By Mir Mohsin Ali
RIYADH — The Indian Community in Riyadh is in euphoria after an energetic performance of Bollywood playback singer Mohammed Aslam in an event organized by Udayam Cultural Association, Riyadh, at the outskirts of the city.
The singing show titled “Dostana” proved a big hit with Aslam rocking the night away with his numbers. He started the night with a popular song “Sohani Raat Dhal Chuki” of Mohammed Rafi to set the mood. He then enthralled the goodly crowd with a medley of several old and new numbers of Bollywood films. More than 500 Indians and their families attended and enjoyed every bit of the show.
Later locals’ singers from Jeddah, Mohammed Sikander Ali, singing some hits of Kishore Kumar, and Riyadh’s Malini Iyer, Gayatri Pankaj, Raheem Uppalla and Bassam and others contributed to the night with a variety of old and latest films songs and entertained the audience.
Jaffar Sadeq, general secretary, conducted the proceedings and introduced the audience to the workings of Udayam Cultural Association. He said that this association is promoting the Indian culture by conducting the musical show.
Udayam Cultural Association members are Sikender Shariff, president, Abdul Mannan, vice president, Jaffar Sadeq, general secretary, Noorsha, joint secretary and Zakir Hussain, treasurer.
Aslam talked to Saudi Gazette on the sidelines of the event, and said that he has done over 250 shows across the Kingdom and has increased his fan following through social media. He added that the audience in the Kingdom has vast knowledge of music and they enjoy every bit of music.
When asked about the future of singing in India, he adviced youngsters to work hard and one day they would achieve their dreams of becoming a versatile singer. He admitted that Arijit Singh and Sonu Nigam are very talented singers in Bollywood.
Aslam, who will go back to India on April 1, thanked all the organizers of Riyadh and Dammam for providing him a stage to showcase his fare.
Aslam, a playback singer from south India, lends his voice in Tamil in Kollywood film industry and also in Hindi in the Bollywood film industry. He is also famous for his stage performances. He has performed on the stage across India and Gulf countries.
Aslam has earned international acclaim with over 2,000 stage shows to his credit. He was also a part of A.R. Rahman’s recent world tour, which included the innovative 3D live musical concerts.
Aslam made his debut in playback singing in super good films ‘Naattamai’ with ‘Naan Oravukaaran.’ He worked with Rahman in hit films like Rang De Basanti, Jodha Akbar, and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
Chief Guest Venkateswaran Narayanan, first secretary at the Indian Embassy, appreciated all the singers, especially Aslam, for their melodious performance. He recalled Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar as legends and said he used to listen and still listen to their songs for their lyrics, melody and rendition.
Narayanan presented the plaque of appreciation to Mohammed Aslam and Air India Manager Mariappan presented a plaque to Mohammed Sikander Ali Khan. Sikandar Shraiff, president, presented flower bouquet to Chief Guest and also proposed vote of thanks.
On behalf of Mumtaz Group, Narayanan and Naveed presented traditional shawl and bouquet to the Aslam. Sponsors of the event were Friendi Mobile, Bait Al Ghaba, Al-Kabeer, Mac Paste, Global Resources, Unitech, MACE and Shahul.
General Manager Mumtaz Group Mohammed Rafeeq hosted a reception at Shalimar Banquet Hall in honor of Aslam and presented a bouquet. Aslam performed selected numbers in presence of elite gathering.
