Silverscreen Heartthrob:Neil Bhatt

MEMORY LANE: Aunties dolled up in their best kanchipuram saris (some with flowers in their hair) ooh- ed and aahed over long-lost family members, their off-spring and their children's children in the beautifully decorated hall in the motherland colours of orange, white and green.

CONNECTION CALL: Globalisation has resulted in the diaspora being spread across the world and it was wonderful to see family members reunite and celebrate the pioneering spirit of the patriarch.

HISTORY REVISITED: Programme directors Pavina Moodliar, Vanessa Narotam and Taschica Pillay - descendants of Appanna - narrated the circumstances which led to him fleeing Vizhagapatnam in Andhra Pradesh with his family to seek better prospects on the sugar-cane fields of Durban.

SONG AND DANCE: The event started shortly after 6pm with the singing of the Gayatri mantra and Indian national anthem led by Telugu singer Vijayluxmi Balakrishna (I wondered why the SA national anthem wasn't sung). This was followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony in honour of family members who have passed on. An invocation dance preceded an audio-visual presentation documenting the journey from India to SA, which was professionally narrated by the three programme directors. I left before the main speech by the doyenne of Indian heritage, Dr Tholisiah (TP) Naidoo, dinner and dancing to prepare for my next event later that evening.

I'M glad I did, because the 40th birthday celebration for human- rights lawyer Advocate Michelle Odayan, hosted by her husband, Anil Naidoo, and their daughter, Antara, at Durban's Kings Club (formerly Zulu Lounge) at the Playhouse was a spectacularly decadent affair.

BELLISSIMA: Odayan was the ultimate belle of the ball in a champagne-coloured, raw-silk gown with jewelled detail across the bodice and left shoulder (designed by her and created by her chum Vino Moodley).

Two long tables, adorned with crystal glasses and raised floral bouquets, promised an evening of laughter and friendship, fine food and flowing drink. Odayan told me the venue was decorated by her girlfriend sisters - her circle of love (which included fashionista Vanashree Singh, Roshni and Malini) - who worked into the wee hours of the morning.

CHEERS: In the bar guests - including Judge Chiman Patel; state attorney Krish Govender and his wife Sungaree; paediatrician TS Pillay and his wife Vino; cardio-thoracic surgeon Keith Odayan; movie mogul Anant Singh, his business partner and brother Sanjeev Singh with his wife Chandra; eThekwini deputy mayor Logie Naidoo; United Nations information officer Sudeshan Reddy; and TV personality Nadine Naidoo - mingled as the hosts ironed out final seating arrangements.

SPOT YOUR TAG: Each guest had been allocated a seat with personalised name tags, which made finding your seat a social experience as you bumped into other guests on your way. When formalities commenced at 9.10pm, guests were suitably lubricated and in a relaxed mood.

SPEAKING UP: Formalities were relatively short and included a precious dialogue between Anil and Antara, who commented that her father looked like a "handsome penguin" and that her mother was "simply amazing" during the welcome. Odayan's father, Chadaya, gave a touching tribute, adding it was the first time he had called his "caring, obedient and selective child" by her Christian name (he usually calls her "Baby"). Quick-witted Sanjeev Singh, who gave a toast, commented that, as she celebrated her 40th birthday, she was "no longer a baby from now on".

OVERHEARD: After formalities, dinner was served (kebab and roti, a chicken dish and vegetables) and as people were queuing, someone asked Logie Naidoo why he kept fidgeting with his bow-tie. His response that "Yasantha may see it's crooked and write about it" made me suspect perhaps he may be one of those in favour of the spurious media tribunal.

LET THEM EAT CAKE: After dinner and dessert of the birthday cake (chocolate-coated carrot cake and beautifully iced cup cakes), guests got a chance to shake their stuff as music from the 1970s and 1980s beckoned. This was my exit cue as I was all danced out (from a 40th the previous night), but I'm told the party went on until the early hours of the morning.

