A visually challenged singer from UDAAN performs in Mumbai
A visually challenged singer from UDAAN performs in Mumbai
Loy Mendonca, Marzy Parakh, Ehsaan Noorani and members of UDAAN
Loy Mendonca, Marzy Parakh, Ehsaan Noorani and members of UDAAN

There was not a dry eye in the audience at St. Andrew’s auditorium in Mumbai last night as UDAAN, a group of fantastic singers and performers danced and sang their way into the hearts of the spectators. However, what made them special and set them apart from any other band was the fact that each one of them was visually impaired, physically disabled or both.

Singer Vrushali is visually impaired and physically handicapped
Singer Vrushali is visually impaired and physically handicapped
Manisha energetically dances on one leg. Her other leg is crippled
Manisha energetically dances on one leg. Her other leg is crippled
Manisha energetically dances on one leg. Her other leg is crippled
Manisha energetically dances on one leg. Her other leg is crippled

While some of the performers had to be carried onto stage by their guardians, others hobbled on crutches, rode in on wheelchairs or crawled into the spotlight to display their amazing talents which I’m sure, most of us perfectly abled people, would not be able to accomplish without much struggle.

One lady – Manisha – danced rather energetically on one leg and could have given the legendary Umraao Jaan cause for heartburn. Another, Vrushali, had everybody give her a standing ovation because of her soulful singing.

Have wheels, will sing!
Have wheels, will sing!
Loy Mendonca, Marzy Parakh and Ehsaan Norrani congratulate the performers on stage
Loy Mendonca, Marzy Parakh and Ehsaan Norrani congratulate the performers on stage

The performers were cheered on by a full-house which saw a number of celebrities also drop-by to support them. Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy joined them on stage and sang with them a bit while Milind Soman, Shahana Goswami, Suchitra Pillai, Siddharth Bhardwaj and Pallavi Symons clapped and whistled and cheered the loudest.

Shahana Goswami, Milind Soman and Anusha Dandekar
Shahana Goswami, Milind Soman and Anusha Dandekar
Siddharth Bhardwaj
Siddharth Bhardwaj
Pallavi Symons and Suchitra Pillai
Pallavi Symons and Suchitra Pillai

From singing popular Bollywood numbers to old songs by Lata Mangeshkar and Bappi Lahiri, the performers had the crowds entertained for almost two-and-a-half-hours.

Milind Soman said,“These people are absolutely amazing! I will do all I can to spread the word about their band and to help them become more main-stream!”

If you would like to book them for an event, please get in touch with Marzy Parakh (Founder & Managing Trustee – Faith Foundation) on +919820162307