Monali Thakur performs at Beyond Barriers; (top) Mansi Scott got the audience grooving at the St Xavier’s grounds. Pictures by Bishwarup Dutta

The tenth chapter of Beyond Barriers was celebrated on Republic Day; a much-anticipated event for all Xaverians, particularly as this edition celebrated not just 150 years of the institution but 25 years of the St Xavier’s Alumni Association as well. “We didn’t get any special performers from outside this time. Since we are celebrating 25th year of the alumni association, we wanted all ex-Xaverians to perform here,” said Abhishek Banerjee, media co-ordinator, SXC.

The evening was not just about music and dance — it was about celebrating the past with an eye on the future. With fireworks lighting up the evening sky, Beyond Barriers began with powerful renditions of Kabhi kabhi Aditi, Bachna ae haseeno and Ek haseena thi by Ram Tasildar, who started his singing career three years ago at the Xavier’s grounds.

Next on stage was playback sensation Monali Thakur, who churned out a scintillating performance. Monali’s renditions of popular Bollywood hits and Celine Dion’s ballads, along with a few of her own numbers, was well-appreciated. “Performing in Beyond Barriers this time was different, since a lot has changed in my life in the past year. This time I sang my own numbers!” smiled the English department alumnus. There was yet another dedicated ex-student — Jimmy Tangree, who was there to lend his baritone to conduct the event. “Since I’ve been a Xaverian from Class I till graduation, Beyond Barriers is the biggest show for me,” smiled Jimmy.

Another Xaverian, Shayne Hyrapiet rocked the audience next with a mix of fast and slow numbers, served with his typical on-stage energy and repartee. While most of the performers of the evening stuck to Bollywood, Shayne introduced a different feel with Eagles’ Love Will Keep Us Alive and followed it up with popular Hindi songs. He then switched to romantic numbers.

But that wasn’t all. Indipop sensation Mansi Scott of Naach le fame, an alumnus of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, had all the hands in the air as the crowd danced to her tunes. She chose to perform dance-floor smash hits like Bebot and songs from Race, getting the crowd up and moving.

“Beyond Barriers is the biggest event by Xaverians, for Xaverians and of Xaverians,” said Firdausal Hasan, secretary of the SXC alumni association.

As the name suggests, it was “all about Nihil Ultra, or nothing beyond”, felt Father Mathew, principal, St Xavier’s College.