Dubai : Hipesh, Shewta crowned Baila King and Queen

Pics by Loyan Rodrigues
Bellevision Media Network

Dubai, 14 Dec 2013: Mogachi Lahran, a troupe promoting Konkani language, music and culture in Dubai on Friday December 13 presented  Naach Baila Naach contest along with Konkani Laughter Challenge at Al Safa hall, next to JSS School, Dubai.

 

Though six teams had qualified for the finals, only four teams turned up, disappointing the organisers and the audience at the last moment. Laughter Challenge, which failed to keep up to the audience expectation was nevertheless appreciated for the spirit shown by the participants.

 

However, there was no dearth of entertainment as all four Baila dance finalist couples put up fantastic and professional performances to enthrall the crowd. In the keenly fought contest Hipesh was declared winner with titles of Baila King a Baila Queen awarded to Shweta

 

First Runner-up were Anil and Marevella
Second Runner-up were Stevan and Jyotsna

 

Alwyn Pinto and Wilfred Lobo fair won the Laughter Challenge contest.

 

Earlier, the event started at around 7.30 pm, with a procession by the leaders of some of the organisations in Dubai followed by the artistes, judges and guests. A flag hoisting ceremony was held to symbolize thef opening of the event. James Mendonca, Mark Denis D’Souza, and Herman Lewis were the guests on the dais.

 

Judges were introduced to the audience. Dayan Dsouza, Vishwanath Shetty and Ashwat Samuel were judges for Laughter Challenge while Hilton of Nach Baliye fame, Sylvia, and Arun Lobo of Feat Beat were the judges for Naach Baila.

 

Rony D’Cunha, popular Konkani singer from Kuwait gave a perfect start to the proceedings with a Konkani number composed by Vincent Fernandes exclusively for this show.

 

Two rounds were held for Baila dance contest.

 

Ramiro arranged live music for the show, while Preema D’Souza, Cresilla Rodrigues, Dony Correa, Melvyn Fernandes, Vincent and  Jacintha Fernandes, Bryan Fernandes and others supported Rony in singing baila songs.

 

The crowd danced non-stop to the tune of baila music during the intervals.

 

Lancy Noronha, Joseph Mathias and Ramiro Mascarenhas were honoured by the organisers for their contribution to the music field in the UAE and in general. Joseph Mathias thanked Vincent and team for their efforts in organising the show as well as for identifying and honouring the three personalities.

 

Up-and-coming singer-music composer Robin Cutinha’s maiden album ’Ashaa’, which was released in Mangalore recently, was released in Dubai by Walter Nandalike.

 

Addressing the gathering, Walter Nandalike expressed his disappointment over the poor participation in baila as well as comedy contests. "Despite solid encouragement from the audience who gathered in large numbers, many talents in Dubai have not come forward to present their skills. There are plenty of talents available in dance as well as comedy, but hardly four teams have turned up, which shows lack of sportsman spirit among the Konkani talents in Dubai. Vincent has put in enormous efforts in organising the show, spending money and time to promote talents here, but there is equal effort needed from the artistes to support the organisers and entertain the audience. Otherwise the future of Konkani in Dubai will have to face much challenge."

 

Christmas dance, dance performances by Hilton, Arun Lobo, Bryan and others were the other highlights of the show.

 

Prize distribution ceremony was presided over by Walter Nandalike, James and Shobha Mendonca.

 

Preema D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.

 

Roshan D’Silva compered the entertainment and the contests with his usual wit and humour. Young Joyline compered the stage  programme beautifully.

 

The event ended at around 11.30 pm with a dinner pack to each one who was present for the show.