By Alex Fernandes
Konkani Heritage Kuwait (KHK) held their second presentation of The Millennium Musical Show on Friday at the IAC at 4 pm with
people from different walks of
life in attendance. This extraordinary show of the millennium was directed by
Fidelis Fernandes in association with the members of the KHK. After the success
of Mando Festival, this is the second show which will be recorded in the minds
and hearts of the audience.Before the show kicked off, Father Gabriel Dias (who is a crony and a good supporter of the KHK, and who has always taken the initiative to lend a helping hand to the downtrodden and the needy or for any noble cause) in his speech, thanked every guest present at the show. He further explained that KHK which was formed two years ago, plays an important role, in strengthening the identity of the Konkani language. This is the only organisation in Kuwait which enhances the life of Goans, not to neglect their mother tongue. It was a clear indication at this musical event, which saw each guest speaking diligently in Konkani. Father Gabriel also declared the proceeds which accrued to the body last year in details and the profits of the present show which will positively help to repatriate Indian maids housed at the Indian Embassy.
Administrating
Kudos went to the entire team of the KHK for administrating the affairs of the
association with their immense support, true dedication and cooperation and with
the blessings of all the enthusiastic fans of Prince Jacob, his brother Humbert
and the trio of Mendes Bros (who came back to perform on stage after a lapse of
14 years, and who showed no signs of apprehension or nervousness but were quite
hilarious with their performances) are highly reputed to be the main pillars
behind this musical event in affiliation with Naphie Rod, Menino Mario, Cajetan-Marcus-Xavier,
Rosary Ferns, Jose Rod, Jasmine, Rony, Querobine Carvalho and Thelma, which
without whom the show
wouldn't be the same as it was exhibited. The thunderous
applause which reverberated in the IAC auditorium especially when Prince Jacob
and his brother Humbert performed some of the skits with some humorous parody,
kept the audience enthralled throughout with their farcical acts and hilarious
comedy. The main proposition which the director, Fidelis mainly highlighted in
his musical compositions as well as in the skits were about the dilemma the
maids face with their employer while at work. The eloquent and meaningful lyrics
which were sung by all the artistes deserves the commendation of everyone as it
was expressively presented with real emotions and passion. The perception and
recognition which was accorded in this show was seen in the 
versatility of none
other than Naphie Rod. Naphie who is a playback singer for some of the Indian
serials will be touring Canada
along with Mahendra Kapoor for a musical show
next month. During a short break, when Kuwait Times interviewed this gifted
singer, she said that she was highly influenced by the warm reception she
received from all her fans. "I did not believe that overseas Goans in
Kuwait would be so friendly and above all great lovers of music. Although the
millennium show was only focussed on songs, it was really amazing to witness
such a massive crowd participate in vocalising the song with the singers. This I
think is one of the most remarkable experiences I have ever had in any of the
musical shows."Beautiful
The introduction of all the singers at this beautiful show to the audience was unusual. Rosary Ferns, one of the local artistes sang
the opening number which
brought all the participants of the show one by one onto the stage and
introduced them through the well composed song. The untiring musicians deserved
to be honoured as they had to play the opening number for quite a long time.
Menino Mario released his new cassette 'Sirvidor, along with Rosary Ferns who
has also produced his new album 'Dinar.' The profits from Rosary's album will go
towards the repatriation of the maids. When the director of the show announced
to the guests that the musical event was for the well being of the maids housed
at the Indian Embassy, three people in the crowd namely Elvira D'Souza, a member
from the Bombay Boys
and a good Samaritan who remained to be anonymous donated
money for the airline tickets on the spot. Apart from the talented artistes from
Goa, two Mangalorean local singers Jasmine and Rony sang two duets whilst two
teenage dancers, Sunil and Jyoti (also from Mangalore), set the stage on fire
with fabulous movements of their hands and fantastic footwork. The duo twirled
and swayed to the rhythmic beats, thus keeping the audience engrossed in their
superb dance performance. As for the Mendes Bros the less you talk about them
the better for you, as nobody expected such a high-handed performance by the
trio. The song Mai (Mother), was sung straight from their heart, as one could
feel the true affection and anguish in the lyrics and on their innocent faces.Audience
On the other hand, their racy number 'Matilda' made the audience jump from their seats with a resounding applause, thus making the trio come back again and again onto the stage. With this kind of performance and the appreciation of their work, which has
been missed by the audience for so long, the Mendes Bros should
not shy away from repeating the show. The audience had a high word of praise for
their performances. Prince Jacob and Humbert for the first time in their shows
in Kuwait presented a video film for the number, Ashram. Prince Jacob sang this
number whilst his brother Humbert, was seen screening the video film for the
guests. It was a sentimental number which depicts the different levels of
untrustworthiness and egotism focussed on parents when they grow old. It was a
good
presentation which kept the guest spell-bound by the melodramatic scenes.
Querobine Carvalho, one of the senior artistes of Konkani stage and drama needs
no introduction to all her fans in Kuwait. She was honoured with a plaque in
appreciation for her hard and good work. Father Gabriel Dias presented a
well-deserved honour to this unique superstar who in her speech thanked the
director, without whose support it would be impossible. Naphie Rod sang two
Hindi songs, Dum Maro Dum and Pyar Hohna Hi Tha which was again well accepted.
The local artistes based in Kuwait also performed brilliantly with their skits.
In all the musical show of the millennium was an event to remember for a long
time to come.