The music of Khalnayak hu main blared from the speakers and a motorbike with fireworks blazing drove into AB-AC Park. The pillion rider got off, acknowledged the roaring crowd and shouted: “Ji haan, main hu khalnayak!” He then went on to sing the hit number from the 90s alongside visuals of the Subhas Ghai movie playing on the big screen.
This was the dramatic entry by Vinod Rathod, the voice of many a hit number filmed on Bollywood actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt. The singer was the star attraction of the Kali puja cultural programme of Salt Lake AC Block Yubak Sangha.
The idol and pandal of Karunamoyee Jagadhatri puja
This wasn’t Rathod’s first time performing in the township but the excitement in the audience was considerable. His entry, particularly, left them awe-struck.
“Ma, this is like they show in the movies! This is how the hero enters, it’s so exciting!” clapped five-year-old Ranu Basak, who had climbed up a chair for a better look. Another four-year-old, Priya Ghosh was bowled over too. “Is he a singer or actor? The person on screen is also wearing a hat,” she said, pointing at the image of a similarly dressed Sanjay Dutt.
And then the man himself spoke. “Apun Salt Lake mein hu re bhai,” said Rathod in Mumbai street lingo before singing the title track of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.
“Hello everyone! Kemon achhen? For the last few years I’ve been staying put in Bengal from Durga puja till December and this year too I am booked till then. The crowd here is the best and I always feel performers should perform in this city whenever possible,” said the singer before belting out numbers like Koi na koi chahiye, Chhupana bhi nahi aata, Aae mere humsafar and more.
A huge group of girls stood in front of the stage and danced their hearts out. “His hits are still so great to listen to,” said Sananda Bhowmik, an IT Sector employee and resident of AC Block. “He sang my favorite Koi na koi chahiye.”
Vice-president of Yubak Sangha, Tapesh Majumder, said the crowd was larger than they had expected. “This was our 45th year. Every time we focus on musical nights, bringing both Bengali and Hindi artistes so everyone in our block can have a wonderful time.”
Singer Rupankar had performed on a previous day at this puja too. In fact he has been a popular fixture in the township, performing also at GC Block for Kali puja and Karunamoyee for Jagadhatri puja.