Here is a report on the event that was printed on both the online and print editions of Portlandguru a localpublication in Portland catering to the South Asian expatriate community in the greater Portland metro area.

Portland State University’s Indian Student Association recently hosted an entertainment show with an approximate turnout of above 700 people. This program was a diversion from shows that have been hosted by other student organizations over the past few years.

The dinner for this event was provided by India Palace, Hillsboro, OR that included scrumptious South Asian curries, rice and dessert.

The program began with the national anthems of the United States of America and India. Sachin Tharakan, ISA President introduced the show as an attempt to regale the audience with a taste of India keeping Indian cinema as the theme. The show was modeled on the lines of Bollywood movies and called “A Passage Through India.”

The two-hour entertainment was about two reporters making their way to India and experiencing its richness, diversity and cultural heritage through various states. This also included the process of understanding ancient Indian culture vis-à-vis modern Indian idiosyncrasies and stereotypes. Fashion shows showcasing the attire of the state and folk dance and music were interspersed through the entire ensemble. Colorful slide shows further provided a reference point for the audience to understand the basic premise of the evening.

The audience was very involved and played along with the performers. They enjoyed every bit of it, whether it related to the polluted streets of Mumbai, the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, the Gujarati characters with their unmistakable accent highlighting the charming hospitality of Indians, Rajasthan’s luxury train ride - the Palace on Wheels, the taxi drivers from Punjab in America, architectural grandeur of Southern India, the celebration of religious festivals or the fast growing bar culture of Bangalore and Mumbai.

The sizeable Tamil population was totally taken with the impersonation of Tamil superstar Rajnikanth by Arun Balakrishnan. Amongst the most enjoyed dance performances were “Tu Cheez Badi Ha Mast Masti”, “Ek Do Teen” and “Sharara.

The show ended with the reporters summarizing their dizzying experience of the cultures, religions, races and tongues they had witnessed during their trip.

The floor was thrown open to the audience with music and dance provided by Badmaash Productions after a vote of thanks by ISA President Sachin Tharakan.