Dubai: Outpour of Fun and Entertainment at Konkan Showers
Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Pics: Ramcy Fernandes & Sujay Bendur
Dubai, Nov 10: St Mary's Konkani Community celebrated its fifth anniversary in a spirit of unity and commitment in Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai on Thursday, November 9, 2006.
It was a result of preparations by SMKC members that had gone into it for a few months preceding the show. They spared no efforts in taking care of every detail to ensure that it was a big success. Having set high standards during the past years, it was but natural that the expectation from the public was quite high. This put even more pressure on the organizers. Yet, by harnessing all their resources, they gave their best to the audience.
The event was special and very memorable because the organization has successfully completed five glorious years. This could be the most satisfactory moment for all those leaders and members who are associated with the organization.
'Konkan Showers', the annual event held for the fifth consecutive year, began at 8-30 pm with a traditional prayer. Glamorous Shobana, the co-compere of the evening, took charge straight away and invited spiritual director Fr Federick D`Souza and main co-coordinator Noel Mascarenhas to the stage to light a lamp, which was followed by a message from Fr Freddy, who hailed the leaders and members of the association for their commitment and hard work.
Noel Mascarenhas had a special word of thanks for the sponsors of the event and all other sponsors who have been supporting SMKC ever since its inception. He recalled that the charity work had been carried out by SMKC at various levels and various places. Having donated over half a million dirhams in charity is indeed a remarkable achievement for any organization. He thanked all the members of SMKC who worked day and night to make the show possible.
The entertainment that ensued went in full swing. The organizers ensured that the audience did not have to wait to watch the eagerly-awaited 'Amitabh's R.A.W.' group performing their dance. They made an electrifying entry and kept dancing in a truly professional way. Some spectacular moments of their dance won the dance-lovers' hearts instantaneously.
The show was dominated by Konkani events. A variety of singers and musicians had arrived to give their best. Among the noted singers, Melwyn Peris led the way. Rony D`Cunha, Adolf Jayatilak, Anita Samson, Anjelina and Nephie Rod-Pradhan of Bollywood fame entertained the audience throughout the event
'Yodelling King' Melwyn Peris made his entry with 'Saat Dorio' and gave a perfect start to the string of proceedings. Nephie proved her class with not only her melodious voice but also her stage presence.
Anita Samson and Anjelina too did very well to entertain the the Konkan Showers lovers.
If Rony D`Cunha was simply unbeatable as usual, Adolf Jaytilak shone in his own way with perfect taste and style. His voice has not been heard heard by many during the public events in Dubai in the past and he made it up by giving some sentimental as well as dancing songs. "Tujem Ghor Khoim" from Elyer's first music album was his pick of the songs.
Dubai's well-known choreographer Vinod Sequeira enhanced the beauty of the songs flowing from the singers' voices with the mercurial movements of his dance troupe.
Some of the noted songs rendered during the event are:
'Gaunchi Maslli', 'Vasundhara' and 'Mogachem Mol Kitlem' by Melwyn Peris, 'Anna Marina' and 'Margarita' by Anita, 'Sundori', 'Kantar Korun', 'Galancher Tamsann' and 'Shirley' by Rony, 'Songit Vhaztana' by Anjelina, 'Sezra Asa Pisso' and 'Franklin' by Nephie, and several other duet songs.
Over 30 Konkani songs were rendered during the event. A Goan medley added extra spice to the show, besides some slow numbers by Nephie, Rony and Melwyn which kept the dance floor busy.
Nitin Bhandarkar of Johny Lever's TV show 'Johny Alare' fame, who was also one of the top contestants of TV Comedy contests in India, gave much relief to those who understood only a little or no Konkani. In fact the purpose of importing this talent to the show was to entertain the non-Konkani-speaking audience and also to give moments of variety comedy to the entire audience. He entertained with his skilful talents by appearing in two sessions. In short, he gave his best.
A large number of sponsors supported this event through their contributions. Lead sponsors, support sponsors and co-sponsors were felicitated during the entertainment break.
Ronald Olivera, the experienced toastmaster and compere, took charge of compering the Konkani event.
Over 1,500 people attended the event. The gathering was very disciplined and supportive of the talents on the stage every moment with applause and whistles.
Wilfred Noronha, a well-known community member, although working behind the scenes always, was the main co-coordinator of the event. He supervised the entire stage event and gets the major credit for the successful event. He was supported by Gerald D`Souza.
Speaking to daijiworld after the event, Noel Mascarenhas expressed great satisfaction over the thumping success of the fifth anniversary event. He praised the volunteers, SMKC members, artistes and all those who have been part of the event right from the beginning.
"We will continue our good work to serve our less fortunate brethren back home as well as those here. The aim of SMKC is to serve the poor, and with this kind of support from the sponsors, we will be delighted to continue this mission, and in fact to do more work towards our goal," said Noel Mascarenhas
The event concluded at 2.30 am, in the early hours of Friday.