Singers to star at academy opening

A PERFORMANCE by two Indian singers will take place on the sidelines of the opening of the Bahrain branch of an Indian theatre academy next weekend.
Indian reality show Idea Star Singer winner Vivekandan and playback singer Sheela Mani will both perform as part of the entertainment programme that is being held to mark the opening of the Extension Centre of the Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS), Segaiya.
It will be the first such centre to be established outside India. Academy president and Keralite film actor Mukesh and secretary C Ravunni will open it during a ceremony at the BKS at 7pm on Friday, October 1.
Chief guest will be Indian Ambassador Dr George Joseph.
"Setting up such a centre will open numerous avenues for the artistes in Bahrain and it ill also open a channel of communication and exchange between artistes in both the countries," said BKS president P V Radhakrishna Pillai.
"We look forward to bringing capable and talented artistes from there as well as sending some of Bahrain's best across to the academy."
The event will also feature a reception to honour UAE-based DM Healthcare and India-based Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences founder and chairman Dr Azad Moopen who won this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award, the highest award given to overseas Indians.
The academy is also setting up an affiliation for all Malayalee associations worldwide and the Samajam has already registered, said Mr Pillai.
The ceremony and concert are open to all to attend.