HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMALA DANTAS
Karl Dantas celebrated Amala's birthday with Tuscany's top chef Cristian Borchi cooking an amazing Italian meal. Liver pate Antipasto was followed by three outstanding Primi Piatti. Raviolo di Zucca gialla con burro,Tagliatelle and Gnocchi ( images included). Secondi piatti and dolce later we were all stuffed turkeys! Happy birthday dearest Amala Dantas.
THE ANNUAL PILOO TATA GOURMET DINNER
The annual Piloo Tata gourmet dinner. Lobster Daree, Bharuchi Akoori, Yakhni Lamb Pulav, Patra Ni Machi among the multi course Parsi spread devoured by global Consul Generals and Piloo's Indian friends. Long live our marvellous Bawas, we love you guys.
ELEGANCE PERSONIFIED
NEW YEAR'S EVE 2017
The ever gorgeous Saroja Sirisena Consul General Sri Lanka hosted Mumbai's most rocking private party. Watch both videos. Fountains of bubbly fueled dancing till dawn to 80s disco classics. Global diplomats, corporate honchos,politicos and bureaucrats rock'n'rolled to welcome 2017. Happy New Year world from Vinod Advani.
ISRAELI HANUKKAH DINNER!
They are family to me: Consul General Israel, dynamic David Akov and multi-talented wife Tamar Akov who hosted a pre-Hannukah dinner. Fine wine accompanied the delicious Jewish food spread. Many of my close diplomatic friends bonded with each other over stories, anecdotes and Christmas cheer. Click on video links. Lets come together to celebrate all faiths with love, friendship and peace!
CHRISTMAS PARTY IN MUMBAI
The merriest Christmas Party in Mumbai for the past three years is chez British Deputy High Commissioner. Sadly this will be their last. They leave mid 2017. Kumar Iyer and Kathryn Iyer you have endeared yourselves to this city in so many amazing ways. Delighted to have caught up with evergreen friends Radhika Piramal, Milind Deora, Dilip and Manali Vengsarkar, and two special ladies Kathy Le Fevre and Amy Fernandes. Click on video and sing the carol!
BANGLADESH VICTORY DAY
Bangladesh Victory Day! The Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Mumbai Ms. Samina Naz hosted a program of the War of Independence. Lt-Col( Retd) Puntambekar spoke eloquently about the Indian army's historic support and the bloody battlefields. Sumit Mullick Chief Protocol Officer recited George Harrison's classic song Bangladesh and amazing singer Carlyta Mouhini sang three acapella songs. Delicious Bengali lunch followed.
GERMAN NATIONAL DAY
Newly arrived to Mumbai, German Consul General Dr Jurgen Morhard and lovely wife Petra have already made an indelible and impressive mark in The Indian circles that matter. This album captures some lovely snapshots of some dear friends at last night's German national day party. Missed clicking Saroja Sirisena Rosimar Suzano Rb Norani Sabri Ergen Toast to Indo German friendship which has remained strong over decades! Please dont miss the music video.
BELGIUM KING'S DAY
What a night ! What a celebration! Kings Day, Belgium. Last week. Peter Huyghebaert dynamic Consul General choreographed the perfect soiree ever. Cheers
SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY IN TAJ MAHAL, MUMBAI
Singapore National Day celebrations hosted by the very affable Consul General Ajit Singh at the Taj Mahal Mumbai. Super delicious street food. Some of my dear global diplomats.
FRENCH NATIONAL DAY IN MUMBAI
PRAYERS FOR FRANCE! Just two hours after we had celebrated the French National day in Mumbai, came the horrific news of the horrific attack in NICE! After much inner debate, i have decided to post some few images of the 14th July soiree. Just to state: Life must go on / Never give in to Fear / The terror is not going to go away any time soon, so lets face it!
VINOD ADVANI BIRTHDAY PARTY – PART 2
I have cousins whom I am ashamed about. And I have friends whom God gave me as family. Like Seema Mehrotra and Jaideep Mehrotra. Thank you darlings for the wonderfully warm way you celebrated my birthday on 10th June. How blessed we all are to have each other through the Storms and the Sunshine! Thanks to all my Indian and global diplomatic friends who sparkle sparkle my life! Krsna Mehta tx for the colourful gift. Will post that seperately dear. Much love to all my friends on FB and in real life. Missed you Rashmi Uday Singh.
VINOD ADVANI BIRTHDAY PARTY – PART 1
Kishor Bajaj! Kintu Bajaj! Thanks for the amazing kickstart to my birthday, a week in advance. All my global diplomat friends thought the food was outstanding! Thanks to all my childhood friends for being there to sing with me. Hugs to Dinesh Mirchandani,Guitar wiz, Sharon P Prabhakar chanteuse extraordinaire and if you click on video link you will even watch Kumar iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner singing! All you need is Love !
