Port Blair : Celebrating the timeless message that true friendship transcends professional rivalry, The Harmony, a unit of the Jhumurr Socio-Cultural Society, A&N Islands, in association with Hotel Driftwood & Resorts, presented a unique Facebook Live musical programme, “Salamat Rahe Dostana Hamara,” to mark International Friendship Day. The event paid tribute to the legendary camaraderie between playback icons Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar while commemorating Rafi’s death anniversary (July 31) and Kishore Kumar’s birth anniversary (August 4).
Conceived and designed by Asheesh Poddar, Creative Director of the programme, the presentation aimed to remind audiences that despite being two of Indian cinema’s greatest musical rivals, Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar shared deep mutual respect, admiration and friendship throughout their illustrious careers. Through narration, anecdotes and evergreen melodies, the programme highlighted the enduring values of friendship, humility and sportsmanship, making its message especially significant on International Friendship Day.
The evening began with the ceremonial garlanding of a joint portrait of the two legendary singers by Shri Rajesh Anand, Proprietor of Hotel Driftwood & Resorts, along with senior artistes, in the presence of Sonali Podder, General Secretary, and Biswajit Das, Vice President of Jhumurr.
The programme opened with the title duet “Salamat Rahe Dostana Hamara,” rendered by Abdul Rasheed and Shailender Singh. Soulful performances followed by Abdul Nisar, Mohd. Nisar, Raaj, Hassan Shah, Junaid Ali and Asheesh Poddar, while Rajesh Anand also entertained the audience with a song. The artistes recreated the timeless magic of the two legends through a carefully curated selection of evergreen solos and duets.
Among the memorable songs presented were Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Hum Premi Prem Karna Jaane, Ye Duniya Ke Badalte Rishte, Jaanu Meri Jaan and the iconic Bane Chahe Dushman Zamana Hamara, each reinforcing the central theme that genuine friendship always rises above competition.
The programme was streamed live on Abdul Nisar’s Facebook page and simultaneously covered by Dharmendra Lall through his Facebook platform, enabling music lovers from the Islands and elsewhere to join the celebration. The event was anchored by Raaj.
Viewers responded enthusiastically, appreciating the programme’s innovative concept, meaningful narration, thoughtful song selection and heartfelt performances. Expressing gratitude, Smt. Sonali Podder thanked the artistes, organisers, supporters and online audience for making the programme a grand success.
With this presentation, The Harmony once again reaffirmed its commitment to creating meaningful musical programmes that celebrate not only timeless melodies but also the inspiring human values and stories behind them. The evening concluded on an emotional note with the immortal refrain, “Bane Chahe Dushman Zamana Hamara, Salamat Rahe Dostana Hamara,” leaving viewers with a lasting reminder that true friendship is stronger than rivalry.
