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| l-r: Kavita Bhartiya at the opening of Ogaan, Tanya Dubash at Nature's Basket and Sushmita Sen and Atul Kasbekar at the Bling event |
ENTREPRENEUR CHIC
On meeting Kavita Bhartiya, you would never imagine that the soft- spoken and unassuming Kavita, has such an entrepreneurial quality. She set up Ogaan in Delhi, several years ago in the Mehrauli area, and made a success of it. Recently, she opened her second store in Bandra. The suburbs seem to be the market today. Clothes and jewellery just fly off the racks in this part of town. Kavita, herself a successful designer, however, keeps a low profile. She has made a mark for herself, having a very ethnic, gypsy-like twist to her feminine ensembles. (She was known for her glowing skin in school, and now she looks pretty much the same.)
Another, unassuming entrepreneur, who keeps a low profile, is Tanya Dubash. She has, successfully introduced some goodies to her 'Nature's Basket' store at Mahalakshmi. High-end wines, cheese and exotic cold cuts, are there for the taking. Of course, the 'piece de resistance' is the Haagen Dazs ice-cream. My favourite! One less reason to travel and one more irresistible yummy to fight weight gain over.
ALIBAUG AHOY!
The move to move, bag and baggage, to Alibaug seems to be spreading. Is the madness of the city really getting to people? I had an interesting banter with a seasoned Mumbaiite, who has shifted to Alibaug. I can't get myself to believe, she does not miss a thing in Mumbai. Unconvinced, the cynic in me did try to probe into her 'glow'. Visible stars at night, clean beaches, curry rice in the afternoon and a siesta at any time, coupled with no ambition or anxiety! This sounds like a holiday but a lifestyle? No way, not for me. I have to look at my watch several times a day. She viewed us like we were struggling desperados. During the course of this inquisition, (me questioning her serenity) she talked about weight loss and her desperate dream to be thin. Gotcha! Here I could see the city lights blinding her, and maybe, had I dug deeper, I would be able to substantiate my argument, further. Hypnosis is what she does. This takes you back into the past, like a rewind. Repeated sessions, help you erase, whatever it is you want to, like a computer. This is intriguing, and something, I am going to check out.
TALENT INC.
Gone are the days when there used to be a model-coordinator, who distributed pictures around to agencies. They quietly took a percentage off the model's earnings, and made a living. They would take each and every girl, (with stars in her eyes) in their model book, promising her work. Today, these 'vendors' are few, and far between. Now, there are 'talent agencies', and they choose who they want. If they feel you have it in you to make it, you may have a chance to be in their records. They decide. And then, they push the aspiring or established stars with all resources, they can offer. This is big business. Secretaries of movie stars still remain, but talent agencies is the way to go.
Atul Kasbekar, recently launched a talent agency called, 'Bling', Vijay Mallya, who is busy expanding his fleet, made a rare appearance. (Atul Kasbekar shoots all his Kingfisher calendars.) Both the Cyruses, Sahukar and Broacha, performed to, 'Appadi pode'. It was a typical rocking Mumbai party, with a surge of famous faces, and a lot of wannabes. I saw some new, great-looking, long-legged models.
SIMPLY SUSH
Sushmita Sen looked smashing that night. Shilpa and Sushmita towered over most women. Svelte bodies and looking radiant, both represented the changing image of Bollywood. Sushmita has the ability to spread warmth with ease. She can walk across the room, and wrap her arms around you, in a warm embrace, and make you feel 'all important'. She can assume the role of the husky-voiced, sexy woman or the giggly little girl! Always well-spoken, and charming, Sushmita comes from a conservative services background. Today, she represents style, with panache, and is involved in a number of causes to help Indian women.
History
Bollywood
Mr And Mrs Parshuram
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Seher Hone Ko Hai
