Mangaluru: When it comes to hosting big bashes Lal Goel- the Managing Director of Pandit’s Health Resort and Spa-Moodbidri makes it happen in a grand scale, where he makes his family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers feel at home and happy- and without any barrier of caste or creed. And he did it again by hosting the glittering and extravaganza filled “Dasara Celebrations”, by inviting and felicitating Indian’s legendary Bollywood Choreographer Saroj Khan, and also Rajesh Bhat, a Mangalorean, who co-produced Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ Bollywood blockbuster movie.
We have a saying in Indian dance, “Where the hand goes, the eye follows; where the eye goes, the mind follows; where the mind goes, the heart follows, and thus is born expression.” Most dancers do their best to create a perfect fusion of mind-body in dance, but there is one such dancer, who completely embodies this saying – and that is the legendary choreographer and dance master, Saroj Khan.
The guests who were predominately of young and old, and a cream of the society who joined in the celebration will never forget this night which they shared with Saroj Khan.Saroj Khan (born “Nirmala Kishanchand Sadhu Singh Nagpal”) is perhaps one of the greatest choreographers Bollywood has seen. She has choreographed for the best of the best of Bollywood – from Nutan, Vyjayantimala, Sadhana, Sridevi, Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Karisma Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, to Kareena Kapoor, and many others!
Sarojji was only 14 when she choreographed her first song in Bollywood – for Nutan’s “Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai” from Dil Hi to Hai. Her first major break was for Subhash Ghai’s “Beta”, where she choreographed all the songs. Since then, she has choreographed well over 500 dances! Her most successful choreography has been for Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit and has gotten her a record 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Choreography, 3 National Awards for Best Choreography, and 1 American Choreography award (for Lagaan). Sarojji’s choreography has influenced millions around the world and she has trained several students at her dance academy – including many Bollywood actresses and actors.
The Dasara Celebration at Pandit’s Health Resort and Spa began with the welcome address by Ruby Agarwal-Chairperson of the Resort, followed by the inauguration of the celebrations by lighting the traditional lamp by Charakeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithcharyavarya Swamiji of Jain Math-Moodbidri, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely-Saroj Khan, Rajesh Bhat, Rev Fr Basil Vaz-Parish Priest, Holy Rosary Church-Moodbidri, L Goel- MD, Pandit’s Resort, Deepak Goel- Lal Goel’s brother, and others.
Other guests present at the bash were Mishra- Chief Income Tax Commissioner, Sridevi Goel- Ex-DGP, Sonal Monteiro-Tulu/Kannada actress, Archana Shetty- Head of Security, Jet Airways-Mangaluru International airport, BNS Reddy-Police Commissioner of Bengaluru, Chenna Basavanna-Special Coastal Security Police, Amrit Kumar- Commander of CISF, Mangalore Airport and many others. Each one of these guests spoke at the occasion and expressed their feelings and thoughts to be in the midst of India’s legendary Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan. Swamiji, and Fr Vaz also spoke and showered their blessings on Saroj Khan and Rajesh Bhat.
Both Saroj Khan and Rajesh Shetty were felicitated during the occasion with a shawl, fruit basket, flower bouquet and a memento. Saroj and Bhat expressed their love and appreciations to the guest present for their presence and blessings. The vote of thanks was proposed by Lal Goel, where he expressed his thanks to all his family members, relatives and friends who made this occasion a grand and memorable one. The formal function was followed by dance extravaganza performed by Sizzling Guys Dance Studio members, and the night winded up with a lavish fellowship dinner. The proceedings of the celebrations were compered by Rita D’sa-PRO at the Resort.