BRITISH NATIONAL DAY (QUEEN ELIZABETH BIRTHDAY PARTY)
Kumar Iyer debonair British Deputy High Commissioner welcoming guests to the 90th birthday celebrations of Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II …. My hero and icon, actor Sir Ian McKellen spoke,as did Minister Desai and Sir Dominic Asquith, British High Commissioner to India , based in Delhi. The Taj Mahal Hotel served up Fish and Chips and Shepherds Pie amongst a large spread. Guests ( some) gulped down the Johnnie Walker as if Maharashtra too will soon go for liquor ban! ( Terrifying thought that!) Cheers meanwhile on a happy spirited Sunday. And yes, God Save The Queen !
68th INDEPENDENCE DAY OF ISRAEL
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the celebrations of the 68th Independence Day of Israel, which i had the immense honour of hosting last night.Top global diplomats, corporate honchos and friends of Israel were treated to a visual extravaganza and a lip smacking feast. Shaina Penkar thrilled with her belly dancing! ( Click on link) The Israeli wine was terrific too. Delighted to have run into my friends Atul and Vandana Kasbekar , Rati and Nadir Godrej et al. It was the only National day event where Mumbai's famous gatecrashers were conspicuously absent ! Shalom Israel ! Love and respect!
GREEK EASTER
Marika is Greek and a talented painter. Frank is German businessman.Friendly family Koenig are known for serving gastronomic delights.On Sunday 2nd May they celebrated Greek Easter lunch with a happy group of Greeks and Indians. Google up why the red eggs and why Greek Easter now. And then feast your eyes on some of the yummmy food and also on the spectacular view from their terrace. Bless you Maria-Marika Koenig Frank Koenig for your warm hearts and hospitality!
SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL DAY
Please welcome the new Consul General of South Africa Ms Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa. It was my privilege to be Program Director of the 22nd Freedom Day Celebrations of the Republic of South Africa. Lerato Moshile is the new Consul,here in trendy black top and yellow necklace along with Tshepiso in traditional attire. Always a joy to catch up with the gorgeous Saroja Sirisena Sri Lanka CG,my mate David Akov Israel CG and Pinkey Ahluwalia Inderjit Ahluwalia who are like family. Wishing Her Excellency Ramokgopa all the very best in her India posting. Phillip Mtsweni no one can dance like you! Padmakar Nandekar Paddy friend so glad you joined in!
PILOO TATA ANNUAL DINNER
Lady Piloo Tata hosted another fab soiree at her South Mumbai villa. Was an Xclusive congregation of Consul Generals partaking of delicious Parsi food. Consul Generals of Italy, Israel, France,Sri Lanka, Iceland,New Zealand, Australia… only the dapper British DHC Kumar Iyer was missing.
INDONESIAN CHRISTMAS BRUNCH 2015
UK CHRISTMAS BASH
The dynamic British Deputy High Commissioner to India , Mr Kumar Iyer, once again hosted his much looked forward to Christmas bash. Lovely wife Kathryn ensured that the dinner buffet table was covered with the most delectable goodies. We drank mulled wine, we sang Carols and for those brief hours we forgot the violence that the world has seen in 2015!
HAPPY HANNUKAH
Mr David Akov , Consul General of Israel, invited a few of his closest friends to celebrate Hannukah. His ever charming wife Tamar laid out a delicious feast which we ate with great relish. Wines from Carmel Winery flowed freely.
Hannukah is a Jewish festival, lasting eight days from the 25th day of Kislev (in December) and commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by the Syrians. It is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights.
FAREWELL FRIENDS
RUSSIAN CONSUL GENERAL FAREWELL
TURKEY NATIONAL DAY
HERMES SOIREE
ITALIAN DINNER
JAIDEEP MEHROTRA'S ART PREVIEW
Renowned Indian artist Jaideep Mehrotra , whose oeuvres d'art are much in demand worldwide, held a private viewing of some of his new works.
Spouse Seema Mehrotra played gracious hostess as always to perfection.
Six paintings and eight sculptural works will be on display at the famous @ArtBahrain in Manama, Bahrain from 13 to 16 October.
More power to your imagination Jaideep!
50th NATIONAL DAY OF REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
It's a milestone in the history of a young nation. Singapore celebrated 50 years of its existence as a Republic, with a food themed dinner at the Taj Palace, Mumbai.
His Excellency Lim Thuan Kuan , High Commissioner of Singapore flew down from Delhi to join the very popular Ajit Singh Consul General Singapore and his charming wife Balveer in raising a toast.
The legendary and reclusive Ratan Tata, who is the only Indian to be conferred honorary citizenship of Singapore came and even addressed the audience. As did Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis witha brief speech.
