Y - Issue 216 - April 17, 2012 - Y-oman.com

GUJARAT
IN ALL ITS GLORY
Words and Photography | Clint Derric Egbert
Gujarat, an Indian state of music lovers, is known
for producing some of the best musicians of
India, including legendary musicians of the likes
of Baiju Bawra, Tana Riri and Narsinh Mehta,
to name a few. The state and its people are
renowned for its preserved dynamic traditions of
classical and folk music. Known to be the heart
and soul of Gujarat, traditional music and dance
forms like the Garba, Garbi, Raas are cherished
as a part of life of Gujaratis across the globe. In
Oman, which is second home to a relatively large
population of Gujarati men and women, there is
a sense of pride in their culture and arts.
Manoj Bhatt,
General Manager
at MHMY
Auditors, who
has dedicated
much of his time
to promoting
the Gujarati
culture here in
Oman through
song, dance and
cultural events,
recently presented
‘Paarijat’, a
Gujarati musical
show, organised
by Indian Social
Manoj Bhatt Club’s Kacchi
Wing, which
successfully gathered music aficionados to perform
and experience the beauty of Gujarati dance and
music.
Manoj Bhatt and
his team captured
the audience with
melodious old Gujarati
songs, along with
fabulous compositions
from Manoj himself and
Ramesh Ramtekji, which
was sung by Bhrambhatt,
Pandita and Mahesh.
Bali Brahmbhatt also
performed his original
hit songs ‘Patel Rap’
and ‘Aato Prem Che’ at
the event.
Manoj reveals that he
is planning to organise
a show in the near
future, showcasing
songs of some of the
greatest music artists
in Bollywood, which
will be presented by
talented singers here
in the country. He is
also looking forward to
releasing an album in the future.
Bali Brahmbhatt comments on the show saying, “I love
the concept behind this show. Manoj Bhat has put in
such an effort to do a show that is totally based on
Gujarati songs and music; basically trying to revive
and maintain the pride in Gujarati culture and music
The event, which showcased performances from Omani
expatriate talents – Sree Lakshmi, Priyadarshani,
Haider Naqvi, Mohammed Rafi, Mr. Pandita and
Mahesh Mankodi - tapped into the soul of Gujarat and
its age-old music culture, mesmerising an audience of
all ages, from all walks of life. The show was anchored
by international sensation and Bollywood music icon
Bali Brahmbhatt, along with Sharad Shah, who kept
the audience entertained with Shers and Shayaris
(Urdu and Hindi rhymes), in between the performances.
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