North American Telugu Association (NATA) of Greater Minneapolis Region organized the first ever NATA day Musical Night and Comedy Show that attracted hundreds of people of Telugu origin from all over the upper Midwest.
The event promoted to raise funds for NATA sponsored events and charitable efforts was a grand success said NATA Regional Coordinator for Greater Minneapolis Mr. Madhu Kolan.
The event took place on Friday March, 02 2012. The venue was John F Kennedy high school where audience of over 500 watched the true spirit of Tollywood extravaganza unfold.
The people of Telugu origin hungry for such events since the last Mani Sharma concert were electrified by performances by Kamna Jethmalani (Bend Appa Rao fame), M.M.Srilekha who made her mark both as a female music director and as a versatile singer, Uttej (Shiva and Money fame), Shivaji Raja (Samudram and Murari fame), Sowyma Roy (Kick fame), Kalpana, Simha, and Abhinaya Krishna with their endless comedy, melodious vocals, and sizzling dance performances.
Kamna Jethmalani danced to the the tune of the latest songs, while Simha took the opportunity to entertain the crowd. Uttej and Kalpana were at their best along with Shivaji Raja and Soumya Roy providing wholesome entertainment with their comedy skits.
Simha and M.M.Srilekha were at their best rendering many catchy songs from both Telugu and Hindi movies. Abhinaya Krishna performance was the highlight of the day with his mimicry dance imitation of 24 artists. There was music, dances, comedy skits and much more that kept the audience engaged and wanting more.
Padma Dharnipragada was the MC. The event was opened by a traditional bharatanatyam by Miss Rithika . Madhu Kolan, NATA Regional Coordinator for Greater Minneapolis is the event organizer overseeing the entire logistics of the event. Felicitations were done to Sankar Bandi and Surya Duggirala for their selfless service to the Minnesota Telugu community.
A grand felicitation ensued to Jyothi Reddy, NATA coordinator from Phoenix for her successes and philanthropy. Later the entire team, sponsors, community leaders presented awards to visiting celebrities.
The Grand Sponsors of the event are Brookdale 8 Cinemas and Vajrasys, Mathnasium, SV Temple, Radio Kushi. Other contributors include Sankar Bandi, Sirish Samba, Mahi, Srini Reddy Gangi, Kishore Kandula, Nagender Mankala, Gnaneswar Kacham, Vijay Beeram and Mangalapai. The event would not have been possible without the support of numerous volunteers of Telugu Association of Minnesota (TEAM), Ram & Jyothi Tallapaka, Vivek Addagudi, Kishore Pandari, Srini Halaharvi, Praveen Reddy, Srikanth Kamojjula, Surya, Durga, Hari Pallempati, Saladi, Sujit Kolan, Sarathi, Venkat Reddy and numerous other friends.
Special thanks to media sponsor SAIPIX.net for memorable photo moments and videos and food sponsors India Spice House, Bollywood Bistro, Surabhi and Kabobs who provided authentic Indian snacks and meals for the visiting guests!
Though it was snowing, the support and care extended by the organizers and the encouragement expressed by the fans is warm wanting us to come back again and again exclaimed the visiting artists from India!
