Papatoetoe High School student Prashant Naikar danced his way to the Indi King 2011 title at the TelstraClear Events Centre recently – and also getting $1000 richer.
A keen soccer player, Prashant, who lives in Onehunga, was declared King of the Dance floor in the annual showcase organised by Yogesh and Mumta Gounder, and attended by more than 1600 dance enthusiasts.
First runner-up in the competition was Keethan Sundar, who won $500 cash, and Anish Patel, second runner-up, won $250. Best Costume winner was: Vicky Mali, winning speakers worth $100, sponsored by Viraf of V4U Entertainments.
Winner King of Kings was Nav Chand – The Ultimate King of the Dance Floor – won $1500 cash; Best Costume King of Kings was Sanil Singh, who won speakers worth $100 sponsored by Viraf of V4U Entertainments.
Keethan and Anish are both university students. Keethan, who is deaf since birth, does graphic design and organises dance parties. Anish is a Michael Jackson fan and dances just like the pop king himself.
Participants for Indi King 2011 included: Deepak Rajani, Ben Nair, Anish Patel, Keethan Sundar, Kishan Kumar, Vicky Mali and Prashant Naikar.
King of Kings contestants: Nav Chand, Sanil Singh, Shamal Prasad and wild card entrant Sid Krish.
Guest performers: Arun Iyer - Singer of golden voice said to be similar to that of Sonu Nigam; Jignal Patel supported by Aja Nachale Dance Group; Manish AKA DJ Gabbaroo
Judges and judge performers: Viraf - V4U Entertainments; Gina T; Kunaal.
“The night was a success due to the well planned preparation and having the right production team backing, working on and supporting the event,” show manager Mumta Gounder said.
“For months we promised Auckland an event similar to that of Iifa Film Awards and this promise was carried out when the public saw the event arena set-up, stage lighting and heard the sound quality,” Mumta said.
“We were especially honoured to have Keethan Sundar take part in the competition and come first runner-up.” There was a sign language translator on stage the whole night translating for members of the deaf community who came to support Keethan.
Mumta said Keethan had inspired many youngsters through his passionate performance and can do attitude.
Mumta said for next year, they were looking at another new concept for an added segment to Dance2 – The Power of Two, after being inspired by the international success of a duo dance comp that shares talent through stunts, creativity and theme based performance
A team of two consisting of either same or different sexes compete in a theme based performance for $1000 first prize.
Given that Indi King was inspired by Yogesh and Mumta's first born son Raul, after their second son Rian, the concept of “Little Kings” guest performer segment was born.
Yogesh and Mumta will now work with talented males under age 13 to work on choreography, confidence, stage presence and provide a platform for them to share this talent without the challenge of a competition so that they build their confidence more.
The Gounders also announced that the TelstraClear Events Centre will remain the home for Indi King and future events.
The organisers wish to thank: host Dinesh Sami, who looked after the audience in a professional yet casual manner; Diven Sami, marketing manager, number one supporter and well wisher and our ideas man. Production crew: Melissa Narayan - backstage manager, Jeev Goundar - Tech desk, Udesh Savania - Comms Desk, Sachin Deo - Backstage helper, VJ Singh - camerman/editor/motion designer.
Dj Gabbroo Manish said after the show that it was an amazing experience: “Guys, it was amazing show. The stage, lighting, sound, performances, organisation each and every thing was just brilliant.
“I have seen or part of almost every show over here but Indi King 2011, I’m speechless.”
Jignal Patel, guest performer, said: “The show was so well organized. All the girls were saying they were very honoured and glad to have been able to perform in your amazing show.
“Thank you again for giving us the opportunity and looking after us all so well. You could clearly see all the effort you guys had put into the show as it turned out super well.”