Enthusiasts await evening of music and dance

Hindi film songs may have embraced Pop, Rock and Hip-Hop of the West in recent years (followed by their counterparts in Tamil and Telugu) but there are hundreds of thousands of people who continue to prefer old numbers.

Music enthusiasts say that Hindi film songs up to 1970s were not only soothing to the ears but also conformed to the tenets of Hindustani Classical music, adhering to the traditional ragas and talas.

In deference to the wishes of these enthusiasts, among who are today’s younger generation, the Mohamed Rafi Academy of Music is presenting an evening of melodious music, accompanied by dances.

Amit Sengupta, musician, teacher, lyricist, composer and producer, is presenting ‘Old is Gold VI’ on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School from 7 pm.

Meticulous planner

Known for his meticulous planning, punctuality and commitment, Mr Sengupta has been fine-tuning the programme for almost a year, attending rehearsals, separately being held by singers and dancers at a number of venues in Auckland.

He is driven by two major objectives in promoting the Sixth Edition of ‘Old is Gold,’ namely to promote local talent and mobilise financial resources for Starship Foundation, which undertakes the noble task of offering care to vulnerable children.

Starship donation

He is perhaps the only member of the Indian community to have donated thus far $26,001, despite facing odds and challenges, betrayal of trust by a few and worst of all, a lack of sponsorship.

“Organising an entertainment programme at a huge cost is not easy. Despite some drawbacks, I have always had the support of people including those involved in the forthcoming programme. They have given, and continue to give, their time and efforts, which I hope will culminate in a quality programme,” he said.

Memorable songs

‘Old is Gold VI’ will feature 31 songs, carefully selected from Hindi films of the Golden Age of Melody, rendered by 29 singers, musicians and dancers.

Among the songs that enthusiasts can hope to hear are ‘Dhoondo Dhoondo Re Saajna‘ (dance number from ‘Ganga Jamuna’), ‘Zindegi Bhar Nehi Bhulegi (Barsat Ki Raat), ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ (Aradhana), ‘Lakhon Hai Nigahon Me’ (Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon), ‘Mohe Panghat Pe Nandlal’ (dance number Mugal E Azam), ‘Bekarar Karke Hume Yun Na Jaiye’ (Bees Saal Baad), ‘O Basanti’ (Jis Desh Me Ganga Baheti Hai), ‘Maine Poochha Chand Se (Abdullah), ‘Tu Hai Mera Prem Devta’ (dance number from Kalpana and ‘Mera Naam Chi Chin Chu’ (Howrah Bridge).

Photo Caption: Joscel Alexander, Diya Antony, Akhila Puthigae, Shivam Kumar, Anthony Yempee