The Hindu : International / India & World : Showcasing India's cultural ethos

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 27, 2006

International

International - India & World

Showcasing India's cultural ethos

Bollywood stars present a breathtaking song and dance spectacle in Melbourne

— Photo: AP

DELHI BECKONS: Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee performing the Bangra at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia, on Sunday.

MELBOURNE : Bollywood stars, singers and sporting heroes joined hands as India on Sunday showcased its diverse culture, magnificent landscape and rich heritage during a brief presentation at the closing ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games here.

Sounds of conches, chimes and Bhangra music reverberated before more than a lakh spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as India, hosts of the next edition of the Games four years later in New Delhi, presented a breathtaking song and dance spectacle.

Mascot of Delhi Games

`Shera,' the Mascot of Delhi Games, was brought into the stadium accompanied by Indian global icons — the former Miss World Priyanka Chopra and the former Miss Universe Lara Dutta.

A host of sporting icons, including Sunil Gavaskar, Milkha Singh, Kapil Dev, Prakash Padukone, P.T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, Michael Ferreira, Ajit Pal Singh, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Karan Singh and Satpal, took part in a parade, bringing the message of friendship, love and peace from India.

The programme ended as the strains of music and dance built up to a crescendo and the stadium erupted in a dramatic pyrotechnics display featuring the three colours of Indian Flag, launched off the roof of the Melbourne Cricket Club.

The traditionally-attired dancers then made formations to spell out the words "See you. Delhi 2010."

The music-loving Australians were also enthralled by the presence of Bolloywood stars Aishwarya Rai, Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee.

A 45-second `India Showcase Video' was presented accompanied with music composed by Ranjit Barot. The short film showcased India as a nation of diverse cultures, magnificent landscapes and a rich heritage. The film ended on a visual of Isha Sharwani in a namaste pose in front of the Qutub Minar and the actor was seen in the same position on the centrestage.

With dancers with petals forming a rose, Aishwarya Rai appeared performing a dance and golden rays unfurled all around the stage to represent the sun and monuments of India and Delhi were projected on to the main stage.

Action returned to the big screen as a dynamic film capturing the spirit of Delhi and the Games was shown.

`Delhi Dhamal'

As the Delhi 2010 logo was formed on the screens, the sounds of Bhangra music filled the stadium. Saif and Rani, accompanied by 24 other dancers, presented a programme, `Delhi Dhamal.'

More was in store for the spectators as a parade, led by 50 children waving the tri-colour, entered the stadium riding a spectacular float followed by a grand chariot drawn by puppet horses.

On the first level of the float were percussionists, Taufiq Qureshi and Sivamani, the second was for sports legends and the third for `Shera' accompanied by Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra.

A banner followed the float bearing the message `See you Delhi 2010.' Colourful, costumed characters representing Kathakali and Chhau dancers, elephants, camels, peacocks and butterflies, completed the procession.

As a grand finale, the theme song for Delhi 2010 was sung by Nigam, Shiamak Davar, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal. The music was composed by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, while the lyrics were penned by Gulzaar. — PTI

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