Bollywood blazes at PCV Diwali dance
SIMMI BAKSHI reports.
What’s in a name said Shakespeare, and even though it was dream-boy Romeo who articulated that phrase, I am afraid I don’t agree with him. There’s a lot in a name, especially if it is Punjabi Club of Victoria or PCV, as it is called with affection. Over the last decade, PCV name has been synonymous with quality events and wholesome entertainment. This year once again, over 300 people got together under the banner of PCV to celebrate the festival of lights. The Diwali dinner dance was held at The Grand in Cathies Lane Wantirna South.
PCV’s long-standing member Gurmit Sahni made an auspicious start to the evening with a Punjabi song performed in his God-gifted melodious voice. This was followed by a speech by PCV President Arminder Luthra who thanked all the sponsors, DJ Ashish and Kaz from Oorja Nights, M C Preeti Jabbal and the PCV committee members Davinder Kocher (Vice President), Inderjit Jasal (Secretary), Tej Panesar (Treasurer), Surinder Mudher, Virendra Berera, Surinder Dhar, Anil Dhir, Jasbir Bedi (founder PCV member) and Paramjit Jaswal. The President’s speech was followed by traditional fireworks.
Keeping in mind the tradition of ‘children always come first,’ PCV chose to begin their cultural presentation with a Punjabi dance choreographed by Mrs. Dilpreet Jaswal and Mrs. Gurbir Mudher. Young Kajal, Karishma, Tavreen, Avreet, Taranpreet and Khushi collectively put their best foot forward and performed a peppy Bollywood medley.
The next participant was living evidence of the phrase ‘good things come in small, flexible packages’. Geetika Garg presented an item for which she won the Royal South Street competition at Ballarat, one of the most prestigious dance competitions in that genre. This young dancer is currently learning jazz, tap and ballet as well as contemporary song and dance, while she has also trained in Bharatnatyam.
Of late, Bollywood is such a trend that no Indian event seems complete without a dance from this robust industry. Anmol and Cassie presented a dance to a mix of Bollywood hits choreographed by themselves. All three amateur performances provided an opportunity for young people to get involved and display their talent. Egged on by applause from family and friends, the children did a commendable job.
The stage was then cleared for the professionals. The Hula dance by a group of Polynesian dancers easily stole the show due to its uniqueness, followed by a vibrant number by the Shiamak Indo Jazz Dance Movement. With the happening Hula number the audience was transported temporarily to the tropical lushness of islands with grass skirts, bright colours and drum beats galore. Both the Hula and Shiamak dancers involved the audience, making their items interactive and fun.
In his master seller 2 States Chetan Bhagat writes that it is cruel to keep Punjabis away from food and fun. As the first beat emanated from the music system, guests swarmed onto the dance floor. DJ Ashish and Kaz did not have to work too hard to keep them there. Most popular on demand was the latest hit from Daabang Munni Badnam (Zandu Balm fame), which was played repeatedly to rapturous approval. An hour of dancing later, a long queue inched its way towards the buffet dinner catered by Karan Gandhok of Tandoori Junction.
A printer sponsored by Ramtek, a cash prize of 100 dollars and a Body Shop hamper sponsored by Ranjana Dutt made up the door prizes, which were whisked away by three lucky winners, amidst great anticipation and excitement. With the formalities over, it was time to shake a leg or two again till the midnight hour, when the hall needed to be vacated. Speaking to guests, I found out that the PCV Diwali dinner is an annual event that is permanently marked on their calendar. A majority have been attending the event over many years. As for those who were there for the first time, feedback indicates that it will certainly be considered as a ‘must attend event’ next year, thanks to the entertaining lineup and attention to detail experienced through the night.
