About two hours away from the exotic Goa, when Irfan participated in the Karavali Mahotsav, little did he realize he will add another huge mount of ardent fans to his already bursting, bustling universe of existing fans.
Meant to be only one of many performances in the musical section of the festival, Irfan descended on the stage like a Unicorn, and the audience hooked their souls to the warm, bristling horn of his melodious voice.
They clamored for repeat performances, they craved to see more of him. Irfan, Irfan, Irfan they chanted, hoping to d him for a while longer on stage.
When the performance ended, they followed him to his hotel room, and enthusiastically clamored for a glimpse for the uncrowned prince of melody. Irfan. When Irfan peeped from his gleaming hotel room, smiling, his shy hand waving, his newly acquired fans - blushing girls, biking youngsters, middle-aged men, happy aunts, and muffler-wrapped children - standing in the mildly chill Goan air, expressed delight with hands thrown up and smiling lips and tight squeals.
And so concluded another memorable evening in the life of Irfan, who is charting new paths and leaving behind notes of his mellifluous voice, for music lover to collect and savor. Here is hoping there are many more cities and countries that attain the distinction of adding Irfan's voice to the glitter of their starry night. Amen.
