THE SOUND OF MUSIC AT TATA THEATRE, JULY 23, 2018

The Sound Of Music is probably one of the best musical productions that i have seen so far in India. Last night, I was a teenager again, singing along with my memories. Kudos for that must be given to Raell Padamsee, who has followed in the grand tradition of both her parents Alyque and everyone's darling Pearl, who is probably smiling down from Heaven and saying " My daughter is a worthy gem too". Raell and her team's sensitive inclusivity of visually impaired children adds stars to the pathos, charm and immaculate singing that have undoubtedly raised the bar for all future Indian musicals to be staged in Mumbai. Take a bow Merlin Dsouza Kunal Shrikrishna Vijayakar and all the others who are not on FB with me. Thank you for this profound experience.

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FAREWELL TO CONSUL GENERAL FRANCE, JULY 18, 2018

A sad/sweet dinner soiree on 17th July night. Food at KOKO was outstanding as always. Sad because we said au revoirs to our darling friends Yves Perrin CG France and Caroline Perrin Deflandre. Also sad because my other darling friends CG Hungary Norbert Revai-Bere and wife Anita, also leave India next week. Rb Norani All things must pass 😪 Please feel free to say bye bye to them on this post Peter Huyghebaert Pinkey Ahluwalia Marianne Laruelle Jennifer Larson Balveer Kaur Sheetal Munshaw Parul Mehta.

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FRENCH NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED IN MUMBAI, JULY 15, 2018

Quatorze Juillet aka French National Day celebrated best in Mumbai with over a thousand guests ! I chose to sit in the historic Sea Lounge with my hosts French CG Yves and Caroline Perrin Deflandre plus Hungary CG Norbert and Anita, Parul Mehta Seema Mehrotra Jaideep Mehrotra Jennifer Larson

FAREWELL TO CONSUL GENERAL CANADA, JULY 14, 2018

Au revoir CG Canada, our dear friends Jordan Reeves and Jennifer. Congratulations on your new post as Ambassador to Taiwan. You both will be much missed.

FAREWELL DINNER FOR CONSUL GENERAL OF FRANCE, JULY 12, 2018

My very dear friends,the distinguished Consul General of Singapore Mr Ajit Singh and elegant wife Balveer Kaur hosted an intimate farewell lunch for the soon-to-depart Consul Generals of France (Yves Perrin) and Hungary ( Dr Norbert Revai-Bere) and their lovely spouses. You will be much missed Caroline Perrin Deflandre Anita Revai-Bere Rb Norani. Reality hit me today that my friends of so many years will no more be here in Mumbai.😪 Au Revoir ! Viszontlátásra !

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FAREWELL TO CONSUL GENERAL HUNGARY DR. NOBERT, JULY 10, 2018

Viszontlátásra ! Phir Milenge to Hungary's most dynamic Consul General Dr Norbert aka Rb Norani ! Tx to you my friend, i learnt loads about delicious Hungarian wines (Furmint ! Tokaj !) and historic culture ! Your lovely family will be much missed. May God keep you all safe and happy in your next chapter of life ! Jai Sri Krishna blessings ! Sok szerencsét !

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FAREWELL TO ISRAELI AMBASSADOR MR DANIEL CARMON, JULY 3, 2018

Bidding Au Revoir to Israeli Ambassador Mr Daniel Carmon at private dinner hosted by Israeli Consul General Ya'akov Finkelstein.His Excellency facilitated the historic visit of Indian PM to Israel and also the reciprocal visit of Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, Israeli PM. As always,Nurit Finkelstein made the most delicious food!

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At his residence, Mr Ya’akov Finkelstein , Consul General Isarel , bids farewell to the Israeli Ambassador. ya’akov’s wife Nurit is to his left. Both are the warmest people i have met. I just love being at home with them.

