Opening Doorz

By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | December 31, 2016

It was the beginning of the year 2001. There was a chill in the air. Somewhere in the suburbs, at an open-air five-star venue, ‘Chromozome’ was being launched. As usual, the PR was persistent that I come to witness the launch, and of course write about it. It was the time when Bombay Times was most sought after. By the Grace of God, I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Come to think of it, I always am.

It was also the time when anything that appeared in the Bombay Times was celebrated. People written about in the publication then genuinely deserved to be there.

And so it was, more out of duty, that I sauntered at the venue much to the delight of the PR. Within a few minutes, Alannah Myles’ Black Velvet started coming out through the speakers. One of my favourites! Then, two minutes later, onto the stage, walked Manasi Scott, microphone in hand. She was actually singing the song on a minus-one track and all this while I thought it was Alannah Myles!

That was my first introduction to Manasi the singer. I had met her a few months earlier, introduced by Craig Scott, my dear friend.

The rest of the evening was a dream for me. Give me good music and my evening is done; present a rock star singer, and I can sit in one corner for hours, revelling in the talent.

Manasi Scott is not a singer; she is a powerhouse of talent. On stage, she metamorphoses into this surreal being that blends with the universe. The microphone, the song, the musicians around her and the audience is all that matter. Be it Michael Jackson, Alannah Myles or even a Bollywood track, the transformation is complete. She has the audience eating out from the palm of her hands.

Since 2001, she has travelled all over the globe, performing in over 1000 ‘live’ shows, writing her own music and songs and also collaborating with talent from the west.

That is Manasi Scott the ‘Ultimate Entertainer’, a sobriquet she has rightly earned.

As a mother, she balances her time and energy to ensure that Zephan Isaiah Scott (Zizou) her son gets the best of her. It’s tough being a single parent, but Manasi is there whenever Zizou needs her. Touring abroad does not make life easier, but the job has got to be done. Emotionally and physically, she makes sure Zizou gets the best of her.

Being a single parent is never easy in this fast-paced scenario, but like the singer who belted out ‘Black Velvet’, Manasi makes it look easy as a single parent as well.

That is Manasi Scott the home-maker.

I have been privy to Manasi’s philanthropic side. A part of her earnings goes to charities and issues she feels strongly about. Whenever I have sought her help to raise funds for charities through concerts conceptualized by me, she has jumped onto the boat to be a part of it. “There is no money, Manasi,” I sheepishly tell her. “No worries Martin,” is her response. “If it is for a genuine cause, count me in.”

Be it for an Orphanage, Special Children, Street Children or even for institutions that I have been associated with to raise funds for, Manasi is my first ‘Go to celebrity’.

Next time you are at a concert or an event in any part of the world, and in walks Manasi Scott, relax and brace yourself for an exciting evening.

Manasi Scott is India’s answer to Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Celine Dion and even Adele.

Happy Birthday Manasi, “may you be blessed lavishly by God as only He can.” (Philippians 4:19)

God Bless You!

Also Read: My protein intake is natural, says Manasi Scott