ICC Wednesday Fiesta pays grand tribute to ‘showman' Raj Kapoor on his birth centenary
Doha
The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), functioning under the aegis of the Embassy of India, continued its weekly cultural celebration — the ICC Wednesday Fiesta — with a grand tribute to the showman of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor, on his birth centenary. The event, titled 'Raj Kapoor 100', was held at the iconic ICC Ashoka Hall and brought together the Indian diaspora in Qatar for a nostalgic evening of music, dance, and cinematic memories.
This week's edition of the Wednesday Fiesta was particularly special as it celebrated 100 years of the legendary actor, filmmaker, and producer Raj Kapoor, whose impact on Indian cinema has been both profound and enduring. Known for classics such as Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, Kapoor was not just a cinematic icon in India but also deeply admired across the globe.
The evening began with a warm welcome by ICC's Past General Secretary Krishna Kumar, who set the tone by highlighting the importance of remembering cultural stalwarts who have shaped India's global identity through the arts. He underscored the ICC's commitment to nurturing Indian culture in Qatar and its role in uniting the community through such engaging events.
AP Manikantan, president of ICC, delivered the presidential address and expressed his appreciation for the artists and associated organisations who collaborated to bring the evening to life. 'Raj Kapoor was a master storyteller and a bridge between generations. Honouring his legacy through the language of performing arts is our humble tribute to Indian cinema,' he remarked.
The event featured a series of vibrant and diverse cultural performances inspired by Raj Kapoor's life and movies, presented by various ICC Associate Organisations (AOs) and Arts Centres in Qatar. From iconic songs to recreated dance sequences from his films, the stage at Ashoka Hall was alive with colours, melodies, and emotions. Local talents paid homage to the cinematic legend with elaborate renditions of evergreen hits, leaving the audience awash innostalgia.
The performances reflected the multicultural essence of Indian arts and the enduring legacy of Bollywood in shaping cultural narratives across generations. Special visual presentations and a retrospective segment showcasing Raj Kapoor's cinematic journey further enhanced the thematic depth of the programme.
Prominent dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora graced the occasion. Among them were ICC Advisory Council Chairman PN Babu Rajan, ICC General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, and other members of the ICC managing committee. The presidents of other ICC associate organizations and senior community representatives also attended, lending their support to the celebration.
In his closing remarks, ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all the performers, organizers, and volunteers who made the evening a resounding success. He extended special gratitude to the Embassy of India for its unwavering support and encouragement in promoting Indian culture abroad.
The 'Raj Kapoor 100' edition of ICC Wednesday Fiesta not only celebrated the genius of an iconic artist but also underscored the enduring influence of Indian cinema in fostering unity, nostalgia, and pride among the Indian diaspora.
The ICC continues its mission of cultural diplomacy by providing a vibrant platform for the expression of India's artistic richness every Wednesday, with the promise of many more such unforgettable evenings.
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