Dubai: Mangalorean Couple Andrea-Avinash is 'Jodi No. 1'
Daijiworld News Network
Pics by Ramcy Fernandes and Sujay Bendur
Dubai, Nov 11: Dubai's High School students, 15-year-old Andrea and Avinash won the popular, closely-contested 'Jodi No. 1' contest which was held in the Indian High school Auditorium on November 10, 2006 evening.
They were the only Mangalorean pair who qualified among the 9 couples shortlisted from the initial audition. When the contest was announced in July, an overwhelming number of 32 contestants from around the UAE registered, but only 9 couples had qualified for Friday's finals.
The organiser - Denzil Fernandes
Based on the popular Star TV concept 'Nach Baliye, Jodi No. 1 contest was promoted in order to encourage young dancing buffs to participate at a higher level. Denzil Fernandes, who is known for organizing such events single-handedly over the past couple of decades, was the brain behind this event.
It can be recalled that Denzil was the first organizer in the Gulf to invite some of the popular Konkani artistes from Mangalore when he was in Bahrain. He has organized various Konkani, Hindi and English shows in Dubai as well as in Bahrain. For the last 4 years he has been successfully organizing New year-eve Balll event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dubai.
'Jodi No. 1' was an experimental show to attract more youth to the event and contests.
Friday's finals were very closely fought as all 9 participants displayed lots of talent and enthusiasm. Three professional judges Rekha, Anuradha and Saregama-fame Siddarth were full of praise for the contestants. One of the judges Anuradha gave special appreciation to the contestants for their expressions and chemistry.
The contest was divided into three parts. In the first part, general Bollywood songs theme was given to the participants, followed by disco theme and finally re-mix.
Jodi No. 1 (Avinash - Andrea)
Jodi No. 2 (Hani - Harita)
Jodi No. 3 (Jeetu - Pretty)
The winning couple Andrea (daughter of Xavier and Anita D`Souza, Shirva) and Avinash whose family roots are also from Mangalore (son of Bhagwan and Seema) performed consistently throughout all three categories. They made no errors in their dance movement, the body language was perfect and chemistry was excellent. A cash prize of Dhs 3000, gift vouchers and gift hampers were given to the winners.
Jodi No. 1 with their parents
Jodi No. 2 with their parents
Second prize was won by Hani and Harita, and third prize by Jeetu and Pretty.
Noted NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco was the guest of honour along with Lancy D`Souza of System Engineering, Dubai. They had the honour of presenting trophies and prizes to the winners.
Siddarth , Ajith Singh
Two well-known choreographers Ajit Singh and Vinod Sequeira were felicitated for their guidance during this show.
Charisma - Kulbushan
Former HUM FM RJ Kulbhushan and charming Charisma compered the event in Hindi and English languages.
Felicitation to Vinod Sequiera
Lancy D`Souza and Ronald Colaco (Chief guests of the evening)
Though the crowd presence was less than expected, the show was organized in a top-class manner. Excellent music, lighting and sound boosted the quality of the show.
Photo Album Click Here