Report & pics: Wilson Saldanha Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network – Kuwait (SP)
Kuwait, Dec 12: Indian Cultural Society (ICS) presented ‘Taal se Taal’ with established bollywood singer, Alka Yagnik, on Friday December 11, at American International School here, from 7.30 pm onwards. The chief guest of the day was the Indian ambassador of this Gulf state, Ajai Malhotra, while various dignitaries from here participated as the guests of honour.
Indian Cultural Society (ICS), functioning under the presidentship of Ashfaque Ahmed Khan, is a registered organization with the Indian Embassy, and has several feathers in its cap. ICS has organized health camps and medical assistances, provided educational opportunities, created a help desk for jobs, regularly sends timely tips for health to its members, organizes programmes in Urdu and Hindi, and supports other associations for different noble causes. It also campaigns for frequent airline services to India and undertakes many more activities.
The programme started with the formal welcome address by the Society president and anchor of the day, Ashfaque Ahmed Khan, along with the singing of the National Anthems of Kuwait and India. Ajai Malhotra, Ambassador of India, released the souvenir brought out on the occasion, and spoke a few words. The entertainment part of the programme started with a few dances from the local artistes, followed by a song by Baby Safa Khan. Saral Roshan rendered a few hit solo songs of different singers, which was followed by the grand entry of Alka Yagnik, who has been ruling the Bollywood’s world of music since the last three decades. She mesmerized the audiences with her very first song and continued to hold them in awe till the very end, with her beautiful voice, exemplary control over tunes and modulations and perfect presentation. She interacted with the audience with her fluent communications, humour and songs and instantly won over their hearts. She sung from a selection of her best solo songs and also duets in the company of Saral Roshan.
ICS previously has hosted memorable events such as ‘Suroon- Ki-Shaam’, ‘Shaam-e-Ghazal’, ‘Geet and Ghazal Nite’, ‘Mehefil-e-Mushayara’, Music Nite, ‘Shab- e-Meraj’, ‘Dancing Divas’ and many more. It brought ‘Taal Se Taal’ with Alka Yagnik, who has won a number of national film awards for her songs. Yagnik an institution in herself, as far singing is concerned. She has sung thousands of songs that have become instant hits and have continue to mesmerize people from all the age groups even now. She has a big list of awards and rewards to her credit. She received the Filmfare Award for the Best Female Playback Singer for three consecutive years from 1999-2001. She was also adjudged the Best Female Playback Singer (1994) for ‘Ghoonghat… Ki……. Aad Se… (Film Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke )’, Best Female Playback (1999) for ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai... (Film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)’, ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar... Hay (2001)’, ‘Tumhi Dekho Naa… (Film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna)’. She got Star Screen Award for the song, ‘Dil Ne Ye Kaha Hai Dil...Se...’ and ‘Paanchi Nadiyaan’. International Indian Film Academy crowned her for the song, ‘Taal se Taal Milaoo’ (2000). Her recent songs, ‘Ring… ring….ringa (film- Slumdog Millionaire)’ and ‘Bakhuda…. tumhi...ho (film- Kismat Connection)’ have both been the super hit songs.
The programme was well-compered by Ashfaque Ahmed Khan, and his presentations were interspersed with rib-tickling, humorous jokes and comedy Shairies. The event was coordinated by Niraj Mishra. Music was provided by ‘Sunny Melodies’ under the direction of Derrick Alexander.