Dubai: Leading Malayalam News channel celebrated its fifth anniversary event ‘Pravasolsavam 2018 with a record-breaking gathering at Dubai’s Global Village on Friday.
MediaOne TV operated by Madhyamam Broadcasting Ltd. once again proved its influence in the Middle East with its event ‘Pravasolsavam 2018’ (Celebration of Expats), As the authorities of Dubai Global Village has confirmed the participation of over 72,000 spectators, which is the largest ever gathering in the history of the most famous venue. The presence of South Indian superstar Mohanlal acted as a catalyst for such huge and historic gathering to the colourful event.
The multi-star event was organised to mark the fifth anniversary of MediaOne TV, which first went on air on February 10th in 2013 and the 40th year of unparalleled film career of superstar Mohanlal, whose debut film ‘Thiranottam’ was shot in 1978.
Along with Mohanlal, famous playback singer MG Sreekumar, who has completed 35 years of his musical career, and the National Award-winning actress Surabhi Lakshmi was also honoured by the Indian expatriate community at ‘Pravasolsavam’.
Earlier in 2014, MediaOne’s’ Pravasolsavam’ event organized to celebrate its first anniversary in Sharjah International Cricket Stadium has witnessed 30,000 spectators. Later editions of this glittering celebration were held in Doha, Qatar and Manama, Bahrain in the consecutive years.
Mohanlal, fondly referred to as Lalettan by his fans, was welcomed to the stage of ‘Pravasolsavam 2018’ by 20 school girls in the attire of angels who offered him 40 rose flowers as a symbol of his 40 successful years. Thousands of Mohanlal fans, who thronged the venue, were excited with the novel stage entry of their favourite star.
Mohanlal began his performance by sharing his old memories with singer MG Sreekumar, who was his childhood friend and colleague in the film industry.
When Mohanlal delivered his touching dialogues from the evergreen hit film ‘Chitram,’ the entire crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.
MG Sreekumar is the singer who gave playback support for most the song sequences of Mohanlal. They had many memories and songs to share together in the event. The duo performed songs from the films ‘Kilukkam’, ‘Mukunthetta Sumithra Vilikkunnu’, ‘Naran’ and ‘Oppam’. They proved their voice synchronisation and chemistry in front of the thousands of audience who have experienced it only through films and audio devices.
National award winner Surabhi Lakshmi is an actress who became popular through MediaOne TV. She is popularly known as ‘Pathu’, the name of her character in the satire tele serial ‘M80 Moosa’ on the channel. She appeared on the stage with a skit that depicts a housewife who was obsessed with Mohanlal characters. The skit was like a sequel of the serial ‘M80 Moosa’ in which Vinod Kovoor plays the lead role as fish vendor Moosa and the husband of Pathu.
Vinod also played the same role in the skit, a laughter gift for the audience at the Global Village.
Violinist Balabhaskar, instrumental musical sensation Stephen Devassy, and playback singers Manjari, Haricharan, Sayanora, Sreya Kutty gave a musical tribute to Mohanlal.
Mohanlal along with other dignitaries inaugurated the MediaOne TV’s fifth anniversary celebrations. Mohanlal appreciated ‘MediaOne TV’ for its unparalleled success within five years and wished it all the success for the coming years too.
TK Farooq, Executive Director of MediaOne TV addressed the gathering to introduce the celebrations.
Other top officials of the group M Sajid, Deputy CEO, Mohammed Roshan, Executive Director- Middle East operations, MCA Nazer, Head of Editorial operations- Middle East, Bishrudheen Sharqi, Chairman MediaOne Executive Committee, PI Noushad, Resident Editor, Gulf Madhyamam daily, Dr. Siddique Ahammed, Sharon Shamsudheen, DrAhamed, VP Abu, Abdul Razak, Salam Melattor, board of directors were also present on the stage.
