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22 April 2012| last updated at 11:39PM

Tribute to Mohammed Rafi

By Subhadra Devan | sdevan@nstp.com.my

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AS part of the Soorya India Festival in Kuala Lumpur, a multiplatform tribute to the late Mohammed Rafi is set for May 19 in Kuala Lumpur.

Called Pranamam, the legendary golden voice of Mohammed Rafi, who died in 1980, is fondly remembered in this show through a fusion of classical and contemporary dance forms.

Presented by Soorya and Cansurvive Centre Malaysia Berhad, the dances will perform to his evergreen film songs, and will be supported by singers and video projections.

The dancers are Dakshina Vaidyanathan (bharathanatyam), Pt. Rajendra Gangani (kathak) and the renowned Samudra Dancers (contemporary dance), while vocals are by Zia Ul Haq and Sheela Mani.

New Delhi-born Dakshina is one of the most promising bharatanatyam dancers today and an innovative choreographer. She comes from a family of eminent bharathanatyam dancers who include grandmother Padmasri Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan and mother Rama Vaidyanathan.

Rajendra, the disciple and son of of Pt. Kundanlal Gangani, began his kathak training at 4. Today, he mesmerises audiences with his artistry. It is said he has integrated tradition with the creativeness of a contemporary approach. Pt. Rajendra stands out for his style.

Zia is a young singer who has won accolades for his performances at major Indian cable TV music competitions including Apple Mega Star. He is also an accomplished Hindustani classical as well as Su Qawali singer.
Versatile Sheela is also a playback singer. She began her career with Kannamma for the movie Tanmathra. The award-winning singer is a popular performer in various stage shows in India and abroad — singing in Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil.

Pranamam’s concept and choreography is by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the founder-director of the Soorya Stage and Film Society. The Society, based in Trivandrum, India promotes Indian arts and culture and is renowned for organising the Soorya Festival, the longest, and one of the most prestigious, cultural events in India.

Mohammed Rafi is unparalleled with his emotion-charged voice, and is renowned for romantic songs.

Pranamam will take place at the PJ Civic Centre, Petaling Jaya, on May 19, 7.30pm.

Call Shanta (013-385 7955), (Mrs) Chandran (016-318 0528) and (Mrs) Vinosreee Shnakar (013-385 7955).

The show will also perform at DBS Auditorium, 6 Shenton Way, Singapore on May 20. Tickets from S$20 (about RM60). Visit www.sistic.com.sg.

Dakshina comes from a family of bharathanatyam dancers

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