The mood changed when Indar Kanhai began wooing his captive fans with the opening bars of “Hota Hain,” making an entrance from the western end of the stage. Dressed in shimmering purple and silver suit, Kanhai dished out a non-stop medley of hits from the 1970s and ‘80s made popular by Indian playback singer Kishore Kumar. These included the hits “Kutchlogg,” “Diwana le ke Aaya Hain,” “Om Shanti” and “Ye kaay ho wa.”

Kanhai, who was accompanied for most of his routine by four dancers from D’Ma Pau Vikash Dance Company, invited Vena Gupta, wife of the Indian High Commissioner, to join him in singing a duet in “Vada Raha.”

Kanhai stepped into the crowd to greet his entourage of female fans who mobbed him for hugs and kisses as he tried to encourage the women to sing along with him. Kanhai later signed autographed copies of his limited edition CD “Melodies of Indar Kanhai” while taking an off-stage break.

Kanhai re-appeared, dressed in a metallic blue suit, shortly before midnight. Teasing the audience by singing the opening lines to “Rajin‚” made popular by Adesh Samaroo, Kanhai then switched to “Pretty Woman‚” from the movie Kal Ho Na Ho‚ as his tribute to mothers.

Kanhai performed for the first time on any stage a medley of Mohammed Rafi favourites which included the popular “Sohanie Raat.”

At the stroke of midnight, Kanhai urged everyone to rise and give their mother a kiss.

He went on to sing several tracks from his latest LP. Kanhai climaxed his night’s work singing “Darshan Ho Ma‚” the religious song made popular by Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam.

The Shiv Shakti dancers brought the curtain down on a night of some truly spectacular performances, each a special gift to mothers on their special day.