The Indian Student Association held its annual talent show last Friday in McFarlin Auditorium. This year ISA increased the prize money to $5,000 to encourage steep competition, with $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place.
Local high school dance group VIP took first place with a hip-hop fusion number. Second place went to the group CSI, a mix of both high school and college students.
Anjili Jasrotia of the University of North Texas won the singing competition with her rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” University of Texas at Arlington student Melanie Bhatti and her pianist came in second.
Only 15 out of 30 groups to try out were selected to compete in the show. There were more than 55 participants of diverse background this year. The show included a variety of song and dance, some traditional South Asian and Indian numbers, as well as other more contemporary pieces.
The ISA annual talent show promotes visibility in the community for the South Asian culture.
“This event not only helped ISA raise awareness for the South Asian culture but it also presented a platform for the local youths to display their talents,” ISA President Shakeel Mehdi said.
Nidhin Phillip, a CSI dance group member, said the talent show is something he looks forward. He said the organization of the show is excellent and that he has been participating for three years.
Mehdi believes this event is important because it brings together SMU students as well as other local high school and college students.
“Why go to your neighbor when you have talent at home?” says Mehdi. “We have our own local talent in DFW.”