Bollywood singer thrills huge audience in Guyana

By Bhisham Mohamed –

Guyanese were on Sunday evening treated to an evening of melodious Qawwali and Sufi music by Bollywood playback singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The evening can be described as sensational as Ali Khan and his 22 band members left their fans spellbound after dishing out some top class tunes from yesteryear and present.
The band members appeared on stage about 21: 15h and performed an instrumental rendition.
Ali Khan was given a standing ovation after which he took his place on the stage; plaited his legs and thanked his Guyanese fans for their tremendous hospitality. His voice undoubtedly created a stir, leaving fans no alternative but to dance to his songs.
He dished out some splendid tunes such as “Ishq Junoon Deewangi”, “Sajda”, “Teri Meri”, “Teri Ore”, “Kuch Pyar Ka Pagal” and others. He also performed songs from the movies “Dabaang”, “My Name is Khan”, “Bodyguard”, “Dabaang 2”, and “Singh is King”. After every performance, he was given a loud applause from the audience.
His second segment even saucier than the first and literally had everyone on their feet, dancing to the rhythms.
Keeping everyone in suspense, Ali Khan did not sing a popular tune, and as fans were walking out of the arena, he switched gear, delivering “Tere Mast Mast Do Nain” which had them scampering back to their seats and having a grand time as he reeled out hit after hit.
The show culminated just after midnight, but some thought they had their money’s worth after the singer would have performed in his first appearance on stage. It was indeed a magical night with patrons humming to Ali’s tunes as they left the national stadium.
The audience loved him as he sported a cream and burgundy kurta suitwith his makeup elegantly done.
After a while, he gave a little “shake” and introduced, Neil Maraj, a young talented singer who is a finalist in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited Jingle and Song Competition.
Maraj sang a tune from the popular Indian movie “Dhadkan” and one from the movie “Dosti”, a tune that was first sung by the legendary Mohammed Rafi.
Soon after, the Ishara Dancers performed an energetic medley dance that was enjoyed by the audience.
Each performance had a storyline. It was colourful and beautifully presented.
The show continued with Purnash Durgaprasad, a Guyanese who participated in the ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ contest in India. He left Guyana at the age of 10 and this was his third time he returned to perform before the home crowd. He performed “Tu Jaane Nah”, “Mitawah” and an English number, “Stand by Me”. Durgaprasad left the stage after his first segment, but was forced to return a since the feature performer was running late. On his return, he dished out a few hits that were enjoyed by the audience.
The Ishara dancers also spiced up the evening with a few other dances before the man of the night made his grand appearance.
A number of government ministers, members of the diplomatic community, the Indian Arrival Committee and businessmen were present for the night of musical extravaganza.