Kuwait, Nov 6: Billava Sangha Kuwait presented variety of cultural programmes at ‘Billava Chavadi-2017’ held recently at the Cambridge school Auditorium, Mangaf here.

Historical drama Tulunada Amar Beerer ‘Kantabaare Boodhabaare’ was performed by the artists from Kuwait was one-of-its-kind which was enacted with a series of spotlights, background narration and props thus bringing the historical situation live to the audience. This type of enactment was done for the first time in Kuwait and it brought out a brilliant performance from the artists under the direction by Sathish Acharya.

The programme commenced with the national anthem and prayer by Ashwitha Surendra Poojary. The event started with Diwali celebrations, lighting of lamps by the ladies of the committee followed by Narayan Guru Pooja by the management committee members. The cultural programme was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp and souvenir release ‘Billava Bolpu’ by president Raghu C Poojary and Bagavathike couple in the background by the chief guest ‘GanaSurabhi’ Ravichandra Poojary Kannadikatte which written by himself for the occasion.

President Raghu C Poojary welcomed the audience with a humble speech which was followed by a welcome Bharatanatyam dance performed by Shilpa Chandrashekar. Krithi Poojary performed Yakshagana dance on the Gejjegiri, with Bhagavathike by the chief guest himself. Cultural dance from kids and adults of the association claimed loud applause from the audience.

Advisor Rohith Sanil gave the insight of the ongoing resurrection activities of Deyi Baidethi Koti Chennaya Moolasthana at Gejjegiri. Chief guest Ganasurabhi Ravichandra Poojary Kannadikatte, renowned Bhagavatheru from Mangaluru and eminent Kuwait artist Sathish Acharya who directed the drama were honored with a memento by the managing committee. One of the senior members Manoj Kumar was felicitated for his contribution to BSK. This was followed by the felicitation of the sponsors of the event. Main sponsor – Pacific International, Gold Sponsor – Well-wisher and Silver sponsors – Khalil Bahman; Partners, Kuwait National Exchange, Rawnaq United General Trading; Contracting Company, BEC; and Metro Medical Care were felicitated. Advisor Satish Kunder spoke about the scholarship programme undertaken by BSK and appealed all Tuluvas for unity irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

The main attraction of the event was Yakshagana Bhagavathige by the chief guest Gaanasurabhi Ravichandra Poojary Kannadikatte, Mrudangam by Arun Narayan Nair as they enthralled the houseful audience and Yakshagana lovers all through. Mithun Vishwanath, joint secretary rendered the vote of thanks.

Tulu historical drama ‘Tulunaada Amar Beerer – Kaanthabaare Boodabaare’ got an excellent reception. The drama’s story was written by Muddu Moodubelle, dialogues by Jayalaxmi Vishwas and Mahesh Poojary Polali, directed by famed artist Satish Acharya, songs written and produced by Paramananda Salian, and music was composed by Mithun Vishwanath.

The drama casted some of the most loved and admired Kuwait Billava Sangha’s artists Yashodha Krishna, Kavya Prashanth, JyothiSudhir, Gautham Suvarna, Dheeraj Salian, Balakrishna Poojary, SudhirKumar, Sudhakar Salian, Ghanshyam Attavar, Hrishikesh Kotian, Rakesh Poojary, Sukumar Karkera, Sujeeth Amin, Sujith Kotian, Amarnath Suvarna, Harsha P K, Prashanth Poojary, Nithin Salian, Amith Salian, Tejas, Tanush and support artists Kavita Bangera, Shilpa Chandrashekar, Shruthi Hemanth, Rashmi Mithun, Tina Govind, Preethi Krishna, Sandesh Amin, Avin Suvarna, Sandesh and Padmanabha Poojary. Stage settings were effectively handled by DhanrajTalapady, Krishna Poojary and team. The drama team was well supported by Rohith Sanil and Chithrek Bangera all through the preparation. Major part of the costumes was provided by Lalitha Kala Arts, Mangaluru and Kalari–Kuwait. The sound and lighting was provided by Illusions, Souvenir and artwork by Manoj Kumar while photography was by Sandeep Kumar Attavar and videography done by Moon Media. Tasty dinner was served by Shreyas Restaurant.

Enthusiasm in the audience was high and continued so until the end. It was heartening to see the audience who were so much involved with the drama as they stuck to their seats till the end.

The event was well coordinated and organized by cultural secretary Amaranth Suvarna, while the event was nicely hosted in style by Rashmi Nagaraj. BSK management committee is thankful to its sponsors, well-wishers, committee members, and one and all for their contribution towards the grand success of ‘Billava Chavadi 2017’.