followed by the most famous duet of the present days “Phul Phula” by the equally famous duo-Vishwas and Babita, which received a round applause by one and all. Further, the old yet well cherished jolly good number “Ladies Tailor” by Premkumar and Claud, golden duet “Kalche Ratin Mozha Sopnnant” received appreciation of one and all.
But the real stuff of the night came from Vishwas Rebimbus, who was celebrating his birthday. One of Wilfy’s masterpieces “Maria” was enlivened on the stage by the soul-rending voice of Vishwas. No wonder that this song received the applause and encore of the capacity crowds.
The enchanting songs were well supported by the dancing prowess of Lovejoy, Deepak, Melissa, Esther, Freeda and Jeetan. The comedy trio ‘MeMoRi’ (Mellu, Moras and Richa) were by the king of comedy Dolla with his rib piercing jokes and humorous skits.
Earlier, a short stage programme was held which was presided over by Fr Lawrence D’Souza, the parish priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Mudarangady, in the absence of Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon.
The latter joined the programme a little later. Y Gopal Bhat, branch manager, Syndicate Bank, Palimar, Victor D’Souza and Francis D’Souza, the sponsors of the programme were the chief guests of the programme.
The parish priest Fr Valerian Rodrigues welcomed the gathered. Later the parish priest and the sponsors were honoured by the Fr Victor D’Souza. Maxim Rodrigues, Mangalore compered the programme.
The memorable 233 Wilfy Nite, the first one in Palimar, came to a grand ending with the foot-tapping “Sa sa sa re ga ma” number by Claud and Premkumar.
The hit of the day was the evergreen number “Mog Tuzo Kitlo Axelom” sung by Wilfy. The live wire compere Walter Nandalike was specially flown in from Dubai for this show.