Our Bureau
Princeton, NJ
On Sunday, January 12, 2025, a sold-out audience of more than 450 music enthusiasts gathered at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ, for a remarkable Centennial Tribute to the legendary Showman of Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor, and a dedication to Late Shobhna Patel on her first death anniversary. This extraordinary 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 backgrounds and professions came together 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 celebrated for classics such as Aag, Barsaat, 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 preserving Indian culture in the United States. As an organizer of Miss India NJ, Miss Teen NJ, and numerous other cultural celebrations, Patel’s legacy remains a cornerstone of cultural heritage preservation in the region. The evening marked her first death anniversary since her passing on January 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 contributions made by the Indian community.
The program was hosted by AUM Events and South Asian Culture, Heritage & Arts (SACHA), a non-profit organization led by Jayesh Mehta. Dr. Tushar Patel, a noted community activist and music enthusiast, lent his expertise as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring the event’s smooth flow. Renowned singer Sanjay Shah, along with Raj Macwan, Mukesh Kashiwala, and Pinakin Pathak, also contributed their support to this meaningful occasion.
The evening concluded with special recognitions for outstanding performers. Rising star Neel Nadkarni and veteran singer Foram Shah were honored as Best Male and Female Singers, respectively, for their exceptional contributions to the musical tapestry in the USA. This heartfelt tribute underscored the enduring legacy of Raj Kapoor and Shobhna Patel, leaving attendees inspired and immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Indian cinema and traditions.
