Jayanti Oza
CHICAGO: Hundreds of Chicagoans flocked to India Fest 2018 with Bollywood singer ‘Shaan’ Live in concert at Dupage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, a Chicago suburb, on July 8.
The Mela which commenced at 11 am with local dance academy staging variety of dances and attractive fashion show was organized by Numan Khan. Fashion show was very attractive. Indian Consul General Neeta Bhushan was present and congratulated the organizers for a great show.
The event organizer was Jigna Gandhi while Bollywood songs rendered by Foram Thakkar, Surin Thakkar and Mohan Ravat were masters of ceremony. The Cash Bar was open all day while Indian authentic cuisine and cold drinks were available too.
At 6 pm attendees came near the stage for the evening program with ‘Shaan’. At 7 pm Foram Thakkar started with Bollywood songs from movie ‘who Kaun Thi’ song ‘Lag ja Gale”. This was followed by Deep Pragatya Ceremony performed by Chhotubhai Patel, Mafatbhai Patel, Jasbir Suga and Karl Kalra. Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago’s president Haribhai Patel was honored with Life Time Achievement award. Evelyn Sanguinetti, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, in her speech, congratulated the organizers of India Fest 2018.
This was followed by Indian playback singer Shaan who has lent his voice to many a hit song in Bollywood ‘Suno Na (Jhankar Beats 2003), ‘Chand Sifararish (Fanna,2006) and ‘Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh (3 Iditos,2009) The audience loved his rendering and were seen dancing on some of the songs.
The organizers thanked artists and members of the audience. They also had words of appreciation for main sponsors Pritish Sharma, Santosh Kumar (Metropolitan senior services) and Malini Vaidhyanathan, Manager Air India Midwest.