I HOSTED A FAREWELL DINNER FOR MARIA PURIFICACIŎN HERNĂNDEZ GAJATE, JULY 1, 2018

Thousands of Mumbaikars will not have heard of Maria Purificación Hernández Gajate. But its thanks to her that they travelled to Spain in the last four years. Maria signed the visas. Now its time for her to go back to her beloved Madrid. Is she happy? She says she will not miss doing the hundred signatures a day. But she is sad, since it means saying goodbye to her beloved Mumbai, bidding Adios to the those citizens she calls lifelong friends. Turned out to be a surreal farewell dinner. My Argentinian Consulate friends Mariana, Andrea and Pablo Ramirez Arnol watched their country get booted out of the World Cup. So, we did the next best thing. Drink loads of great wines.Hope you all did too !

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BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR OUR DEAR KAILASH SURENDRANATH, JUNE 23, 2018

Rocking birthday party for our dear Kailash Surendranath, pioneering ad film maker 😍 Hosted by the inimitable duo Sammeer Sheth and Palak Sheth. That Red cake was awesome Aarti Gupta Surendranath , right? Jackie Shroff so reminds me of Johhny Depp!

CAROLINE AND YVES PERRIN'S DINNER, JUNE 16, 2018

Caroline and Yves Perrin's dinner soireés are noted for fine French wines, authentic French cuisine and warm hospitality. This Consul General has certainly promoted France with elan and dedication. Sorry to see them go soon.

MY BIRTHDAY, JUNE 11, 2018

Singing The Beatles classic" In my Life" off key on my birthday. No one killed me. Thank you dear friends for your love and blessings.

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NATIONAL DAY OF RUSSIA, JUNE 9, 2018

Russia National Day. Spasibo. With long time and cultured friends

HUNGARIAN WINES TASTING AT CINCIN, BKC, MAY 30, 2018

Laughter and joy is the best way to enjoy wines. Norbert Rb Norani, your Hungarian wines are yummy for the summer. CinCin's (BKC) delish Italian feast enhanced the joy. Karyna you are a star, just like dad Kishor Bajaj ! Cheers ! Egészségére !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAVI SHASTRI, MAY 27, 2018

Happy birthday Ravi Shastri, friend & fellow Gemini. May your creativity and outstanding experience steer Indian cricket to greater heights ! Kishore Bajaj my brother, your hospitality is always outstanding. Chintu Kapoor, your edgy humor is unmatched. Edgard D. Kagan Kathy Le Fevre.

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ARGENTINA NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS, MAY 26, 2018

Through synergy of intellect, artistry and grace came the joy of dance ! Let's tango ! Argentina National Day celebrations.

SONG AND DANCE FOR THE SOUL, MAY 23, 2018

Song and dance are food for the soul ! There were plenty of feasts for all senses chez Ralph and Sonia Hays, New Zealand's Consul General. Outstanding hospitality in a residence that is so tastefully appointed. Thanks for the guitar playing Allwyn Saldanha.

CG ITALY HOSTED A RECEPTION ON 20TH MAY NIGHT TO CELEBRATE ITALIAN CINEMA WEEK, MAY 20, 2018

Italian Cinema Week starts across India from 21st to 25th. Dear friend, gorgeous Stefania Costanza, CG Italy hosted a reception tonight to celebrate. Great news for cinema buffs: Free entry. Go !

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INAUGURATION OF THE V4 ART EXHIBITION, MAY 17, 2018

Two talented, beautiful ladies played enchanting music at the soiree to inaugurate the V4 Art Exhibition. The initiative was led by the Hungarian Presidency 2017/2018 of the Visegrad Group of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia – our hosts. Thanks dynamic Hungary CG Dr Norbert!

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SANDEEP BAJORIA'S SON GETTING MARRIED AT TAJ PALACE HOTEL, MAY 7 2018

My dear friend Sandeep Bajoria' son getting married. At Taj Palace Hotel, first of many receptions.Jain and veg food.Yumms. Eggless desserts. Pièce de resistance : Rose petals ice cream.

TERRY FOX BRUNCH TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER STRICKEN CHILDREN, MAY 6, 2018

Angels strut their stuff. Terry Fox brunch to raise money for cancer stricken children.

CG SINGAPORE HOSTED DINNER RECEPTION IN HONOR OF INIMITABLE SUMIT MULLICK, MAY 3, 2018

The very popular Ajit Singh, Consul General Singapore and his charming wife Balveer Kaur hosted dinner reception in honor of the inimitable Sumit Mullick who has segued seamlessly from Chief Secretary to CIC, Govt of Maharashtra ! His innumerable friends and well wishers look forward to his next book.