TWO days later, I felt like I was stalking Logie Naidoo when I bumped into him at the grand finale fashion show at the Sunday Times Eastern Bridal Fair at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

LIKE SARDINES: About 45 minutes before the 6pm start, it was like majja (chaos) as people occupied every conceivable free space to witness the Vikram Phadnis and Bennu Seghall designer showcase and dance extravaganza. Of course, I couldn't blame them because the fashion show has earned an "unmissable" reputation.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL: Former radio presenter Aasra Bramdeo, who looked striking in a Seghall black-beaded two-piece, compered the show which amply delivered on the "fantastic line-up" promise. It kicked off with an appearance by silver-screen heart-throb Neil Bhatt, who plays Abhi in the Zee TV series Karol Bagh, who drove female fans wild with his "I love you and I miss you". This was followed by Seghall's stylish designer showcase and a short address in which she spoke of her affection for the people and the city.

HIGH ENERGY: Tripti Master and Ankat Tanna of the Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts, who have been regulars at the show, demonstrated their masterful skills in-between the fashion segments. One dance item included Phadnis, who belied his claims of having "two left feet". Other dance items included a performance by tween star Dar- sheel Safary from his hit movie, Taare Zameen Paar, along with local littlies which was just adorable. Safary greeted the audience with a confident "sawubona" and bid fare- well with "hamba kahle".

SARTORIAL SPLENDOUR: Local retailers and designers, including Enens, Paaneri, Punjabi flair, Dijal, Mr Executive and Osmans, also got a chance to showcase their products before a final showing by Phadnis.

WITH A BANG: The extravaganza closed with a show-stopper dance but it was Phadnis who hijacked the microphone from Bramdeo (after gift presentations and a closing speech from Chiman Patel who is president of the fair's Gujerati Kendra Society). The acclaimed designer virtually ordered all those involved in organising the show - including Patel, Sudhir Pragjee and even Logie Naidoo - to come up and dance to Desi Girl. It was a fitting end to a spectacular show. - YN

FEMALE leaders from all walks of life met last week at the Brahma Kumaris Women of Spirit monthly meeting. In honour of Women's Month, the meeting was themed "Beyond Leading, Daring to Reclaim the Goddess Within". Brahma Kumaris is an international spiritual movement encompassing meditation and divine awareness with an estimated membership of 600 nationally.

NATURAL HIGH: After a usually frantic Saturday morning of rushing around, the business conference room in Houghton, Johannesburg, felt like a sanctuary, tucked away in the lush gardens of the vast property.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT: The women's group started in London as part of Brahma Kumaris support for women in modern-day life. The goal is for members to find their inner strength and core beauty. Workshops are held internationally to expand knowledge and understanding about one's self, life, health, finances and spirituality. The movement was introduced in Johannesburg four years ago with a small group of women meeting every third Saturday. The average attendance is 20 to 25 people, but this week 38 guests turned out.

SISTER POWER: Much emphasis was placed on reflection and sharing of personal experiences. This was initiated by a group of career women who spoke about their journeys of growth and spirituality in their various male-dominated industries. The speakers included Adele Hall, general manager of the Franklin Covey Institute; economist Anne-Marie Chidzero; and Sibongile Nkosi, a young freelance journalist who said she was over the moon to be a part of such an inspirational group. The central message echoed by all of them was the deeper values that allowed them to remain centred in their everyday lives.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL: A simple yet fragrant meal of vegetable potjie, rice and salad was served for lunch and it was a wonder to observe the women meditate over their food to remove any negative energy before enjoying it.

BEING HEARD: Female pupils from Bedfordview High School and Wits University addressed the gathering next. Their message was simple - the search by youngsters for themselves in an ever-changing world. Sister Pratiba Daya, who represented the Cape Town Brahma Kumaris branch, commented on the importance of young women creating an identity and a voice for themselves.

PEACE MISSION: The late afternoon session was utilised for meditating in what was to be total peace and relaxation. Women came out of this with a glow and chatted in hushed tones. Sister Rada Debeljcovic, who is originally from Serbia and an avid member of Brahma Kumaris for the past 10 years, said she was looking for the answer to the origins of human health when she joined the organisation. She said she now dealt with everyday situations with a broader understanding and a positive outlook on life. As I left the venue, I realised her comment, that all the women arrived as strangers but left as friends with a mutual spiritual bond, was true. I, for one, was glad to have found some peace, even if for a short while. - NK

https://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article601056.ece/Unique-family-reunion-to-mark-100-years