Melody Queen

Shreya Ghoshal set the stage on fire at Beyond Barriers Chapter XVIII, with the Telegraph

TT Bureau | | Published 05.02.18, 12:00 AM

“Namoshkar Calcutta! I am so excited to be standing in one of the most prestigious colleges. I am sure all of you’ll have memories hidden in each and every corner and corridor of this campus. We will celebrate all of them today,” said Shreya.

Nazar jo teri laagi main deewani ho gayi...” her voice echoed across the St. Xavier’s College grounds before she appeared on stage amidst applause and cheers. Beyond Barriers Chapter XVIII, presented by the St. Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association (SXCCAA) in association with The Telegraph, saw Shreya Ghoshal rock the campus with old and new hits like Agar tum mil jao, Bahaara, Manwa laage, Woh shaam kuch ajeeb thi and Dum maro dum on January 26. The flagship fund-raising event of the alumni association saw more than 10,000 music lovers turn up on Republic Day evening.

“People from all walks of life attended the mega event. We are grateful to the melody queen for mesmerising the audience at Beyond Barriers,” said Sanjib Koner, honorary secretary of SXCCAA.

“I have been attending Beyond Barriers for the last three years and Shreya Ghoshal was the best. I saw her live for the first time and it was a really honest performance,” said actress Gargee Roychowdhury.

“We had a lot of expectations from Shreya. A live show is always better than a recorded one! Loved how she interacted with the audience,” said Terence Ireland, principal of St. James’ School.

“This was the best performance since Asha Bhosle at Beyond Barriers. Shreya is enigmatic. Each and every note was perfect,” said filmmaker Arindam Sil, who was there with wife Shukla.

The SXCCAA handed over a cheque for Rs 10 lakh to Father Dominic Savio (fifth from left), the principal of St. Xavier’s College and president of the SXCCAA. “Beyond Barriers has become an experience for everyone. It was six months of hard work and commitment. Yesterday the alumni members went home at 2am and came back at 8am today. This shows their dedication,” said Father Dominic.

ORGANISER SPEAK

“Shreya Ghoshal is one of the most prominent voices of our generation and she mesmerised the audience at St. Xavier’s College. Everyone was glued to their seats for hours. What a magical evening!” said Dharmen Trivedi, adviser to Beyond Barriers Chapter XVIII.

“This time we had given special emphasis on the technical aspect of the concert because Shreya Ghoshal is known as the melody queen. Shreya wanted to continue the concert beyond 10pm but we had to cut it short,” said Vikas Khosla, convener of Beyond Barriers Chapter XVIII.

FAN SPEAK

MELODY MOVES

“Amar shathe gaite hobe ar haat narate hobe because this is a peppy song,” said Shreya Ghoshal, looking for raised hands before breaking into Manwa laage.

Shreya surprised everyone with her Chikni Chameli moves.

“Don’t forget the ceetis and taalis... it has to go on,” said the singer and the audience broke into whistles, claps and loud cheers.

A few lucky ones got to shake hands with Shreya Ghoshal.

Malancha Dasgupta and Sulogna Ghosh
Pictures: Gopal Senapati

Melody Queen

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