Resident of Vishwashanti Niketan. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
VT Entertainers Charitable Trust, started by Dr. Vasudha Theertharam in 2018, is back with its fund raiser, Offbeat 2024., A musical programme, conceived and conducted by Vasudha, who is also an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Vasudha, the parent of a 34-year-old son with Down’s syndrome, says, Offbeat’s tagline is celebrating the lesser-known people, because we are celebrating the marginalized. Vasudha says that the concert will include lesser known and famous topics of Bollywood. “Some of our past themes have been songs from films by lesser-known directors, lesser-known heroes and songs shot in different parts of the world.”
Vasudha says, the 2024 edition is a sample of choreography. “Dance has been an integral part of cinema, yet, many choreographers of the past did not get their due due. The 2024 edition will pay tribute to him by presenting songs featuring his memorable dance choreography.
Vasudha says that she has tried to include songs with a variety of dance forms, from classical and disco to contemporary styles. This year’s edition will feature actors like Samanvita Sharma, Shruti Bhide, Govind Kurnool, Narasimhan Kannan, Arundhati Vashishtha, Chinmayi Rao, Kaash and Kalvinder Singh. He will be accompanied by an orchestra of dance and audio-visual effects by Pradeep Patkar and his team.
The artistes were selected based on their expertise, says Vasudha. “We have a mix of well-known names and promising talent.” The income from the show will be given to Vishwashanthi Niketan in Arasinakunte. “This is a residential home for the disabled. It is a home away from home for children with special needs and less privileged citizens. This is especially a relief to parents of able-bodied people who are worried about who will take care of their loved ones after they are gone. ,
Dr Vasudha Teerthram Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Vishwashanthi Niketan, established by the Karnataka Parents Association (KPA) in 2012, has been one of the beneficiaries of the VT Entertainers Charitable Trust, which has supported various institutions by raising funds through music shows. “The trust also receives donations from philanthropists,” says Vasudha, 61, who has been associated with Vishwashanti Niketan for the past nine years.
Vasudha aims to sensitize people towards the needs of the disabled. Vasudha stopped practicing after Covid to take care of her son. “I always wanted to do something for the disabled. Since it was impossible for me to physically be with them, I decided to raise funds and help them.
Talking about the challenges of parenting a disabled person, Vasudha says: “They need constant attention. When they fall ill, it is heartbreaking because they cannot express what they are feeling. Being a doctor helps me diagnose my son, yet sometimes it is hard. “It’s like taking constant care of a small child.”
Offbeat 2024 will be held on 6th October, 6 PM at Chaudia Memorial Hall. For Donor Pass call 9886019151/9845049796 and tickets are available on BookMyShow.
published – October 02, 2024 10:50 AM IST
