Mangalore: 235th Wilfy Nite - a Delectable Blend of Old and New
by Richie Lasrado, Resident Editor
with pics and support from Viju Mangalore and Praveen Tauro
Mangalore, Oct 22: How can one describe this gentleman?
The man who gave a total turnaround to Konkani music in this part of the world. One who inspired scores of other youngsters to venture into music-writing. The "music factory" that has been churning out songs after songs, each unique in itself in theme and lyrics, the tally of which, modestly put, may well have crossed the 3,000-figure by now.
A name that still sells even after his being under the arc-lights for 40 years now, with the very mention of his name making music-lovers to blindly go for his albums. All this is no ordinary achievement.
Chief guest Max Rasquinha
Wilfy and Meena
Vishwas and Ester
Compere Leslie Rego, and veteran singer Prem
Ivan and Babita
Prem and Claud
At sixty-plus, still going strong, he is simply a phenomenon. That is Konkani songwriter Wilfred Gerald Rebimbus, known only as "Wilfy" to thousands of his admirers the world over.
At any Wilfy Nite, at least in India, the scenario is common. The late-risers making a scramble for tickets at the counter just before the show, many of them desperately looking for those who may be holding extra tickets, or while the house is full almost an equal number of 'aspirants' returning home disappointed.
Jessie Rasquinha releasing new music albums
Max Rasquinha honouring Joswin Pinto
The same thing keeps happening again and again. And, as expected, it happened the umpteenth time at the town hall premises on Sunday, October 22 evening.
Stage programme
Me-Mo-Ri in action
Vishwas and the dancers
If that was the most expected sidelight of the show, what was offered as a variety musical fare sprang a real surprise. When everyone thought it would be an 'all-new-songs' affair, there was an energizing dose of old numbers thrown in for good measure as well. Ten songs selected by music-lovers were added to the original list, we were told.
The programme began well, on the dot at six, with a prayer, an old favourite of both Wilfy's and his fans' -"Poilem tuka horsiteliaum dhonia".
The first in the repertoire was the all-time classic "Hanv ietango ghatti denvon", a song that can be done justice to only by Wilfy and Meena (whose refrain "ieo moga ieo moga Mangllura" will remain ever so touching and sentimental). The teenage sensation Ester Noronha came up with a new song "Tana dim dim". Her training in classical dance keeps her nimble-footed in any performance.
Taking his turn next was veteran Prem Lobo with "Susanna", followed by Vishwas with "Kallza darar konn boddoita", a dance number.
Vishwas, Kulla and Babita in a song situation
To switch over to the sentimental side, Wilfy sang another of his old hits, "Dudhant dhutolom tuje pai", on one's debt to mother and her sacrifice. That was followed by an inspiring song to fit into the present times, one symbolizing communal harmony - "Hindu, Mussulman, Kristaum", sung so heart-stirringly by Meena.
Next was a dance number "Amorechi Ghantt" by Prem and Claud, followed by "'Love' mhaka zala" by Vishwas again, joined by Babita. Then it was the turn of an old hit, "Mog tujo kitlo axelom", which was being first sung by Wilfy thirty years ago, then sung by P B Srinivas for the movie "Mog ani moipas" and in this show on Sunday by Dr Prashant Raj.
Vishwas and Babita on a ride
During the break, art supporter, philanthropitst and the greatest lover of Konkani based in the US, Max Rasquinha and his wife Jessie were ushered to the dais as chief guests. Kollywood music director Pappan - it is only at the Sunday show that everyone came to know that his original name is Ponnani Padmanabhan - and Mangalore's own music wizard Joswin Pinto, who have been playing music for Wilfy for several years now, were felicitated at the hands of the Rasquinha couple. On the same occasion, Wilfy's 38th volume of songs was released by Jessie Rasquinha.
The musical feast continued with an old hit "Ie ie cheddua". This had been sung by now Mumbai-based Ivan Sequeira as a chubby heart-throb kind of youngster over 30 years ago during Wilfy Nites. Ivan was on the stage to sing the same song, bringing back nostalgic memories of the olden days. Wilfy followed it up with "Konkanni kovi to", rueing the fate of Konkani poets.
Sections of the audience enjoying every bit to the core
Prem and Claud, long-time voices in Wilfy's group, sang the duet "Bhikari". Then it was Vishwas' turn with "Kusum kusum haas". For old times' sake, Ivan and Meena sang the old hit, "Sundara sundari", with a dance which had a clear flavour of Maharashtrian folklore. Sentiments of love continued as Babita sang "Mhojem kalliz mogar poddlam".
Can any of Wilfy's variety repertoire be complete without his evergreen "Philomena"?. Needless to say it drew the loudest round of applause. Then the Prem-Claud duo came up to sing "Wah wah mobile", taking a dig at the modern-day craze for the little, hand-held gadget.
The fitting finale was provided by Vishwas with the farmers' folk song "Oh bele, oh bele" which was a rich tribute to the culture of the coast as well as the farming community.
Side-splitting humour was provided by Dolla and Kulla, with the Me-Mo-Ri (Mellu, Moras and Richa) trio, who are equally looked forwarded to in any of the musical shows like Wilfy Nite. Leslie Rego carried the whole programme in his inimitable style as the compere of the show.
To sum it up, this show will be long remembered and music-lovers will sure be eagerly waiting for the next show.
In fact, many were heard asking: "When is next?".
Incidentally, an important, unsolicited though, tip to those who had to turn back for want of seats. Next time around for any show of this kind, buy your tickets in advance.
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