CHICAGO: It was an extravaganza of fashion, dances, breathtaking lights and sounds as India Tribune presented its India Tribune Nite 2013 which rocked a capacity audience at the classy Meadows Club here on Saturday, July 13.
As the audience were treated to a vibrant fashion show by Studio Elite choreographed by Monica Gandhi and presented by Sahida Khan and Abiha Javed Khan, what really followed was a truly memorable dance concert aptly titled “Dance, Vance te Rhythm Suhana” by performers from Hollywood and Chicago led by choreographer and dancer Shivani Thakkar. The show was conceived and scripted by Madan Kulkarni and narrated by Shebani Kulkarni.
The finesse and energy of the MKM Bollystars from Hollywood, the sensuousness of Arabian dancers Megan and Jessica and the breathtaking pyrotechnics of hip hop and breakers Danny Haywood and the Brave Monks from Chicago had the audience gasping in awe and appreciation.
Tanya Prabhakar commenced the show with welcome to all those attending the event and then introduced the first performance, an invocatory number by Leah Nandy, a student of Guru Dilshad Khan. It was a very skillful performance with beautiful movements and expressions in the Kathak Style of dance.
This was followed with US Congressman Danny Davis reading out a special proclamation applauding and appreciating the contributions of India Tribune and its publisher Prashant Shah to the community in the US. He presented the proclamation to Eric Shah of the Tribune who spoke briefly thanking all and underlying the face that the evening was going “to be and about entertainment, entertainment and entertainment”.
Leah Nandy then presented the “Agneepath” dance which again captivated the audience for its subtle grace and footwork.
The fashion show then presented by Studio Elite held sway for the next 30 minutes as energetic and sprightly models paraded an exquisite collection of designer outfits by leading designers from South Asia.
The churidars, lehengas, kaftaans and other accessories sizzled under the dazzling lights and through innovative presentations conceived and choreographed by Monica Gandhi. The audience were mesmerized by the rich designs and intricate work on the outfits presented.
A brief glimpse of the cultural show which was to follow the dinner was then announced by Shebani Kulkarni and a riveting presentation of classical and fusion styles, Dola re & Dum Dum was presented by the MKM Bollystars from Hollywood.
A multi-course dinner was served with wine and champagne service. The gourmet dishes made by the chefs of the Meadows Club were highly appreciated
Apart from the desserts the mood was enhanced by some melodious songs by Chicago songstress Kathakali Das Gupta. A heady mix of Indian, Latin, Caucasian and Black performers gave their own twist to famous Bollywood tunes which reflected the international appeal of Bollywood music and dance today. The choreography of Shivani Thakkar was exceptional and innovative.
The classical element was first introduced to the audience by narrator Shebani Kulkarni and then a short video clip showing famous classical Bollywood performances over the years was presented. This was followed by an extremely expressive Bharat Natyam piece “Bho Shambho”. Black and Latin performers Erica Duff and Gloria Lanuza delighted the audience in their traditional Indian outfits as they performed to the Taraana from the movie Thak Shak in “Bollywood Natyam”.
The vibrant and colorful folk element of Bollywood was followed by the Spirit of Rangeela presented by Megan and Jessica which featured colorful props and entrancing movements. A high energy Rajasthani folk style presentation of Dholna by the MKM Bollystars proved very captivating
The pop and hip hop sections were then introduced to the audience while Cabaret and Mujra was the next segment. This was followed with an absolutely breathtaking medley of cabarets and a mujra by the MKM Bollystars”. The lights and sound added to the glamour and finesses of the presentation.
Madan Kulkarni, founder and CEO of the Meadows Club, proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of India Tribune and then the culmination was another exquisite presentation, a medley of Talli Ho Gayi and Jai Ho by the MKM Bollystars.
Prashant Shah, Publisher of India Tribune, complimented the choreographers, performers and directors of the show for an outstanding presentation and said he was already thinking and planning for the next year’s event.
Asian Media USA & Harish Rao
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