Latest news with #ICCWednesdayFiesta
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
ICC Wednesday Fiesta pays grand tribute to ‘showman' Raj Kapoor on his birth centenary
Tribune News Network Doha The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), functioning under the aegis of the Embassy of India, continued its weekly cultural celebration — the ICC Wednesday Fiesta — with a grand tribute to the showman of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor, on his birth centenary. The event, titled 'Raj Kapoor 100', was held at the iconic ICC Ashoka Hall and brought together the Indian diaspora in Qatar for a nostalgic evening of music, dance, and cinematic memories. This week's edition of the Wednesday Fiesta was particularly special as it celebrated 100 years of the legendary actor, filmmaker, and producer Raj Kapoor, whose impact on Indian cinema has been both profound and enduring. Known for classics such as Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, Kapoor was not just a cinematic icon in India but also deeply admired across the globe. The evening began with a warm welcome by ICC's Past General Secretary Krishna Kumar, who set the tone by highlighting the importance of remembering cultural stalwarts who have shaped India's global identity through the arts. He underscored the ICC's commitment to nurturing Indian culture in Qatar and its role in uniting the community through such engaging events. AP Manikantan, president of ICC, delivered the presidential address and expressed his appreciation for the artists and associated organisations who collaborated to bring the evening to life. 'Raj Kapoor was a master storyteller and a bridge between generations. Honouring his legacy through the language of performing arts is our humble tribute to Indian cinema,' he remarked. The event featured a series of vibrant and diverse cultural performances inspired by Raj Kapoor's life and movies, presented by various ICC Associate Organisations (AOs) and Arts Centres in Qatar. From iconic songs to recreated dance sequences from his films, the stage at Ashoka Hall was alive with colours, melodies, and emotions. Local talents paid homage to the cinematic legend with elaborate renditions of evergreen hits, leaving the audience awash innostalgia. The performances reflected the multicultural essence of Indian arts and the enduring legacy of Bollywood in shaping cultural narratives across generations. Special visual presentations and a retrospective segment showcasing Raj Kapoor's cinematic journey further enhanced the thematic depth of the programme. Prominent dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora graced the occasion. Among them were ICC Advisory Council Chairman PN Babu Rajan, ICC General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, and other members of the ICC managing committee. The presidents of other ICC associate organizations and senior community representatives also attended, lending their support to the celebration. In his closing remarks, ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all the performers, organizers, and volunteers who made the evening a resounding success. He extended special gratitude to the Embassy of India for its unwavering support and encouragement in promoting Indian culture abroad. The 'Raj Kapoor 100' edition of ICC Wednesday Fiesta not only celebrated the genius of an iconic artist but also underscored the enduring influence of Indian cinema in fostering unity, nostalgia, and pride among the Indian diaspora. The ICC continues its mission of cultural diplomacy by providing a vibrant platform for the expression of India's artistic richness every Wednesday, with the promise of many more such unforgettable evenings.
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
ICC hosts another glorious edition of ‘ICC Wednesday Fiesta'
Tribune News Network Doha The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Qatar, successfully hosted another vibrant edition of its weekly cultural series, 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta', on Wednesday, April 30, at the ICC Ashoka Hall. The event once again reaffirmed ICC's commitment to promoting and preserving the rich tapestry of Indian arts and culture within the Indian expatriate community in Qatar. Graced by a large gathering of dignitaries, ICC Managing Committee members, affiliated organisation representatives, and cultural enthusiasts, the evening was a celebration of unity in diversity, featuring dazzling performances by artistes from various ICC-affiliated organisations (AOs) and reputed arts centres in Qatar. From classical dance to contemporary folk, the stage came alive with vibrant displays of India's cultural heritage. The programme began with a warm welcome extended by ICC Head of HR, Admin & Consular, Rakesh Wagh, who greeted the attendees and invited them to immerse in the spirit of cultural camaraderie. This was followed by insightful opening remarks from Nandini Abbagouni, ICC Head of Cultural Activities, who emphasised the importance of such weekly platforms in nurturing talent and fostering intercultural dialogue among the Indian diaspora. Delivering the presidential address, ICC President AP Manikantan reflected on ICC's evolving role as a hub of cultural excellence and community engagement. A highlight of the evening was the soft launch of ICC's new logo, symbolising the Centre's refreshed identity and forward-looking vision, while still deeply rooted in Indian values and traditions. In a special felicitation ceremony, Sandesh Anand, President of Tulu Koota Qatar, and Sudha Sriramoju, President of Telangana Jagruthi–Qatar Chapter, were honoured by ICC for their unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the Indian community in Qatar. Their leadership and active engagement in cultural and social initiatives have significantly enriched the community fabric. The formal proceedings concluded with a gracious vote of thanks delivered by Sandeep Reddy, ICC Head of IT & Media, acknowledging the efforts of performers, volunteers, organisers, and supporters. The event was smoothly compered by the ever-energetic Niyati, whose charm and professionalism added to the evening's appeal. The event witnessed the esteemed presence of ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande, General Secretary Abraham K Joseph, along with other members of the ICC Managing Committee, presidents and representatives of various ICC-affiliated organisations, and several senior community members, all lending their support to this inspiring cultural initiative. 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' continues to be a testament to ICC's enduring mission of fostering artistic expression, community unity, and cultural pride among the Indian diaspora in Qatar.
