In March 1984, Indian celebrities including disco and cabaret dancer Kalpana Iyer, screen villain Ranjeet, and music composer Bappi Lahiri arrived in the country for a highly anticipated performance. A report from March 12 of that year detailed how over 350 fans welcomed the stars at Nausori Airport, showering them with loud cheers and garlands.
The entertainers, who were delayed in Nadi where they had spent the night, arrived to find a crowd of loyal supporters who had waited for more than four hours to greet them. Iyer expressed the significance of the visit, stating that it was important for the group to leave with a positive reputation and the satisfaction of having pleased the audience.
She remarked, “Everyone in the group is important, and their support is essential for the success of the show.” Iyer also shared her fondness for Fiji, noting the similarities to her homeland in terms of food and language. “Fiji reminds me of home. One does not feel so far away from home here,” she said.
“I take pride in being Indian when I come to places like Fiji. I am here to perform on stage, and I will do my best, and if I find time, I will try to explore a little bit of Fiji.”