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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 24, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22

Centennial Tribute to Raj Kapoor and

Dedication to Late Shobhna Patel Draws over

450 Attendees at Royal Albert’s Palace

OUR BUREAU
Fords, NJ
n Sunday, January 12, 2025,
a sold-out audience of more
Othan 450 music enthusiasts
gathered at Royal Albert’s Palace in
Fords, NJ, for a remarkable Centenni-
al Tribute to the legendary Showman of
Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor, and a ded-
ication to Late Shobhna Patel on her
first death anniversary. This extraor-
dinary event featured over 25 singers
performing a blend of solo and duet
renditions, totaling 50 timeless songs,
in a captivating four-hour program.
Participants from diverse back-
grounds and professions came to-
gether to honor Raj Kapoor’s iconic
contributions to Indian cinema and to
share their passion for music. Kapoor,
who began acting at the age of 11 and
ventured into filmmaking at 24, is cel-
ebrated for classics such as Aag, Bar-
saat, Awara, Shree 420, and his deeply
personal masterpiece Mera Naam
Joker. His illustrious career earned
him the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and
the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1987.
The event also paid tribute to the
late Shobhna Patel, an extraordinary
woman who dedicated her life to pre-
serving Indian culture in the United
States. As an organizer of Miss India
NJ, Miss Teen NJ, and numerous oth-
er cultural celebrations, Patel’s legacy
remains a cornerstone of cultural her-
itage preservation in the region.
The evening marked her first death
anniversary since her passing on Janu-
ary 12, 2024. Edison Township Mayor
Sam Joshi attended the event to show
his support for the cause and addressed
the audience, highlighting the progress
in Edison and the significant contribu-
tions made by the Indian community.
The program was hosted by AUM
Events and South Asian Culture, Her-
itage & Arts (SACHA), a non-profit
organization led by Jayesh Mehta.
Dr. Tushar Patel, a noted community
activist and music enthusiast, lent his la, and Pinakin Pathak, also contrib- karni and veteran singer Foram Shah felt tribute underscored the enduring
expertise as Master of Ceremonies, uted their support to this meaningful were honored as Best Male and Fe- legacy of Raj Kapoor and Shobhna
ensuring the event’s smooth flow. occasion. The evening concluded with male Singers, respectively, for their Patel, leaving attendees inspired and
Renowned singer Sanjay Shah, along special recognitions for outstanding exceptional contributions to the musi- immersed in the rich cultural heritage
with Raj Macwan, Mukesh Kashiwa- performers. Rising star Neel Nad- cal tapestry in the USA. This heart- of Indian cinema and traditions.

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