By: Jayanti Oza

In a memorable celebration of Bollywood’s golden era, over 900 music lovers gathered at Hari Dham Mandir in Schaumburg to pay tribute to the legendary composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Organized by noted Chicagoland film producer Ramesh Punatar, the evening spotlighted the enduring magic of LP’s music, which defined decades of Indian cinema.

The concert opened with the devotional classic ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’, soulfully performed by Chicago’s own Shaila Khedkar, setting a tone of reverence and nostalgia. A talented ensemble of local artists—including Avani Sing, Joy Christian, Rina Motiwala, Alam Syed, Suman Mooker Ji, Kamlesh Desai, and Melody Mahesh—brought LP’s timeless songs to life with captivating vocals.

Adding a patriotic touch, young talents Shania Tandon and Anyraa Singh performed the American and Indian national anthems, earning heartfelt applause. Dance numbers by Sataakshi Joshi, Shivana, and Samir Soni further energized the crowd and reflected the rhythmic brilliance of LP’s cinematic soundtracks.
Event curator Ramesh Punatar was widely lauded for his continued efforts to preserve and promote Indian musical heritage in the Midwest. He honored several community leaders on stage, including Neil Khot, a U.S. Congressional candidate, and acknowledged the media presence of IndoUS Tribune, represented by Dr. Avi Verma and Jayanti Oza, for their work in amplifying South Asian voices.

The first 100 attendees received special gift packages, and several lucky guests won prizes through a raffle draw, adding festive cheer to the musical evening.
More than just a concert, the event was a moving homage to Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s unmatched contributions to Indian music—and a reminder that their melodies continue to resonate with generations across continents.