Last Saturday, November 16th was a near full moon night. But at the at the Keefe Tech Auditorium in Framingham the moon was not in the sky but in the hearts and minds of a four hundred plus house full crowd.

A team of four gifted singers from the Boston area, Mohan Subramaniam, Sowmya Shree, Valentino Almeida and Nidhi Tare Lad performed at “Chand Aahen Bharega”, a program presenting lilting melodies of Bollywood songs based on Chand. Right from the first song from the film Anari, “Woh Chand Khila Woh Taare Hasen” the audience was taken for a nostalgic ride down memory lane. Melody after melody, like “Chalo Dildar Chalo” by Mohan Subramaniam and Niddhi Tare, “Ruk Jaa Raat Theher Jaa re Chanda”, by Sowmya Shree, and “Chehera Hai ya Chand” by Valentino Almeida kept the audience glued to their seats. These lilting melodies mixed with faster numbers like “Mere Saamne Wali Khidki Mein” by Valentino and “Chand Sifarish Jo Karta Hamari” by Mohan Subramaniam had the audience enthusiastically clapping to the enticing beats. The songs were supported on the screen with thoughtful film clips that embodied the mood of the songs.  The stage was decorated with the moon and glittering stars that provided an unforgettable ambience to the program.

The songs were woven together by a talented and creative team of emcees lead by Preetesh Shrivastava and ably supported by Harish Dang, Jharna Madan and Monica Gill. Preetesh was his usual self, keeping the audience on their feet with his crisp jokes and audience participation. Harish Dang brought the familiar gravitas to the announcements that he is well known for with over 30 years of radio broadcasts at Sounds of India. Jharna Madan brought characteristic cheer, enthusiasm and energy to the show. Monica Gill brought her youthful elegance.

The songs were complemented by a special segment of poetry and nostalgic memories associated with Chand coordinated by Dr. Manju Sheth and presented by Poetess Sunayana Kachru and the Editor of India New England, Upendra Mishra. This segment augmented the mood of the program.

One cannot imagine a show in the Boston area without the magical sound of Jawed Wahid. He was in his element on Saturday with clear and crisp sound.

The core organizers of the show were lead by Praveen Misra who worked hard promoting the show over the last several months, supported by Harish Dang, Preetesh Shreevasta, Jharna Madan and Monica Gill.

Puran Dang, a literal institution in the Indian community, chairman emeritus of Mithaas, one of the founders and charter members of TIE Boston, Chairman of Ekal Vidyalaya New England, was honored as the Chief Guest. Anil Naik the founder of Shri Dwarakamai Vidyapeeth and Shri Gurusthan came all the way from Kansas to grace the program and honor the performers.

Several volunteers worked tirelessly to make the show a success. Particularly palpable was the energy and enthusiasm in the crowd who loved the song selection. Many were pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of songs based on Chand, elegantly woven together and meticulously performed.

The Sai Fund Raising event was brought to you by Shri Dwarkamai Vidyapeeth and Shri Gurusthan.

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