Reitesh, Malaika at Shiamak’s Concert
Monday, June 8th, 2009 6:38 pm
The event had a brilliant performance by the Blind Man’s Band – a band in which every member is blind, accompanied by Vijay Prakash, the critically acclaimed singer of songs like Manmohini from the movie Yuvraaj. Mind-blowing acts and audio visuals showed the audience how blind and deaf children can recognise currency and people, and can operate the computer, travel in local trains and change platforms without any help, have jobs in offices… all this without being able to see, hear or speak!
The enthralling performances by Shiamak Davar himself who not only danced but sang straight from his heart, soulful acts by Riteish Deshmukh and Mallaika Arora Khan and energetic performances by Hrishita Bhatt and Gen-Next of Bollywood, Shubh left the audience wanting for more. However, the show- stoppers were undoubtedly the Helen Keller Institute children who had the talent and drive and got an opportunity to prove that `We Can’!
The audience was left literally awe-struck by a never seen before gymnastic performance by Raj Bhasvar, the Indian American who won a gold medal in the gymnastics category for the USA in the Beijing Olympics of 2009.
Shiamak not only surpassed himself with the heart rendering tribute act from the much-acclaimed film Black, but also moved the audience to tears.
The audience had eminent personalities from all walks of life come together to support this cause. Among them were, theatre guru Alyque Padamsee with wife Sharon and his daughter. Shaina NC was seen rpt in attention with and the Hon Home Minister of Maharashtra, Jayant Patil his wife Shailaja, incidentally whose birthday it also was. As a warm gesture, the audience wished her a happy birthday in true Helen Keller style –in sign language. Vikram Phadnis too came along to witness this unique triumph of the Human Spirit. Ex-SDIPA student RJ Tarana kept the audience engaged. Roopali Ganguli came and made her presence felt by personally meeting each one from Shiamaks team and telling them what a wonderful experience it was.
Moved with the response the people had to her children, Beroz Vacha, the founder member of the Helen Keller Institute stated, “These children are not limited, it’s us who are limited in our thinking. They do not need our pity, they need an opportunity. We are very thankful to Shiamak, Showstuff and Provogue and all the others involved who have taken it up to create these pioneering opportunities and create the awareness which is the need of the hour!â€
The event was supported and partnered by – Modern Stage Services, Roger Drego, Big 92.7 FM, Bright Outdoor Media Pvt. Ltd, ActiMedia, Bio-Marine Cosmetics and Bipin Tanna
