Dubai blue-collar workers shine at talent show

Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter

Though it was Friday, it was not like usual Friday for blue-collar work force in Dubai. It was a day of celebration for these workers.

Auditorium in Al Quoz Dubai, was rather bustling with presence of media, and cameramen focusing on them in the presence of versatile Bollywood actors and comedian Javed Jaffrey.

It was the grand finale of a talent hunt programme “Colors Ke Sartaj,” which was introduced only last year by the IndiaCast.

The show was created with an aim to reward the hidden talents among the labour community in the Emirates and provide them a platform to showcase their skills, including, singing, dancing, comedy, among others.

The event catered to more than 65,000 workers from over 60 labour camps in the country.

The first audition was held on June 21, while the second audition took place on June 28.

A total 600 contestants were finally selected from 65,000.

And finally on July 12, fifteen talented contestants from all across the globe ascended onto the stage to showcase their talents to the world in the presence of Bollywood star Javed Jaffrey and invited guests.

All the 15 talented contestants mesmerised with their performances.

While praising the initiative, the actor said, “There is no dearth of talents here. What they need is little guidance and pat on their back. Where will these people would get guidance? I will definitely talk to Colors if I find talented singers and dancers at this platform to further provide them opportunities. I was pleasantly surprised to see some extraordinary dancing and singing talents last year also at this platform."

Mohammed Shahid, from India, bagged first prize for his soulful singing, and Rodel Francisco, from Philippines bagged second prize for dancing, while Kamal Rai, from Nepal, bagged third prize for dancing.

Talking about his experience of judging shows, he said, "I have been fortunate to have seen talents in 17 years of my career while doing Boogie Woogie show. It was a great experience to see talents coming from even small places. It was really a humbling experience."

The 3-hour show succeeded in bringing out hidden talents of blue-collar workers onto the stage. Workers from different states and countries performed their best to entertain the audience and judge.

The event also succeeded in breaking monotonicity of these workers. Contestants from Pakistan, Nepal, India, South Africa, Bangladesh and Philippines, set the stage on fire.