Media Release
Bahrain, Nov 7: In a resounding celebration of Konkani culture and a heartfelt tribute to the brave Covid warriors, the Indian Club Bahrain auditorium witnessed a mesmerizing musical drama, ‘Mhojea Sangeetha’ produced by the talented Christopher Roshan Lobo, the esteemed proprietor of Krisben Music.
The event started with a soulful prayer song ‘Hee Saanz Kurpechi’ rendered by Krisben Music, sung by Asha Moras, Charlene Andrade, Johncy D’Souza, Anisha D’Souza, Teena D’Souza, Sachita Fernandes, Deil Benis, Prinson Machado, Aeron Franco and Christopher Lobo.
The evening's prologue was adorned with a warm and gracious welcome extended to the eager audience by none other than Christopher Lobo himself, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. He briefed about his journey through YouTube channel over the past three years and what inspired him to organize a Konkani show with a completely new concept. He appreciated the amount of hard work put in by the artistes to stage this show.
The highlight of the evening was a captivating drama, a tapestry woven from the threads of story, song, and dance, meticulously presented by an ensemble of lead actors, supported by a talented cast of side actors and an ensemble of background dancers with colorful costumes. The synergy between these artists transformed the stage into a vibrant canvas of emotions and narratives, leaving the audience spellbound. Close to a hundred artistes presented their talents on the stage. The show was performed to a packed audience who watched the drama with eagerness and did not leave the auditorium until the last scene was performed.
Adding an extra layer of prestige to the event was the presence of the distinguished Walter Nandalike, founder, and managing director of Daijiworld media. His words resonated with heartfelt appreciation for the tireless efforts of all the artistes who had poured their heart and soul into the evening's spectacle. Nandalike's presence underscored the significance of such unique cultural endeavors and their place in uniting communities. He also expressed profound gratitude for Krisben Music's efforts in uniting such a vast assembly of artists on a single stage. He said that age is not a factor, one can begin any career in art at any stage, giving the example of Christopher who started his productions at the age of 50. He also lauded the initiative taken by Bahrain in bringing in new concepts in Konkani cultural sphere. Walter was felicitated by the pillars of Konkani community who always support any cultural events in Bahrain, namely Edward Noronha, Benny Barboza, Victor Cutinha and Simon Machado by presenting a peta, shawl, bouquet, fruit basket, a memento from Krisben and a pencil skitch of Walter drawn by talented Hilary Tellis. Walter thanked Krisben Music for the honour provided to him.
It is noteworthy that the drama's narrative was the brainchild of the talented Steven D'Souza, adding depth and substance to the performance. What set this production apart was the remarkable fact that the songs within the musical drama were not only produced but also composed and written by local Bahraini artistes, seven in numbers. The drama, itself a testament to the global appeal of Konkani culture, was penned by a Bahraini writer, underscoring the fusion of cultures.
Moreover, the entire ensemble, from actors and singers to dancers and the technical team, was sourced locally from Bahrain. This collaborative spirit brought forth a production that was not only impressive but also a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that exists within Bahrain. Some audience opined that they felt the atmosphere was something like a movie theater and not like an auditorium. The storyline was so captivating that the audience hardly moved from their seats. The show had comedy elements in dialogues as well as in the form of songs and dances. The songs were well connected with the story of the drama. The audience opined that they had never seen such a show in Konkani and were glad that they were lucky to witness such a unique event.
The lead roles were played by Haren Lobo and Suzan Sequeira, who were well appreciated by everyone present in the auditorium for their acting, gracious dances, and energy throughout the drama. The lead actors acted apart from performing dances to ten songs. The supporting roles were performed by Stany D’Souza Paladka, Alfreeda Almeida, Arun Fernandes, Felcy Fernandes, Sujay Pinto, Meeya Peris, Sharmila D’Souza, Naveen Mendonca, Nirmala Fernandes, Roshan D’Souza Kateel, Wilroy D’Souza and Joyce D’Souza.
The songs of the drama were sung melodiously by Teena D’Souza, Preetham Aranha, Deil Bennis, Stephanie Alva, Prinson Machado, Anisha D’Souza, Aiden D’Souza, Josvita Nazareth, Asha Moras, Christopher Roshan Lobo, Ronald Fernandes, Johncy D’Souza, Renita Pinto, Sachita Fernandes, Loyola Martis, Aeron Franco, Anugraha D’Souza and Charlene Andrade.
The dances were beautifully choreographed by Anette Bennis, Astral Cutinha, Eunice D’Souza, Felcy Fernandes, Preetham Acharya (Shining Stars Dance), Vinola Lobo, Harini Shetty and Namitha Salian (Rhythm Dancers).
The dances were rhythmically performed by Aliyana Pereira, Alvia D'Souza, Ankitha, Annora D'Mello, Asha, Ashel Veigas, Astral Cutinha, Avni Subeesh, Aarjav Vineesh, Adithi Dileep, Advika, Blessy Sequeira, Brian, Clarissa Pinto, Crystal D'Souza, Delisha Fernandes, Divyansha, Eunice D'Souza, Gilbert Cutinha, Glen, Heona D'Almeida, Jeedhu Justin, Jennifer D'Souza, Jonel D'Souza, Josvita Nazareth, Joy D'Souza, Larissa D'Silva, Lenora Lobo, Loyola Martis, Meloria Fernandes, Michelle Monteiro, Natasha Menezes, Nidhi, Pabiola Coth, Rajesh, Rebecca Fernandes, Reona Sequeira, Reshma, Rhea D'Souza, Riston Pinto, Rolston Peris, Roshni Vijeesh, Sara Vivek, Seanna D'Souza, Sharlene Sequeira, Sherwin Fernandes, Vianca Castelino and Yuktha.
The songs were contributed by Steven D’Souza (producer - Sangath album), Darel Capuchin (lyricist/composer), Vivian L Veigas (producer- Veigas Production), Walter Dantis (lyricist, producer - Jiniye Rangg), Prinson Machado (composer) and Christopher Roshan Lobo (Krisben Music).
Ivan Pereira, Propix Studio Mangaluru had created customized background videos for the sixteen songs/ dances matching the lyrics and story, which added extra attraction to the stage and made the story more meaningful.
Asha Moras compered the show.
In summation, ‘Mhojea Sangeetha’ served as a profound reminder of the strength one can find in the community and the resilience displayed by its members during challenging times. It was a testament to the power of the arts in bridging cultures, and the unwavering spirit that can shine even in the darkest hours. In Bahrain, this production was not just a musical drama but a testament to the enduring bonds of culture and the spirit of unity that binds one and all.