ATTENDANCE: An overview of some of the audience members.

 

A number of Nepali programmes around Qatar serve as a way for Nepali expatriates to get together and meet each other. These programmes are generally musicals, film screenings, stand-up comedy shows and folk performances, among others.

One such cultural programme was held last Friday, where nearly 1,200 Nepali community members got together at the Old Ideal Indian School. The programme started at 5pm and ended at 11pm.

The programme was arranged by the Reliable Company and funded by Munner Kandoth, an Indian expatriate. Kandoth said, “I have more than 200 Nepalese employees in my company; so I arranged for these performers to come here to entertain them.”

The Nepali performers at the event included Sumina Ghimire, actress; Sushma Karki, actress; Dolly Sarkar, Bhojpuri dancer; dancers Rishika Chowdhari, Anita Dahal, Reshma Rai, Samita Giri and Rama Limbu; Sailendra Kumar, piano player; Ram Kumar, pad musician; acting and dancing duo Jitendra Kumar and Diwash Shrestha; comedian Jibachha Das; and singer Sunita Kumari Shah. Altogether, 14 artists performed during the show.

Bhojpuri dancer Dolly Sharkar was the first one to perform, enamouring the audience with her well-executed steps and performance. Comedian Jibachha Das mimicked the sounds of 60 animals and birds. He also mimicked Nepali politicians, sending the audience into fits of laughter. Actress Sumina Ghimire performed three dances from her films. Nepalese film actress Susma Karki performed hit numbers from the films she has worked in.

Mythili and Bhojpuri Dancer Rishika Chowdary performed five songs, while classical dancer Anita Dahal also performed on five songs. The dancing trio of Reshma Rai, Samita Giri and Ramu Limbu performed three dances on Bhojpuri, Maithili and Nepali tunes. Film actor Diwash Shrestha showed off his hip-hop dance moves. Singers Sunita Shah sang Bhojpuri and Maithili songs from her album during the programme. The programme was hosted by Nirmal Kumar.

People in attendance were entertained with the performances and said it was a nice break from their daily work routines. “It is great for us to hear to our own Bhojpuri tunes and beats,” said Deepak Chaudhary.

Raj Thapa also enjoyed the programme. “I fulfilled my dream to get photographed with actress Sumina Ghimire and watch her perform live.”

Uma Rana, another audience member, said, “I am really enjoying out here. I consider it a rare moment to be together with so many famous artists from Nepal.”

Text and Photos — Usha Wagle Gautam

 


BELOW:

1) CLASS ACT: Jibachha Das’ impressions of Nepali politicians sent the audience into fits of laughter.

 

2) HIT NUMBERS: Nepalese film actress Susma Karki performed hit numbers from the films she has worked in.

 

3) CLASSICAL DANCER: Mythili and Bhojpuri Dancer Rishika Chowdary performed five songs.

 

4) PUBLIC DEMAND: Actress Sumina Ghimire performed three dances from her films.