DUBAI — The grand finale of the popular reality talent show “Sur Kshetra” was televised live from the Dubai World Trade Center last week, with Nabeel Shaukat Ali from Pakistan declared as the winner. The final episode featured enthralling performances from leading rock performers Atif Aslam and Himesh Reshamiya and other legendary singers from the sub-continent, such as Runa Laila, Abida Parveen and Asha Bhosle. For the first time, the show's final episode was held in an overseas location. The Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha played host to the show's finale, offering a home away from home for the competitors, including the winners Ghulam Ali and Nabeel. Among events hosted at the Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha was a celebrity “meet the press” event, where the stars gave their opinions of the show, Dubai and much more, then enjoyed a high tea at Gharana, the hotel's speciality Indian restaurant that features an extensive menu of regional favorites from across India. According to Roxana Jaffer, Resident Director of Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha, the show turned out to be a huge hit among Dubai residents, appealing in particular to Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis who were united in their support for the cross-cultural format. She said, “It was a matter of great pride for us to host some of India's most famous entertainment icons as well as judges, jury, directors and stars of the popular TV show ‘Sur Kshetra.' They have been instrumental in bringing this highly successful show to Dubai and enabled its many fans in the UAE to enjoy live performances and the crowning of the winner.” — SG
