Yagnik, Narayan wow T&T fans

(Trinidad Express) He got down on his knees and ‘romeo’-style Udit Narayan stole the hearts of his fans in song.

As promised by host Radio 90.5fm, the concert which took place on Saturday at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya and featured Bollywood playback singers Narayan and Alka Yagnik was a night to remember.

Bollywood playback singers Alka Yagnik, left, and Udit Narayan on stage at the Centre of Excellence, on Saturday night. (Trinidad Express photo)
Bollywood playback singers Alka Yagnik, left, and Udit Narayan on stage at the Centre of Excellence, on Saturday night. (Trinidad Express photo)

The show started at 8 p.m with opening act—the Shiv Shakti dance group delivering an exciting performance.

Local sensation Ravi Bissembhar followed singing the hit song “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin”, a Sonu Nigam favourite from the movie Agneepath.

His sister, Nisha Bissembhar, rendered a beautiful version of “Heer Heer” from the movie Jab Tak Hai Jaan which set the mode for the evening.

Derick Alexander, leader of the orchestra that accompanied the stars, followed as he performed a couple songs in tribute to Bollywood celebrating 100 years with a special tribute to stars Rajesh Khanna, RD Burham and Kishore Kumar.

Yagnik sent the audience in a frenzy as she came on stage singing the title track from the movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

She then sang to the crowd’s delight “You are my Sonia” from the movie Kabhie Khushie Khabia Gham.

Yagnik turned up the tempo with “Ringa Ringa” from the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire and also sang the hit that plummeted her to stardom with her first Filmfare award “Ek Do Teen”.

She ended her hour-long session with a rendition from the movie Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

Even before he appeared on stage, a group of people had assembled in front the stage waiting for Narayan.

He came on with the sweet melodies of the song “Papa Kehte Hai” followed by “Tere Naam”.

Narayan set hearts ablaze as he went down on his knees and sang “Jadoo” from the movie Koi Mil Gaya. A number of women and men danced in front the stage and were starstruck as he paid special attention to them by holding their hands and even posing for pictures while he sang.

Narayan, aiming to please his fans, took song requests from the crowd.

“Pehla Na Shah” was a favourite from the movie Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikhandar.

He then changed the mood to an upbeat one again with “Radha” from the film Student of the Year.

He told the crowd he had returned to Trinidad after five years, having performed in 2008 with his son Aditya.

Narayan said there were many beautiful girls in Trinidad and he teased, “Should I come every year?”

As the night progressed Yagnik came back on stage having changed into a stunning red and gold saree. Previously she wore a navy and cream outfit.

She sang the award winning number “Taal” with Narayan joining on stage.

The two then delivered unforgettable renditions of “Chand Chupa Badal Mein”, “Mere Mehbooba Mere”, “Koi Mil Gaya” and other hits.

There were some hiccups however.

Tony Maharaj, executive director of Caribbean Lifestyle Communications, pleaded with the patrons in general admission to take their seats as fire and police officials objected to where they stood.
Maharaj told the Express yesterday that adequate seating had been provided for patrons in general admission but they opted not to sit and instead blocked entrance and exit points.

He described it as a lack of discipline and commended the police and fire authorities for their efforts.