Farha Anwar enthralls music lovers

Chicago IL: Deccan Cultural Academy (DCA) & Masti hosted “Farha Anwar Live concert in Chicago” was a collective effort of Dr. Siraj Ahmed and Mujeeb Ahmed. The renowned singer Farha Anwar rocked Meadows Club, Rolling meadows, IL on 8:30 PM, Saturday, May 16, 2015. Chicago saw one of the finest concerts of all times. Farha mesmerizes the enthusiastic crowd for about 4 hours. Farha sang her own songs and hits from various Bollywood films which rocked the crowd.

A first time celebrity show for Masti Grill (Masti) in Chicago land, exceeded all expectation of perfect hosting, fantastic fun and outstanding entertainment. Farha Anwar first USA tour, and Chicago was a sold-out one. Established in 2013 by Mujeeb Ahmed, Masti has created a niche for music lovers to show case their singing talent, along with providing flavorful exquisite dining experience. Masti is now branching out to bigger and better quality entertainment shows with high profile artists.

Masti Grill (Masti) is a group for “Any person” who is  an amateur or professional, young or old, male or female, genuinely interested in listening and/or singing Bollywood or any Indian/Pakistani melody. The organizers for Masti Grill (Masti) believe that there are many untapped singing talents within our Chicago Indian/Pakistani community.  They are dedicated to helping truly talented individuals get over their shyness and bring out the hidden artist within themselves.  They believe that it is never too late to realize ones passions and do something about it.  They also believe that as a community we should encourage God given talents in others and help aspiring musical stars attain their dreams and goals no matter how old or young they are.  At Masti Grill (Masti) they are one big “Music family”.  People of different religions and cultures mingle together to share their love for music.  Music or Sangeet is universally enjoyed.  Everyone needs to express themselves and music can offer us that chance. It's all about having fun. Masti Grill (Masti) interest is to promote Indian/Pakistani Culture, Indian/Pakistani Music, Bollywood songs and help Make New Friends.  They also perform at musical events, parties, and Indian concerts.

DCA (Deccan Cultural Academy) is a proud supporter of Masti-Entertainment and Chicago Ki Awaaz.  DCA, a non-profit organization, was started by Dr. Siraj Ahmed.  The goal of DCA is to support cultural activities of the Indian subcontinent here in the United States.  DCA has been helping  Masti-Entertainment over the past few months by actively supporting its singers and giving them opportunities to sing at different events within the community.

A first time celebrity show for Masti Grill (Masti) in Chicago land, exceeded all expectation of perfect hosting, fantastic fun and outstanding entertainment. Her first USA tour, and Chicago was a sold-out one. Established in 2013 by Mujeeb Ahmed, Masti has created a niche for music lovers to show case their singing talent, along with providing flavorful exquisite dining experience. Masti is now branching out to bigger and better quality entertainment shows with high profile artists.

Opening remarks by Dr. Siraj Ahmed, welcomed the guests, extensively thanking for phenomenal support and gracious presence. DCA is an established non-profit organization, founded in 2004 by Dr. Siraj Ahmed, promoting art and culture in North America, is no stranger to high profile shows, such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, AR Rehman, Sunidhi Chauhan in the past to name a few, had significant supporting role and underscored appreciation for Masti’s first attempt for bringing rising star Farha Anwar.

Masti’s two favorite artists, Mahijit Virdi and Imran Durani, opened the evening. Mr. Virdi treated Chicago audience with his fun performance and engagement. Beautiful Rahat Fateh Ali Khan specials by Mr. Durani captured many hearts.  

In an introduction, Dr. Siraj Ahmed said, Farha Anwar, began learning music at home from her father, who was also a musician. Started career from PTV Lahore, her breaking point was, when the song ‘Main Tenu Samjhawan ki’ featured in the movie Virsa, sung with king of Sufi, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan became the ever-green tune for all ages. Since then this song has been sung by many top artists in India and Pakistan. Her new playback songs in Pakistan, are scheduled to be released this year. Best part of the evening was, once she took over the stage, her non-stop melodies and foot-tapping dance number performances kept audience entertained beyond 1 hour past midnight. No one wanted to leave, even after a break. It was a mesmerizing evening. This concert was definitely one-of-a-kind.

Among the sponsors, Iftekhar Shareef and Bhavesh Patel were very appreciative of the event. Hemant Brahmbhatt Hi India, Javaid Ahmed Urdu Times, Babu Patel Sahil, Mayur & Nick Patel L.A. Tan, Sunil Shah, Babu Varma, Tanveer Rather, Waseem Taher, Hina Trivedi, Nasir Shaikh, Jamil Khan from Pakistani community, were recognized as supporters. Consul General of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, was seen at the event with Dr. Siraj Ahmed. Special thanks were given to Madan Kulkarni for the facility, Tariq Khan for sound system, Deven Arya for light effects, Mona Bhalla and Shalini Saxena. Bhavesh Patel, along with Dr. Siraj and Anoop Mamtani, has also announced the next big show in town – Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Live in Chicago on May 29th, 2015, brought by Sahil & LA Tan.

Overall, the evening was well organized, pleasant and enjoyable. We wish Masti and DCA for many more successful future events.