Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Pics: Deepak Paladka and Pradeep Aranha Paladka
Dubai, Apr 17 : St Mary's Mangalorean Community (SMMC) Dubai presented 'Sovai Budvont', a hilarious Konkani play written and directed by Pradeep Barboza Paladka, on Friday April 15 night at the St Mary's Church premises, in front of a packed audience of over a thousand Konkani enthusiasts from around the Emirates.
The show, which was free for all, started at around 7.30pm with a brief felicitation for sponsors and guests. St Mary's Catholic Church parish priest Fr Lennie J A Connully was the chief guest, Fr Maxim Pinto from Sharjah and Fr Robert Lasrado, spiritual director of SMMC were present on the dias along with Joseph Mathias of Merit Freight, James Mendonca of Reliable Fabrication, Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld, SMMC coordinator Oswald Fernandes, main sponsor Westar Shipping representative Hitesh Suvarna, dramatist Pradeep Barboza and Norbert D'Souza of Elegant Star Decor.
Oswald Rodrigues of Skybridge Freight Solutions (SFS) LLC was another main sponsor for the event
Oswal Fernandes welcomed the gathering. Fr Lennie J A Connully in his presidential address praised Mangalureans for their talent, and gave the example of some achievers who hail from Mangaluru.
"Mangalureans are intelligent and helpful people. I wish the Mangalurean community all the best and thank them for the support extended to St Mary's Catholic Church," he said. He recalled his association with Mangaluru when he visited there for a mission, and partcularly hailed the achievements of Don Bosco Natak Sabha, which has promoted a number of artistes in a span of over a 100 years.
Fr Robert Lasrado thanked the sponsors and each and every one who contributed to the success of the event. He appreciated the coordination of the committee members of SMMC in organising the successful event.
The sponsors were felicitated with flowers and mementos. SMMC presented a special token of appreciation to Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld and Pradeep Barboza, the drama director for their support to the event.
A spectacular dance show was presented by Arun Lobo's Feat-beat dance school
Lanita Noronha compered the entire event. Jerina Lewis read out the sponsors' names, while Philomena Pereira proposed the vote of thanks.
'Sovai Budvont', a complete comedy entertainer had the audience spellbound. The theme, direction, acting, and costumes perfectly complemented each other, with music directed by Cyril Baptist adding extra charm to the play.
Apart from Pradeep, Alphonse Moodubelle, Nanu Marol, Ramcy Fernandes Kulshekar, Godwin Castelino Attur, Paul Dsouza Paladka, Dainy Dsouza Pamboor, Vinay Pinto Paladka, Helvin D'Souza Kuloor, Cleevan Lozil and Venshia Alangar also featured in the play.
Each and every artiste did justice to his/her roles. The play was crisp and well-appreciated by the audience.
During the interval, promo of new Konkani movie 'Ek Aslyar Ek Na' was presented. Movie producer Frank Fernandes, director Pradeep Barboza, cast Alphonse D'Souza, Deepak Paladka were present on the stage. Frank Fernandes urged Konkani enthusiasts to support the movie so that he would be encouraged to produce a Konkani movie every year.
Broadway provided excellent sound, lightings, stage setting which was important part of the event. Organisers have made special mention of Broadway for its support to the event.
The well-organized, disciplined event concluded at 10.30 pm. The audience applauded Fr Robert Lasrado for his leadership in uniting the parishioners under one umbrella through an excellent event.