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Imperial College London - International Tamil Society
Mega Maalai 2009
Saturday 24th January
The Forum - Kentish town, London
Photos : Ben Waran
Review : Amrith Balasingham
Another year...Another Mega Maalai. Or was it? The Forum in Kentish Town was sold out played host to 2009's event, with the Show dedicated to the memory of Jeevan Sivalingam who sadly passed away only 3 months earlier. The guests of the Show were greeted to a chilly reception as Forum Management seemed to have neglected to turn on the heating. The Show had to go on of course - but the general feel was one of contentment. The team behind Mega 2009 were happy to follow the formula of Mega Maalai's past. This is not a criticism - merely an observation. Hosted by the pairing of Anujen 'Local Hero' Vijayarahaven and Pravinth Mahendarajah. For a moment it seemed the formula had been broken with the brief appearance of Shivanee Tharmalingam. However it was not to be. Anujen and Pravinth are a strong pairing and hosted the show with ease - they are veterans now having done many a Mega before.
The performers of the Show should be commended on a strong Show in general. Vocal and especially dance performances were of a high standard. They were also some true hidden gems. The highlight of the night, and in fact one of the strongest acts I have ever seen in many many years, had to be vocal performance of Hari Sanker. Many girls in the audience in front of me fainted! Sanker's melodious voice made the sell-out venue forget how cold it was in the Kentish Town, and brought back memories of Mega Maalai's past. Raaga Dance was another strong act with excellent choreography, but more importantly energy and spirit from its performers.
Jimmy Suthan Nathan and his Committee should be applauded for the splendid show they put on. Mega Maalai still remains one of the strongest Shows on the University circuit. The Committee faced a lot of adversities on Show night, as anyone who participated on the evening can confirm. One hopes for greater things next year. Did anyone spot one of the members of the Sponsorship Team by the name of Eurotame Srivas. That's the kind of originality Mega Maalai 2010 needs to bring to the table.
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