Mir Ali Hosts First Live Chicago Concert Post-Pandemic. Launches Rizwana Zareen; Honors Ustad Puran Vyas

By Jatinder Singh Bedi, Chief Editor, Hello NRI | April 03, 2021 06:04 AM

FROM THE LEFT: Mir Ali, Pratibha Jairath, Dr Rizwana Zareen, Farah Salam, Tahira Ali

Mir Ali Hosts First Live Chicago Concert Post-Pandemic

Launches Rizwana Zareen; Honors Ustad Puran Vyas

By Jatinder Singh Bedi, Chief Editor, Hello NRI

CHICAGO – At the first ever live concert in Chicago, its organizer Mir Ali Launched a California-based singer Dr Rizwana Zareen; and also honored Ustad Puran Vyas, Chicago famous Tabla maestro. The dinner-concert was organized at a brilliantly decorated banquet hall at the outskirts of Chicago in Lombard. Being the first live concert of the post-Pandemic era, the event attracted a big audience.

Famous singer Dr Rizwana Zareen, who specially flew-in from California for the concert, was evening’s star attraction. Soon after being introduced by the MC of the evening Ms. Tahira, Dr Rizwana Zareen sang a series of famous Bollywood numbers. Astutely judging the taste of the audience, Rizwana Zareen gave a rich collection of fast tracks as well as the golden oldies. “Ay dil muje bata de to kis pe aagyaa hai…” attracted big applause for Rizwana Zareen. She also sang multiple duets with Mir Ali who was introduced to the audience as the “Voice of Mukesh.” Their duet “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai…” got maximum ovation. Also applauded was: “Mera Pyar Bhi Tu Hai, Yeh Bahar Bhi Tu Hai…”

Dr Rizwana Zahreen is a physician by profession. She has been passionate about singing and music since her childhood. She has received many prizes and awards for solo singing in her early days. For the last few years, Dr Rizwana Zahreen has also been performing at community as well as national events. Versatile Rizwana specializes in several genres including Bollywood, Sufi, Ghazal and Desi Pop. She presented songs in all these genres at this Chicago concert. Her favorite singers include all-time great legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Noor Jehan. She is an ardent fan of Nazia Hasan and thinks of her as her biggest inspiration.

Ustad Puran Vyas is Chicago’s famous Tabla maestro. Many accomplished musicians and entertainers of Chicago have taken lessons from Ustad Puran Vyas. These include NRIs, and the non-Indians as well. Even during the pandemic, Ustad Puran Vyas gives lessons online through Zoom. Ustad Puran Vyas’ wife Ms. Meena Kumari Vyas accompanied him at the award ceremony.

At professional level, Dr Rizwana Zahreen is currently full time engaged in the Clinical Research. She is focused on helping elderly patients with low visual acuity to regain the ability to lead relatively normal lives.

Mir Ali himself is an accomplished singer who identifies his voice with that of legendry Mukesh. Socially active, Mir Ali is also a member of local Schaumburg-based FIA. He has been a pupil of Ustad Puran Vyas who was ceremoniously honored at the glittering Concert-banquet.

Ustad Puran Vyas and Meena Kumari Vyas

Ustad Puran Vyas is Chicago’s famous Tabla maestro. Many accomplished musicians and entertainers of Chicago have taken lessons from Ustad Puran Vyas. These include NRIs, and the non-Indians as well. Even during the pandemic, Ustad Puran Vyas gives lessons online through Zoom. Ustad Puran Vyas’ wife Ms. Meena Kumari Vyas accompanied him at the award ceremony.

Dr Rizwana Zareen-Mir Ali’s long series of solos as well as duets continued all along till dinner; and soon after local singers took over. These included: Farah Salam, Imraan Durrani, Pratibha Jairath, and Tahira Ali. Saif Ali provided the sound system and voice support. All through, the Concert was live broadcast by Ms Farkunda Ali.

Post-concert, a special Meet-and-Greet Dinner was hosted by Shaukhat Khan. Chicago’s prominent entertainers and social personalities attended. Impressed with the Concert, Abdul Rehman Hilani of the Star Alliance commented that they will soon organize a special event in support of their supporters.

At Shaukhat Khan Residence

It being the first live concert post-pandemic lockdowns, strict safety measures were in place as regards Covid-19 screening is concerned. Before they could even approach the facility, the guests were screened and soft tested for Corona. Inside the banquet hall too, social distancing norms was strictly enforced. Seating was adequately spaced, and guests were seen supporting face-masks. Freshly prepared hot tea was much in demand all through.