MUMBAI: It was a sight to behold. In a city that never stops, over one lakh Mumbaikars stood mesmerized by the mellifluous voice of Sonu Niigaam. The grand finale of the Times of India Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2011, which unfolded on the steps of the Asiatic Library on Sunday, saw citizens, cutting across class barriers, sing and sway to Niigaam's 'unifying' tunes.
Such was the turnout that the additional security personnel deployed to maintain law and order in the heritage haven seemed too few to manage the crowd. Midway through his performace, Niigaam had to stop twice to request the crowd to calm down. The singer kept the audience glued to its place as he belted out one hit after another-Shukran Allah from Kurbaan, Chori kiya re jiya from Dabangg, to name a few-during his performance of over two hours. Niigaam kept the music enthusiasts in splits with his mimicry of Bappi Lahiri and Anu Malik.
Earlier in the day, the crowd was treated to a rhythmic fusion presentation by Ustad Fazal Qureshi, son of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, and his troupe. What made the performance even special was the fact that it happened to be the tabla master's birthday. The maestro's tabla master's jugalbandi with guitar and sitar players left the spectators spellbound.
Maneck Davar, honorary chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association, said, "The festival will be held from February 4-12 next year."
Deputy CM Chhagan Bhujbal also attended the grand finale. Davar asked Bhujbal to set up a single window clearance system to provide permissions for the festival. The minister has promised to call a meeting and ensure a smooth sailing for the festival.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Kala-Ghoda-fest-ends-on-a-grand-note/articleshow/7490453.cms
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