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July 14, 2006
Hello everyone,
I happened to go to Manisharma's show in Virginia on 8th July. I was so overwhelmed. I wanted to share my experience with the fellow readers. I hesitated a bit if I could do this, but finally wanted to share my happiness with you. I have been attending such programs since a few years, but I can say, this is the best so far.
Coming to the evening of 8th July, the main purpose of the musical night was for the fund raising of “Sri Venkateshwara lotus temple” in VA. The program started off with a sumptuous dinner at 6.30pm .The dinner was served for free by a few leading restaurants in VA. This was because the show was for a good reason.
The musical night started at 7.15 pm. Sri.Gangadhar sang a prayer and an old song followed by mallikarjun's devotional song. They were simply superb. Then followed the series of hits of Manisharma. Singers Mallikarjun, Vinod, Suneetha and Usha rendered their voices to songs from Indra, Narasimha naidu, Pokiri, Khushi, Tagore, Aadi, Choodalani undi, Athadu, Okkadu etc. There was tremendous response for each and every song and the audiences were with the same energy till the end.
I found 2 surprise elements in the concert. One, Singer mallikarjun danced with utmost ease for chiru's songs (Especially, the two types of veena steps were a treat to watch.). It seems, his friends in the industry call him Jr.chiru. He also danced to “cheppave chirugaali” from “Okkadu”. He was the busiest person on stage apart from Manisharma, with his dances and songs together.
The second surprise was when Usha sang “Dole Dole” song from Pokiri. I was really shocked to see her singing this song to perfection. This song needed a husky voice and she did it with ease. I had to change my opinion that Usha sings only soft melodies.
Comedian Sivareddy came on stage in between and he was received with a huge round of applause. He told a few jokes, which evoked laughter and asked us to stay tuned for his performance after the musical concert.
Gangadhar sang the last song of the evening. It was "Siva sankari". He took us to a trance with his melodious voice and when the song was nearing its end, the entire auditorium stood up in respect to this extremely talented singer. He was flooded with tears when he saw that he received a standing ovation. He thanked all the audience and appreciated them that they received all the songs, both new and old, equally with the same spirit and enthusiasm. He also told that he is on a mission to complete Srimad Bhagawatgeeta, which was started by Sri.Ghantasala.
Next, the temple authorities thanked everyone for making the show a huge success and threw some light on the activities of the temple.
Then comes the final part of the show. It was comedy by Sivareddy. He started off with a few jokes, which everyone enjoyed. Then he imitated a few politicians, which was too good. The most entertaining part was the dance medley where he imitated various heroes both old and the most happening. His dance to “errajend errajend enniyalo” received maximum response. The audiences were unable to control their laughter and asked once more. Finally, there was a dance by Character Artist, Hema. At the end when Sivareddy was thanking everyone, he too received a standing ovation. He was welcomed to TANA 2007 by the convener.
The songs that received maximum response were:
1. Gallu gallu mani-Indra(mallikarjun and vinod)
2. Lux papa-Narasimhanaidu (vinod and usha)
3. Dole Dole-Pokiri (usha,mallikarjun and vinod)
4. Manmadha-Tagore (mallikarjun and suneetha)
5. Raamma chilakamma-choodalani undi (suneetha and vinod)
6. Daayi daayi-indra (suneetha and mallikarjun)
7. Deva devuda-pokiri (mallikarjun and vinod)
8. Ammaye sannaga-Khushi(vinod and usha)
9. Ghana ghana sundara (gangadhar)
10. Siva sankari (gangadhar)
Highlights:
1. When the names of people who donated in large amounts were being read on the stage, manisharma too donated a huge amount. This was very inspiring to many others.
2. It was really surprising to see around 1500 people turning up for the show even though it was arranged in a week's time.
3.The appreciation, energy and enthusiasm of the audience were high at the same peak till the end (12.30pm).
4.The sound system was simply terrific. I could feel its impact more as I was sitting in the front.
5.The guy (Sai) on the drums was simply terrific. He gave his best for “ninna kuttesindi” song from “narasimha naidu.”
6.Audience shouted, "we want Ravi teja" in the middle of the program.
I met Manisharma backstage. When I asked why he didn’t speak on the stage, he said that his music speaks for him. He was so amicable and humble.
In one line I can say, we went for a good cause (to donate to the temple) and received a whole lot of entertainment as a bonus. Thanks to the organizers.
Music lover, VA
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Also check out
• Mani Sharma function in VA |