Feroza Godrej, Adi Godrej, Gerson DaCunha, and slew of other luminaries were conspicuous by their presence. Spicy Singapore Street Food went down rather well with both gourmets and gourmands.
And yes, the Crystal Room was all lit up in pink.
COTE D'IVOIRE NATIONAL DAY
Property developer tycoon Sandeep Shah of HB Realtors is also Honorary Consul for the West African country of Cote D'Ivoire ( Ivory Coast).
To celebrate the country's 55th Republic Day, Sandeep and his lovely wife Shirrin hosted a dinner and dance party at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.
The city's elite, international Consul Generals and media attended in great numbers relishing the
delicious food (yes, sometimes Taj banquets does that).
We all danced way past Cinderella time till 2am! Thats the sign of a rocking party! Cheers!
BYE BYE MATAN ZAMIR
David Akov, Consul General Israel hosted a dinner for close friends to bid farewell to his deputy, the very popular Matan Zamir.
Delicious wines and great food at Cafe Zoe did not lessen the sadness of saying bye bye. Mumbai will miss you Matan. Best wishes for Boston.
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Kumar Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner hosted the Queen's Birthday party at the Taj Mahal on 10th June. I thanked him sincerely, since it was also my birthday and it meant I could celebrate with all my diplomat friends.
Kumar exhibited his well known wit with a sparkling speech, which also included a Bollywood film song lyric bravely spoken in Hindi.
His wife Kathryn, whom we all adore, was the epitome of friendliness and warmth. The perfect hostess for all seasons.
Three cheers for the Iyers! And God save the queen.
BYE BYE BELGIAN BUDDIES
The extremely popular Pinkey Ahluwalia hosted a warm farewell dinner for three of her colleagues from the Belgian Consulate.
Dynamic Belgian Consul General Karl Van Der Bossche departs for Brussels after a very successful four years.
His deputy the handsome Eduard and lovely wife Marieke are posted to Beijing as are Josephine and Jose with their darling twins Sophia and Laura.
India's most successful Bollywood film maker Raju Hirani turned up to wish everyone.
My only question to him was why was he making a biopic of Sanjay Dutt? Hmmmmm.
To our departing friends we say Au Revoir… Phir Milenge… God speed
ARGENTINA'S 205TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT TAJ MAHAL PALACE HOTEL
For over four years Mr Tomas Ferrari has been showcasing his country's many touristic attractions, as Consul General of Argentina. Like Polo . Like Malbec wines. Always sartorially splendid, he and his elegant wife Anh are darlings of the city's swish set. On Argentina's National Day, we all raised a toast to wish long life!
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF HIRA AND BARBARA
Renuka Batlivala hosted London’s glam couple Hira and Barbara’s wedding anniversary at her garden villa in Mumbai’s Gateway of India quartier. We sang along with Sharon the diva and Ernie the pianist and everyone danced. The older the wine , the greater the zest to enjoy life! Cheers!
EXPO MILAN DINNER
Bollywood celebrated along with host Ugo Ciarlatani, Italian Consul General and his charming spouse Vanessa. Kabir Bedi, famous throughout Italy for his role as Sandokan turned up with long time companion Parveen Dusanj to join the dinner at trendy Maritime Restaurant,Taj Land End Hotel. The Shroffs -Jackie, wife Ayesha and son Tiger ( the newest boy wonder with massive hit Heropanti under his belt) seemed to have firmly closed the media scandal chapter and raised a toast to good friend Sajid Nadiadwala ( President, Indian Film & TV Producers Council) being felicitated for celebrating Italy through his movies.
SINGAPORE CONSUL GENERAL DINNER , FEB 26, 2015
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2015 is The Year Of The Sheep ( And Goat / Ram). The Chinese commonly regard sheep as an auspicious animal, and the Year of the Sheep, therefore, heralds a year of promise and prosperity. Also applicable to those born in 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003. The Singapore Consul General Mr Ajit Singh and his lovely wife Balveer hosted a lavish dinner at their residence to celebrate. The newly arrived Chinese Consul General and the Indonesian Consul General ( call him Ringo!) mingled with the others pictured here.
SABIRA MERCHANT EMERALD ANNIVERSARY, Feb 25, 2015
Could it really be true? Sabira Merchant, theatre doyenne, pioneering TV game show star,diction professor to hundreds of Miss India aspirants, celebrated fifty five years of married bliss with her debonair husband Chotu.
Esther and Raju Daswani, Naaz and Remu Javeri, Raell Padamsee, Pashupati Advani,Indu and Ranjit Shahani, ran the endless list of party hearties who turned up to wish them, Cheers and God bless the Merchants.