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SOUTH AFRICA'S 24TH FREEDOM DAY IN MUMBAI, APRIL 29, 2018

What an honour to host South Africa's 24th Freedom Day in Mumbai. True to her nature,my dear friend Consul General Ms Maropene Dirupzela Ramokgopa sparkled as the host of the evening. Thanks to Max Hoba's band, the evening rocked till the wee hours of the morning!

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Max Hoba and the Chorus from South africa
Amazing music by the Max Hoba band from South Africa at a private celebration in Mumbai on Saturday 28th April. Raised a toast to the 24th Freedom Day of South Africa !
Honoured to introduce the inimitable Consul General of South Africa who has been an outstanding Ambassador of her dynamic country. More power to you dearest Maropene Dirupzela Ramokgopa We Indians raise a toast to the 24th Freedom Day of South Africa

NATIONAL DAY OF THE NETHERLAND, APR 28, 2018

National Day of the Netherlands 27th night. Dear friends Consul General Guido Tielmann and his gorgeous wife Rita Rozite hosted the most generous reception.

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CONSULATE OF ARGENTINA INVITED INTO HIS WORLD OF DELICIOUS WINES

I have passionately studied wines across the world for 30 years. Just love light Malbec wines from Argentina, ideal for our sultry Indian climate. Thanks Consulate of Argentina for inviting me into your world of delicious wines,year after year. Love Maria Marta Pigani Pablo Ramirez Arnol Dear Jackie Matai Your Pampas wines are outstanding !

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NATIONAL DAY OF ISRAEL AT THE ST. REGIS MUMBAI, APR 17, 2018

I was honoured to host the National day of Israel on 17th April night. Consul General Ya'akov Finkelstein delivered his official speech with his trademark sense of humour. Superb dance performance by Terence Lewis's troupe regaled the exclusive gathering.

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I really enjoyed hosting this event tonight
Terence Lewis Dance Company

BAYROUTE, NEW RESTO IN CUFFE PARADE, MAR 31, 2018

Hello Bayroute, new resto in Cuffe Parade( where Moshe used to be). Rich Mediterranean fare inside this Capadoccia inspired ambience.Fun launch party thanks to dear friend, the multi talented Suchitra Pillai. Cheers.

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AU REVOIR TO NIMROD ASSOULINE, CONSUL GENERAL, ISRAEL, MAR 22, 2018

Saying goodbye to a friend is never easy, even when you know it is inevitable. Au Revoir to Nimrod Assouline, Consul , Israel, who leaves India soon. Our best wishes go with you dear Nimrod, with the knowledge that your wife and son will be thrilled to have you back home finally.

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FANTASIES ON ITALIAN OPERA BY MASTER MUSICIANS, MAR 20, 2018

Delighted to witness this unique concert by the Chamber Orchestra of the illustrious La Scala, Milan. Grazie Mille, Italian CG Stefania Costanza for this amazing experience. Superlative Fantasies on Italian Opera by master musicians. Private dinner with them was an added bonus !

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157TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIFICATION OF ITALY, MAR 18, 2018

The new and delightful Consul General of Italy Stefania Costanza hosted a celebration to mark the 157th anniversary of The Unification of Italy. It was fun for me to catch up with so many of my dear global diplomatic friends !

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70TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN HUNGARY AND INDIA, MAR 17, 2018

I was honored to host the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Hungary and India. Rb Norani Consul General of Hungary regaled the exclusive guests with a feast for all senses – music, film, dance ! Click on the video to watch the awesome ‘Alba Regia’ Dance Ensemble with the equally awesome ‘Szedtevette’ Music Band !

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ELEGANT FAREWELL DINNER FOR THE ELEGANT SRI LANKAN CONSUL GENERAL AT IZAYA, MAR 5, 2018

An elegant farewell dinner for the elegant Sri Lankan Consul General at Izaya. Good luck my dearest Saroja Sirisena for the imminent exciting diplomatic challenge. Ambassadorship beckons and yes,we will address you as Excellency ! With Consul Generals South Africa- Maropene Dirupzela Ramokgopa, Germany -Juergen Morhard, Petra Morhard,Singapore- Ajit Singh Balveer Kaur and dynamic doctor Sudath Talpahewa Saroja's husband based in London. Missed you Sumit Mullick, Shobhaa De and you-know-who Mr Consul General !

