RIYADH — In an event organized by the Deccan Cultural Association and Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMOUBA), Indian Idol 5 finalist Rakesh Maini was invited to enthrall music lovers here. Rakesh's electrifying and energetic back-to-back performances included super hit Bollywood songs “Sajda Tera sajda" (My Name is Khan), “Chand sifarish”(Fanaa), "Hume tum se pyar kitna," "Tanu mai love karda," "Mai Tera hero," "Tera ho ne laga hoon," "Badan pe sitare," "Gulabi ankhen," "Sun raha hai na tu," "Gandi baat," "Tum ne mujhe dekha," "Ye jo mohabbat hai" and and scores of other old and new feet tapping numbers. The 27-year-old singer, who hails from Agra, invited children to share the stage with him while the youths danced to his tunes. Local singer Sanjana accompanied him for a couple of hit duets like "O lala o lala," and sang solo "Sun raha hai na tu." Another local popular singer Syed Omer showed his singing talent by lending his voice to "Tere chehre mein who jadu hai "and "Haal kya hai dilon ka." Maini, who has 11 siblings, is inspired by legendary singers Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar, and influenced by Sonu Nigam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and KK. This highly entertaining show was witnessed by dignitaries of various cultural and social organizations and prominent personalities of Riyadh. Earlier A.A.Shamim Khan, chairman of Deccan Cultural Association had introduced the singer to the guests. Zia Ul Rahman presented the gift and Mirza Majeed Baig presented a bouqet to the singer. Mohammed Ahmad Badsha, president of AMOUBA, welcomed the gathering. — SG
