Artistes were flown in from Nepal, UAE and Kuwait to
perform at a charity musical fiesta organised by INAS
Nepalese artistes performed their hit numbers at a musical fiesta organised the International Nepalese Artist Society (INAS) on Friday. The purpose of the programme — held at Grand Qatar Palace Hotel, Doha — was to raise funds for old age homes and the victims of sexual violence in Nepal.
Hundreds of Nepali expatriates attended the programme, which also marked the beginning of the Nepalese New Year (2071). The New Year — known as Bikram Sambat — occurred on April 14. The performers were flown in from Nepal, UAE and Kuwait. Hemanta Sharma, Yam Thapa, Dolly Sarkar, Purna Kala B C, and Bina Thapa kept the audience entertained.
Ganesh Prashad Dhakal, acting ambassador of Nepal to Qatar, and Puspa Barawal, global chairman of INAS, attended the programme. Likewise, BB Malla Thakuri, president of INAS-Kuwait, and Rekha Ghimire, vice president of INAS, arrived from Kuwait and UAE for the programme.
Krishna Parajuli, an audience member said, “I enjoyed a lot and I also fulfilled my dream of having my photo taken with Hemanta Sharma.”
Imajung Baniya, another audience member, said, “I really enjoyed the programme. I consider this is one of the rarest moments of my life, to be together with popular Nepalese artistes.”
Sharma performed his popular songs — Maya le Badhiye Ko Chha Yo Jindagi (Our life is tied with love) and Thapana Thapa Hataima Maya Ko Chino (Accept my token). The crowd cheered the most for his last song — Ukali Ukali Ma Jada Jadai (Going up in the hills).
After his performance, Sharma said, “I have come to Qatar four times. Most of the audience members belong to the middle class; so I am, and I feel comfortable to sing for the [people] from my own class.”
The audience cheered once more as Purna stepped onto the stage to perform. She started with Mayaluko Sahara Ma (Held by sweetheart) — the audience were so taken in that they shouted for an encore performance of the song. Purna happily obliged. She said she wants to “come here and perform again and again.”
Young Nepalese singer Yam Thapa performed his popular song Kasle Bhanyo Gurung Magar lai Raksi Navai Chaldaina Jagar. Dolly Sarkar performed four dances, with the audience swaying to her moves.
Rekha Ghimire, vice-president of INAS, also a singer, performed Kohita Hola Pakkai Malai Maya Garne (Sure there is someone to love me), and other songs from her album Khusi (Happiness). BB Malla Thakuri, vice-president of INAS-Kuwait, also a singer, performed Kali Merai Ho Phool Tipera Arkaile Lageni Dali Merai Ho (She is mine). Samin Miya caricatured famous Nepalese TV comedian Magne Budha. The programme was hosted by Dev Timilsina.
In the end, there was an autograph session with the artistes. — Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam