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GERMAN CONSUL GENERAL HOSTED FAREWELL DINNER FOR SAROJA SIRISENA, MAR 2, 2018

The very affable Juergen Morhard, German Consul General and his gorgeous wife Petra Morhard hosted a emotional farewell dinner for the soon-to-depart Saroja Sirisena, Sri Lanka's most popular and successful Consul General ever ! Please do listen to my excerpt of Juergen's speech.We are all very happy for Saroja's imminent diplomatic elevation, but boy,is she going to be missed! Ask tout Bombay !

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LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATED BY CONSUL GENERAL OF SINGAPORE, FEB 28, 2018

My very dear friends Ajit Singh, Consul General Singapore and his uber-charming wife Balveer Kaur celebrated Lunar New year with their customary elegance and elan ! Good cheer flowed with outstanding wines and a spicy,tangy buffet spread !

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COSTA NEOCLASSICA CRUISE SHIP, FEB 17, 2018

Costa NeoClassica Cruise ship. Rocking every night. One day I will sail away and write a new story every day.But tonight was a dream too, enhanced by seven star hospitality. Drank one of my all time fave reds and gorged on delish food.

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SRI LANKA'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR INDEPENDENCE DAY, FEB 15, 2018

I was honored to present Sri Lanka's 70th Anniversary of their Independence Day. Consul General Saroja Sirisena organised the reception with her known elegance and panache.Naval Commander Damian Fernando flew in from Colombo to enthrall us with his melodious songs.The CSMVS Museum grounds looked magical! Sonia Hays

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HONORED TO HOST THE VOLARE AWARDS, FEB 10, 2018

Honored to host the VOLARE awards, instituted by The Italian Consulate and ENIT( Italian State Tourism Board). Stars descended from their heavens but everyone missed Amitabh Bachchan whose health we pray for. Thanks Deepika Padukone, Imtiaz Ali, A R Rahman for staying on for long with us so gracefully. Bravo Stefania Costanza ! Viva La Dolce Vita !

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CELEBRATION OF AUSTRALIA DAY ON THE MUSEUM GROUNDS, FEB 2, 2018

Australia Day celebrated with lots of fanfare tonight on the Museum Grounds. Energetic performances by skilled Aborigine singers and dancers enlivened the evening. Thanks Tony Huber, CG Australia. Roselle Noda Great catching up with Balveer Kaur Rb Norani Peter Huyghebaert Saroja Sirisena Pablo Ramirez Arnol Pheroza Godrej Sidharth Bhatia Kersi Bahadur Siganporia Steve Bertrand Pinheiro Jennifer Larson Mana Mullick Sumit Mullick Rosimar Suzano Vikram Shroff won the prize !

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ELEGANT DINNER RECEPTION HOSTED BY IGP OF MAHARASHTRA, JAN 25, 2018

A notably elegant dinner reception hosted by the dignified IGP of Maharashtra. The Police band regaled us with their melodious skills, the dinner was delicious and I caught up with mates from Bombay's cultured past. Overjoyed to catch up with old friends Shyam and Nira Benegal, Dolly Thakore , Deven Bharti et al Thanks, dear Satmat Mathur and Congratulations again.

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EXHIBITION AT TAO ART GALLERY, JAN 4, 2018

Brinda Miller returns with a stunning exhibition. Tao Art Gallery, Worli. Highly recommended viewing.

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CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH BY CONSUL GENERAL OF INDONESIA

Dear Ringo will be much missed in Mumbai. Saut Siringoringo, Consul General of Indonesia has won over many Indian friends. His annual Christmas Day brunches are marked by a huge buffet spread and by aspiring singers Karaoke-ing. Ringo himself knows over 500 Bollywood songs ! Adieu and good luck with your next posting. MERRY CHRISTMAS world !

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