Unsung heroes of UAE find time to showcase their hidden talents
dubai — A crowd of over 1,000 blue collar workers sang, danced and celebrated as their colleagues and contestants performed at a talent show organsied at a workers’ accommodation in Al Qouz on Friday night.
Talent knew no bounds as office boys, electricians and other workers put their best foot forward as they displayed their singing and dancing skills at the show that saw Javed Jaffrey, the Bollywood actor, dancer and performer, as the guest of honour.
Two office boys and a car mechanic won Dh10,000, Dh5000, and Dh2,000 respectively in the ‘Colors Ka Sartaj’ contests.
The event was a talent hunt organised for the welfare of UAE’s hardworking blue-collar community. The contestants were judged for their singing, dancing and entertaining skills.
IndiaCast has introduced this event aimed at unearthing the talent hidden in this community while providing a platform to these unsung heroes of the UAE to showcase their exceptional capabilities.
The event has reached out to around 60,000 blue collar workers across the UAE, and conducted auditions in over 60 workers’ accommodations from which 14 most- talented candidates performed at the finale on Friday.
“Such talent shows are a service to the community and we should have more such events for these workers. We have to realise that these workers have left their families and are doing extreme physical labour here.
“So it is both physical and mental challenges that they are braving. So let’s look at ways to bring them happiness by helping them hone their talent, make them self confident.
“We should plan more events and celebrations for them throughout the year and make them feel good about themselves,” said Javed Jaffrey, who made his presence felt by his witty one-liners at the event.
We should plan more events throughout the year and make them feel good about themselves. We have to realise that these workers have left their families and are doing extreme physical labour here.” Javed Jaffrey, Indian actor
Meet the winners
The winner of the talent show was 22-year-old Muhammad Uvais, an office boy, who impressed the audience and the judge with a soulful ghazal.
“This money is much-needed by my family back home as I have my parents and two college going brothers in India.
“I have always been very fond of singing but when I got a job in Dubai, I decided I would forget about all singing and other hobbies and get serious about work.
“I never thought I would ever get a chance to perform on stage. Coming to Dubai has helped me realise my dreams. The people here have given me love, support
I have always been very fond of singing but when I got a job in Dubai, I decided I would forget about all singing and other hobbies and get serious about work. I never thought I would ever get a chance to perform on stage.” Muhammad Uvais, winner
and opportunity to display my talent and I am grateful.”
Giving out his message of hope, Uvais said: “God has gifted each one of us some or the other talent so we should hone it and not just let it go.”
Faeem, a car mechanic who secured the third position for his dancing performance, said: “The song I chose was dedicated to my mother back in India whom I miss terribly.”
The mechanic added: “I started with an emotional song and shifted to an energetic song to show that it is hard to live without our loved ones but still we work hard to make them proud.”
Nepal national Pankaj, an office boy, who secured the second position for his dance performance, said he hardly practised for the show due to lack of much free time.
“I am in office for almost 12 hours and after coming back we have to cook and clean so there is hardly any time to practise. This amount of prize money is important for us as I am building a house for my family in Nepal,” Singh said.
“Don’t consider yourself small even if you are doing odd jobs. Just believe in yourself and work hard. This country will give you ample opportunities to showcase your talent,” added Singh.