Bollywood Superstar Farhan Performs at Arena Theatre

HOUSTON: On April 27, Houston had the privilege of welcoming one of Bollywood’s most famous superstars, Farhan Akhtar, to the Arena Theatre, where he put on a special concert to benefit Magic Bus USA.  Farhan is an ardent supporter of Magic Bus and serves as one of its spokespersons.  His performance, for which he received no fee, attracted almost two thousand five hundred Houstonians, who together raised over $175,000 for the Magic Bus charity for unprivileged children.

Magic Bus is a nonproft organization (MagicBus.org) based in Mumbai with over 8000 volunteers and operations in fourteen states in India that impact over 250,000 children.  The organization’s goals are simple – to change the course of children’s lives, one game at a time.  Specifically, Magic Bus uses a unique, activity-based methodology to teach children about education, gender equality, health, and social issues by engaging them in games that reinforce positivity.

Sunday’s show began with Masala Radio’s Sunil Thakkar engaging the audience with amusing banter, followed by spectacular dance performances by Naach Houston and the Infused Performing Arts group. Rahul Brahmbhatt, Executive Director of Magic Bus USA, provided the audience with a brief overview of Magic Bus’ award winning charitable programs through a short film, highlighting the transformative nature of the organization’s activities on children.

The real rockstar of the evening, though, was Matthew Spacie – the Founder and CEO of Magic Bus. Matthew was working in Mumbai when, on a whim, he invited children from slums to join in a game of rugby.  This simple gesture showed Matthew how participation in sports could be used to teach valuable life lessons and help kids develop physical, social, and personal skills.  That rugby game sparked Matthew into action, and he, with other volunteers, soon began transporting street kids from the slums in buses to various destinations near Mumbai for a day of fun and mentoring via a sports-based curriculum; hence, the “Magic Bus” was formed.

Matthew was followed by the president of Magic Bus Houston Council, Amit Bhandari, who articulated how he and his wife Arpita, and their children, spent time in Mumbai slums to understand how Magic Bus worked. Clearly impressed with Magic Bus, Amit Bhandari requested Houstonians to donate, noting that the sum of just $25 a month can change the life of a street child in Mumbai.  Magic Bus India is endorsed by Abhishek Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, John Abraham, Sachin Tendulkar and others.

Amidst the thunderous applause and chanting of excited fans, Farhan took the stage and captured the audience with his familiar Bollywood hits and an unforgettable display of energy, including doing fifty push-ups on stage between songs, as the audience counted down and cheered him on in a frenzy.

Fellow vocalist Shannon Donald also shared the stage with the Bollywood superstar, performing a variety of musical scores. Along with Shannon Donald, Farhan was accompanied by his talented band members: lead guitarist Sarosh Izedyar, bass guitarist Dibyajyoti Nath, drummer Darshan Doshi, and keyboardist Umaang Doshi.

Nalini Kannan of Décor One provided decorations for the evening at no cost, Mahesh Shah of Madras Pavilion provided refreshments at no cost and Faisal Kamal of Embassy suites provided complimentary rooms.  A private reception for major donors preceded the concert.

In the aftermath of a massively successful show in Houston, Magic Bus USA plans to host more fundraiser events through galas, concerts and sports related activities. The magic created by Magic Bus foundation USA and Farhan will be etched in the memories of the audience for a long time to come.