Slumdog Millionaire Choreographer to appear in action for the 9th May Queen Ball in Qatar
Longines Fernandes Mimbai-based Longines Fernandes who has his Goan roots in Asolna, South Goa is all set to appear in action for the ninth edition of the May Queen Ball on 7th May 2009 beginning at 9 pm at the Diplomatic Club organised by the Goan Welfare Association. Longines Fernandes popularly known as Longi will be presenting the popular dance sequence of Jai Ho and Pappu Can't Dance Saala from "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" a film produced by Aamir Khan. It will be an opportunity for the winner of the May Queen contest to dance with Longie after the crowning. Longi sets his career to new heights in Bollywood and Hollywood as he embraces his newfound fame and achievements. At the 81st Academy Awards ceremony, director Danny Boyle thanked him in his acceptance speech, while receiving his award for Best Direction and recalled the contributions of Longi in making his film appealing to the audiences. Longi recently won the Best Choreography Award at the 54th Annual Filmfare Awards for his work in the film "Jaane tu ya jaane na" for Pappu Can't Dance Saala. The Filmfare Awards are one of the oldest and most prominent film events given for Hindi films in India; and Internationally he is most known as the choreographer of the closing credits dance sequence featuring Academy Award Original Song winning song, Jai Ho and another featuring O.Saaya, also nominated in the same category, in the film Slumdog Millionaire. However, after Academy Award winner Danny Boyle graciously thanked him at the 2009 Oscars for his brilliant choreography in the worldwide movie sensation Slumdog Millionaire, people everywhere are buzzing about the name Longines Fernandes. Longi, has been choreographing and dancing for over two decades and has won countless dance titles throughout the years. He performs different dance styles including freestyle, western, salsa, jive, jazz, street, hip-hop and Bollywood style. "Dancing for him is wholesome entertainment and I am a wholesome entertainer", says Longi. He gained widespread popularity by winning runner-up on Sony Entertainment's 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa', which is the Indian version of America's popular reality show 'Dancing with the Stars'. Longi has had a very successful career as one of Bollywood's lead choreographers as well. He has choreographed numerous movies including Mera Dil Leke Dekho, Corporate, Rok Sako To Rok Lo and Agni Pankh. Longi now joins the Xcel Talent Agency family as one of its superstar choreographers. He is currently working on three new films, Bollywood Hero, Sabese Peeche Hum Khade, and Bachelor's Party. Expect to see great things in 2009 from this Ultra Choreographer and Entertainer. The ninth addition of May Queen Ball is full of fun and complete entertainment catering to different nationalities, said Simon D'Silva, president of Goan Welfare Association. The highlight of the event will be Crowning of May Queen. The organisation is also working out plans to rope up in a couple of Bollywood Stars including a top Bollywood comedian that will be announced in a few days. Karishma Fernandez, a news producer and presenter who worked for Bombay World Space Satellite and who is now with Arabian Radio Network in Dubai will compere the show along with veteran Updesh Swar from Goa. Scintillating music performances by Goa's number one band "FOREFRONT". FOREFRONT Participants to the contest should contact the organizers as early as possible. Tickets are priced at Qrs. 150 per adult and Qrs. 100 per child between 5 and 12 years including buffet dinner. Prices will be double after May 3 subject to availability. More details can be had by phoning on 5550491, 5218480, 5807019 and 5504801. Gulf Times: 16/04/2009 Slumdog choreographer to attend May Queen Ball By Ramesh Mathew Longines Fernandes, a widely acclaimed Bollywood choreographer, will attend this year's May Queen Ball celebrations to be held at The Diplomatic Club on May 7. Simon D' Silva, president of the Goan Welfare Association which is organising the event, said Fernandes, who was the choreographer of the Slumdog Millionaire will present the popular dance sequence of Jai Ho from the Oscar winning film at the ninth edition of May Queen Ball . Fernandes, popularly known as "Longi" will also perform the Pappu Can't Dance Saala song from the Bollywood film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The choreographer has his roots in Asolna, in southern Goa and this is what prompted the organisation to invite him for this year's function, said D'Silva. The organisers said the winner of the May Queen contest will get an opportunity to dance with "Longi" after the crowning ceremony. At the 81st Academy Awards ceremony, Slumdog Millionaire's director Danny Boyle recalled the contributions of Longi in making his film appealing to the audiences. Longi recently won the best choreographer award at the 54th annual Filmfare Awards for his work in the film Jaane tu ya jaane na. He has been choreographing and dancing for nearly two decades and has won several dance titles. His repertoire includes freestyle, western, salsa, jive, jazz, street, hip-hop and Bollywood style. He said the organisation is also working out plans to rope in a couple of Bollywood stars, including a comedian. D'Silva said people of any nationality living in Qatar can participate in the May Queen Ball adding that non-Indians had been among the winners of the competitions in recent years. Karishma Fernandez, a news producer and presenter who worked for Bombay World Space Satellite and who is now with Arabian Radio Network in Dubai will compere the show along with veteran Updesh Swar from Goa . Those interested can contact 5550491, 5218480, 5807019 and 5504801 until May 3, D'Silva said.
