Mir Mohsin Ali RIYADH — Telugu Kalaa Kshetram (TKK), a Riyadh-based community group representing the local Telugu-speaking people, recently organized an impressive cultural program to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the group's founding. Several artists from Tollywood and the Telugu TV industry came all the way from India and performed to entertain the audience. The venue was packed with people from various walks of life. Playback singer Simha, Jabardast fame Venu Yeladandi and famous mimicry artist Murthy wowed the crowd with enchanting songs, comedy skits, mimicry and miming. Managers from Air-India, Jet Airways, Oman Airways and Saudi Pump Factory graced the event with their presence. All executive committee members of the TKK actively took part to make the program a successful and memorable event. Talented children from Telugu families in Riyadh performed traditional and film songs and dances with perfection. Madhavi and team performed the famous song Maa Telugu Talliki. Mastan from Telugu Association of Jeddah (TAJ) was the chief guest. The ladies wing secretary of TAJ accompanied him. Guest singer from Jeddah Amjad Hussain presented several Telugu songs. While expressing his happiness over attending the program, Mastan revealed his desire to bring all associations representing the Telugu speaking people on a single platform. He said this would help them raise community issues collectively to have a bigger impact and to serve the interests of all. Venumadhav, president of Telugu Kalaa Kshetram, spoke about the charitable activities of TKK over the past decade. He said TKK was active in organizing blood donation and medical camps and providing assistance to repatriate the mortal remains of people who died in the Kingdom. He also mentioned TKK's successful efforts to introduce Telugu language classes in local Indian schools. Venumadhav said Air India would start direct operations between Riyadh and Hyderabad with the opening of the new terminal at King Khalid International Airport. The artists appreciated the activities of TKK and said they were happy to perform in Riyadh, which is “a rare opportunity for any Telugu artist”. The TKK executive committee members were felicitated by the artists with memorabilia for serving the association for 10 long years.
