India Club’s Bollywood Blast a huge success

By Manju Mittal

Bollywood buffs of Sydney gathered and enjoyed the fascinating Bollywood blast a mix of glitz, dance, and glamour evening on Saturday August 20, 2016 at Beecroft Community Centre. Spring is just around the corner and every winter must end with a Bollywood Blast. Here is a little sneak review of a  mesmerising singing, dancing evening with performers staging an absolutely amazing, showing graceful dance moves with style, energy and spirit.

Well known multitalented singer and composer Vinod Kumar Rajput needs no introduction to his fans in Australia. His rendering of golden old songs at concerts always makes me feel nostalgic. I have become fan of his art of singing old and new songs, specially the ones by Mukesh and Hemant Kumar. He released two albums titled ”˜A tribute to Mukesh’ and ”˜Bhangaroo Magic’. He has been a nominee for NSW volunteer of the year award and winner of Lakhwara award for outstanding service to the Indian community in Western Australia.

Dilip Bhave is a very well known singer & musician who has been entertaining audience in Australia for a long time. Dr Reena Mehta has a passion for singing. She has performed in many concerts in Sydney over the last five years and has built up a wide following of fans on social media. Another wonderful singer Manjiri Kulkarni learned Indian classical music at a very young age. She has been performing in community events for more than fifteen years. Dr Gamini Gunetilleka has been playing percussion’s since his teenage years in Sri Lanka. He has performed with numerous Bands in Australia and has accompanied Vinod Rajput for the past five years.

Charming and very talented Jaya Singhal was emcee for the evening as she warmed up the audience and welcomed artists of the evening and introduced each and every artist and their special talent. Show commenced with a classical dance by Dr Bharathy Reddy. Dr Bharti Reddy has performed in many concerts and she has learnt various forms of Indian classical dances including Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Kuchhipudi.

Vinod Kumar Rajput took to stage setting the mood for the evening with songs from 90s’ ”˜Yeh kali kali ankhe’ and ”˜Om shanti om’.  Reena Mehta captured audience attention with beautiful Bollywood number ”˜Hawa hawai’ from the movie ”˜Mr India’. Dilip Bhave rendition of ”˜Gandi baat’ was an instant hit and he soon had everyone dancing to songs like ”˜Badtmeez dil’, ”˜Lungi’ and ”˜Pungi’.

Dilip Bhave and Reena enthralled the audience with popular Bollywood song ”˜Kya bolti tu aati kya Khandala’, their entrance, dancing and singing as well as costume changes were amazing, they drew loud cheers from the audience.  Another powerful performance of the evening was ”˜Saree ke faal’ sung by Manjiri Kulkarni and Dilip Bhave. Listening to Manjiri’s soothing voice was sheer delight.

Another enjoyable number was by Vinod Rajput and Reena Mehta, they set the stage on fire with their amazing heart warming performance with the sizzling number of ”˜O la la’ from the film ”˜Dirty Picture’, they made audience dance and sing along.  Monalisa Grover took the stage by storm with her hubby and friend and danced to ”˜Kajrare’ a la Bollywood.

“We brought in performers like Vinod Kumar Rajput, Reena Mehta, Dilip Bhave and Manjiri Kulkarni four good singers with food from Maya Da Dhaba to make sure everyone enjoy said Shubha Kumar, President of the India Clubadding, “We feel privileged and proud to deliver such delightful ”˜showcase’ with the help of our India Club team”.

Guest of honours were Hon Mr David Clarke MLC Parliamentary Secretary for Justice and Mrs Marisa Clarke. They equally seemed at ease and enjoyed the concert fully. Mr. Clarke said in his speech “It’s a great pleasure to be here today. I sincerely wish India Club best of luck in their future endeavours”.

The show ended with a thunderous applause with audience begging for an encore. It was a special evening and a fantastic effort from the singers, dancers and India Club. India Club, you’ve done it again as it sure was a blast thanks to India club’s volunteers, helpers and of course, the ever so talented local artists of Sydney.

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