Hidden Talent

Mallika Kagzi

Nahid Khan

Santosh Tyagi

One week back, when Santosh Tyagi was approached to perform in this evening’s song-and-dance programme (yesterday’s post), she looked the other way. Kiran Prakash then requested her to plan a few jokes. She agreed reluctantly. Today, she not only has her jokes’ script all pat, she will be singing in most of the songs and has even snatched Shekhawat’s song slot, leaving him speechless!

Tara-rum-pum-pum... rehearsals in full swing

Likewise, when Mallika Kagzi was asked whether she would like to sing or perhaps, dance in the evening programme, her instant reply was, “Tell me what I am capable of. I can cook at the most.” Today, after barely four or five days of rehearsals, she has emerged as one of the lead singers, singing along with rare gusto.
Nahid Khan is yet another hidden talent that has come to the fore.

Harish Wadhwa drops by

Till the other day, she used to sit quietly observing the ladies in the China Hut practice their lines. Now, she has plunged into the singing sessions like a duck takes to water. So surprised is she at herself that this morning she even suggested staging a play in future.

Razia Khan (with arm in sling) comes with son

“I used to do theatre before marriage,” she revealed.
Family responsibility, decades of domesticity, rearing children and getting them settled in life have robbed these seniors of even the realization of what they are capable of. Today, to their infinite joy and pride, they are all rediscovering what they are blessed with. They are verily reliving their childhood now. Were it not for the platform provided by the so-called ‘Biryani Nite’, we too would not have discovered these jewels in the sand.
Meanwhile, Harish Wadhwa made an appearance this morning to get a sense of the preparations and figure out first-hand the lighting, acoustics and projection arrangements for the evening. Razia Khan, who would handle the compering of the show, also dropped by for a final briefing. With so much of enthusiasm and positivity in the air, there is no reason why the evening should not go absolutely tara-rum-pum-pum!
Harish Wadhwa:
* I am missing the in-scene entertainment. I am sure the chorus will be a big hit as so many voices and hidden talent are singing without inhibition. I am sure today's evening will be very musical and colorful.
* The lines 'Roop-naya-hai Rang-naya-hai' must be coming straight from Shekhawat-ji's and Santosh-ji's hearts as they can sing it with so much passion.
* Did you notice how many members are showing their hidden leadership qualities (besides talent) by shouldering various responsibilities so spontaneously?
Kiran Prakash:
The entire programme was extremely entertaining. Well planned, well rehearsed. Kudos to the Big LAAF team for their 100 per cent attendance, participation and cheering the performers. God indeed blessed us.