Details
Raju Vernekar
“Over 300 singing enthusiasts, from 4 year old to 60 plus, from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, thronged the Sane Guruji Vidyalaya at Dadar in Central Mumbai for “Singathon 28”, one-of-a-kind singing marathon, organised by the “Swarmaanas”, on Sunday.”
“The singers included senior citizens, bathroom singers, hobby singers and amateur singers wanting to exhibit their talent in the preliminary round. The grand finale will be held at Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Shivaji Park in Central Mumbai at 8 PM on 17 January, in which 10 finalists will perform.”
““Singathon 28” was divided according to age group based on different themes like age group 4 yrs-9 yrs-patriotic or children’s Bollywood songs, the age group-10 years-15 years-folk or peppy Bollywood songs and the age group-16 years and above-romantic Bollywood songs,Almost all participants enthusiastically shared their experiences. Soumya Jadhav, a class V student, who came along with her father said “”I love singing old bollywood songs with my father. This is for the first time I am taking part in “Singathon 28”. Initially I was bit nervous, but as I began singing, I became confident. I want to take part in other competitions as well”.”
“Diwakar Patil, a retired professional said “I love singing since childhood, but I could not get chance to pursue my hobby, due to the school and subsequently due to the work pressure. Now that I am retired, I feel I have got a second chance to reconnect with my love for singing and “Singathon 28” provides an ideal platform for amateur singers like me to sing in front of a live audience”.”
“A 10 year old Nia Dhuru, who came for the second consecutive year and who was also a last year’s finalist, said “”I was little more aware of the concept this year and was better prepared. I sang Latadidi’s classic “”Unse mili Nazar””. I would love to come here again next year even if I don’t win this year”.”
“The youngest of the lot a 5 year old Isha Salim Desai from Thane sang the famous evergreen and loved song among children “Lakdi ki Kathi, Kathi Pe Ghoda”.”
“The 60 year old Shubhada Gupte, who sang a old romantic bollywood number, after having taken up a short term course in singing for the last 1 year, said “”I had left my foundation course at the age of 24 due to family responsibilities. But now am back to basics since my family is settled now. I can say I have got back to my original love of singing””.”
““Singathon 28” will be judged by noted music director Ajit Parab and ace percussionist Anupam Ghatak. The Actor and Singer Amol Bawdekar ( Marathi TV serial “Swamini” fame) will be the chief guest at grand finale, while Music Director Ashok Patki and playback singer Uttara Kelkar will be the guests of honour.”
““Mumbai based “Swarmaanas” has been focusing on training amateur singers for the last many years. Started by dynamic Manasi Kelkar-Tambe, the organization has been trying to break the myth that singing is the profession of only professionals but emphasises that it is profession of one and all. ”
“Manasi, a music teacher, a practicing psychological counsellor and the founder of “Swarmaanas” said “There is a singer hidden in everyone and I am just trying to give it a much-needed impetus. I have seen the happiness on the face of the people who come regularly for my weekly batches. We have participants from the age group 3 yrs to 80 yrs. Spreading happiness is the aim behind starting “Singathon 28”. I believe in the motto, that singing is the only art that accompanies you till the last breath and gives you happiness.” Manasi is the daughter of noted playback singer Uttara Kelkar.”
““Swarmaanas” also passes on part of the proceeds collected from singing programs to “Raah Foundation”, engaged in tribal welfare missions in Jawhar and Mokhada blocks of Palghar District.”
“On the occasion, Raah Foundation COO Sonia Risbood said that “ It is wonderful to collaborate with this noble cause. “Singathon 28” is non-judgemental since it highlights the spirit of singing among amateurs. I am happy we are able to work for tribals in Jawhar and adjoining areas to solve water scarcity and give better livelihood through education and empowerment of tribals.”
