Surat-e-Kitaab to regale Bangaloreans with timeless Bollywood classics September 16, 2012

Surat-e-Kitab, which literally translates to FaceBook, will regale Bangalore with timesless Bollywood classics on Sunday evening Sep 16, 2012 at the Bangalore Gyana Samaj auditorium, Opposite KIMS hospital, 6.00 pm onwards. The unique concept behind this Facebook inspired musical was conceived by Chetan Mamotra, a veteran of many Bollywood presentations in the city. For the three hour extravangaza all promoters, patrons and singers got connected on FaceBook, posted their videos for selection followed by live auditions and two months of rehearsals.

26 songs will be presented by 17 singers, 9 of whom are first timers in commercial singing. Surat-e-Kitab will have a song each from categories like Ghazal, Quawali, Patriotic, Sufi, Non-Filmi Hits, Comic, Philosophical, Bhajan, Marriage-Oriented, Romantic and Heart-Broken to name a few. Songs will be also presented in a very different manner - duet will be sung as a group song and solo presented by three singers. The show will be hosted by Vijay Kumar a well recognized emcee who is considered walking encyclopedia of Hindi film music.

Chetan Mamotra, organizer of Surate-e-Kitab informed, “This is an absolutely new concept and first ever show dedicated to a popular social site. We wanted to be different and not organize the usual run-of-the-mill type of shows. Our team conducted complete research on FaceBook and after selecting the performers we have been holding regular rehearsals for over two months to get the songs and sequence right.”

Chetan and like minded musically inclined friends formed a group on FaceBook and keenly interacted with fans – singers, bands and individual instrument players alike. They were encouraged to upload their videos and the event was announced. As momentum picked up, over 200 entries came in and each performer was keenly followed for not just their performance, but also response from fans on the site. Over 50 were short listed for a live audition by Chetan and team and later zeroed in on the best 17 talent from them for a three hour extravaganza.
Mohammad Zaheer Hussain, Project Head of Surat-e-Kitab said, “We are giving opportunity to nine first timers on a commercial show. These singers have performed in informal events/private get-together earlier, and we are providing them a platform as part of our objective to promote new talent. We can confidently assure everybody will be happy with our wonderful bouquet of music, and return crooning themselves.”

Some of the 26 songs include Jaise Suraj Ki Garmi Se, Babu Samjho Ishare, Hamein To Loot Liya, Galyan Sangli Sonyachi, Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Dainge, Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil, Dama Dum Mast Khalandar, Jab Koi Baat Bigadjaaye, Dil Diwaana Bin Sajna Ke, Le Jaayenge Le Jaayenge to name a few. Jotheyali will be one Kannada song amidst the performances.

The performers include Pavan Kumar, Ram Nagraj, Bodhisatva Dasgupta, Ravidrnath Karnam, Einstien Samrpan, Abhinav Tripathi, Mohammed Zaheer, Pradeep Kumar, Aditya Vittal, Sapna Amit Chand, Reena Hebbar, Jayshree Singh, Shalini Mishra, Aparna Upadhyay, Jubilee Roy, Kirthana and Varun Gaur.

The tickets are priced at Rs 300 for Stalls and Rs 200 for Balcony and are available online on Indiastage, buzzintown and bookmyshow. Alternately one can call: Mr. Ahmed, 99869 84878 to book their seats.