Mangaluru: Lions Club Mangalore (Kankanady-Padil) held a press meet at Moti Mahal here, on December 28.
Addressing the mediapersons, club chairman Chandrahas Shetty said, “Lions Club Mangalore (Kankanady-Padil) is pleased to announce its grand fundraiser event ‘New Year Gala Celebrations’ on December 31 at St Aloysius PU College Gonzaga Grounds, Mangaluru. This will be a star studded extravaganza with lots of entertainment, music and dance. The event is open to the general public too. In order to appeal to the youth, children and families, a variety of entertainment has been included to make a fun filled evening. Excellent new year dinner has been arranged with over 80 delicacies and seafood. Other attractions are the magic show, spot drawing and caricature, palm reading, henna, mehendi, tattoo, etc. along with a spectacular cracker show. Special Zones have been created for Children’s Games and to ‘Meet the Stars’, where one can take selfies with the film stars.”
He further said that the highlight of the evening will be the grand premiere of Bollywood Director Sandeep Malani’s Kannada short film ‘Sulige Sikkidaga’, in the presence of the film’s stars Bollywood heartthrob Kalpana Pandit, actors Akash Hora and Vivek S Punjabi. Other celebrities include Arjun Kapikad, Umesh Mijar and Sonal Monteiro, Jnana Aithal (DID Lil’ Masters Fame). The event will commence with the movie premiere at 7 sharp, followed by entertainment extravaganza.
Addressing the mediapersons, Director Sandeep Malani spoke about “Sulige Sikkidaga”, a Kannada short feature film (partly in Tulu) with a duration of 45 minutes. The film is a tribute to women empowerment that shows the lead actor as a perfect example to overcome all obstacles, difficulties and stand on her own feet. The shooting of the film was done in Bengaluru and in USA. Vivek Punjabi, Akash Hora and Clement Sequeira too are playing the lead roles. Along with the film, the musical titled ‘Yashraj Heroines De Jayenge’ by Malani Talkies will also have its screening on the New years Eve.
Speaking on the occassion, Bollywood Actress Kalpana Pandit said, “This is the third project of Sandeep Malani and “House of Pandit” production. Earlier, the film on HIV Aids awareness titled ‘Jo Jo Laali’ won 14 awards and has been screened all over India and International Film Festivals. The second venture, ‘Janleva 555’ had a good run of 150 days in North India territories. I am happy that this film is going to be screened in Mangaluru and we hope to have good reviews from Mangaluru audience.”
The new year gala celebration is being organized under the leadership of Club President Lion Asha C Shetty by a committee comprising of Lion Chandrahas Shetty, secretary Lion M C Shetty and treasurer Lion Raghuram Shetty.
Former Dist Governor Ln K C Prabhu, Lion Canyut Fernandes (owner of Maestro Titans) and others were also present.