India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: Organized by Ethic Communications, headed by Munish Gupta, and partner Abeesh Varma, the Bappi Lahiri Holi Bash with live telecast and performances by diverse artists was a sellout. All seats at Studio C, Santa Monica were filled with an enthusiastic crowd determined to party.
The event's proceeds benefited Sahara Charity Foundation, a South Asia Helpline and Referral Agency. Starring celebrity music director, singer, Bappi Lahiri, (or Bappi Da as he is affectionately known) the show got off to a heady start with Lahiri in true cinematic style sporting a dazzling couture, taking the stage and singing much loved songs from Guru, Namak Halal, Kank and more with energy, panache and exuberance. Snapping his fingers, urging the crowds to join in, he premiered his music video, Come on India a tribute to the Indian Cricket team.
The fifty-four year old , Calcutta born, Bappi Lahiri was in great form and reminded us of the period in Bollywood musical history when, inspired by Western music, he pioneered disco music with an Indian flavor. Remember Disco Dancer with Mithun Chakraborty and the Hindi pop hits which echoed the thrilling beats and rhythms of One Way Ticket, Billy Jeans, Karma Chameleon and Hasta Manana? Bappi Lahiri is also applauded for having launched the careers of singers Alisha Chinoy and Vijay Benedict.
During this visit to Los Angeles, he judged a preliminary singing contest and the winners Lakmeen Bans and Shaukat Chakravarty performed to a rapt crowd. The contest will be held in various centers and the finalist will be sent to Bollywood to be launched by Bappi Lahiri.
The finalist will also be given a one year lease of Keyes Mercedes Benz. Avtar Chadda, a well known community activist legendary for his uncanny gift for singing Mohd Rafi's songs held the audience spell bound with a roster of yestermelodies, songs known for poetic lyricism.
An elegant fashion display with 20 models, featuring the designs of Omesha Inc, and choreographed by Shirish Dayal and Hema Patel Lakn with exquisite makeup and stunning hair creations by Yamini Patel, displayed sizzling, sumptuous Indian fabrics and a fantastical display of jewellery and designs.
The junior Khalsa Junction group took center stage with a vibrant Bhangra and the program concluded with the very talented duo Biju and Maya of Music of India fame who kept the revelers dancing till late at night. Maya who began her singing career n Kerala is an upbeat singer with a contrasting timbre of voice who has produced a World Music album (Ahimsa ) and has sung in the prestigious House of Blues, while Biju, also from Kerala has toured all over the United States and has studied Hindustani music.
Sahara spokespersons, Rekha Bajaria and Sonal Ladva spoke on the goals of the South Asian Helpline and urged people to support the project. Rasha Goyal, made an effective and engaging compeer.
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