Where's the party tonight? RONIT

Bollywood's Diwali mood seems to be lukewarm, but Sanjay Khan has kickstarted things with a grand bash

Card parties have almost become a tradition in Bollywood. People still remember with relish the dos that Raj Kapoor used to throw. In his own inimitable, generous style, Kapoor used to invite the entire industry. While food and drinks flowed, card enthusiasts gathered around the tables and played through the night to their hearts' content.

Amongst the many who kept the tradition alive are Rishi Kapoor and Jeetendra. However, Jeetendra's card parties are now limited to close friends like Rakesh Roshan, Sujit Kumar and a few more. However, it looks like this year its going to be dismal. "We are planning to go out on Diwali, so we might not have the party that night," says Jeetendra. "We will get together on Sunday night though." On Sunday night, his daughter Ektaa Kapoor has organised a big party where part of the venue is expected to be dedicated to card sessions.

Sanjay Gupta, who had a rocking bash last year, is in a no-party mood this year. "I'm simply not up to it. This Diwali is a little thanda. I might attend one or two parties thrown by friends, but nothing major."

Archana Puran Singh and husband Parmeet Sethi are not holding a party either, as a close friend of the couple passed away recently. "We don't feel like partying as we are still in mourning," informs Parmeet.

Anju Mahendroo, who's been holding her own private taash party for a long time, has decided to not hold one this time. "I am thinking of attending card parties thrown by my friends rather than hosting one of my own. I don't really feel like hosting a party this year."

TV super star Ronit Roy held a pre-diwali party on Thursday night but there were no card sessions involved. "We held the party early so that on the Diwali day we are more relaxed for a pooja at home. We had about 250 people come over, our television friends and family," Ronit says.

However, one big taash party most of the industry attended was Sanjay Khan's do at a hotel held last night. Daughter Farah and son-in-law DJ Aqueel helped him organise it. When we spoke to him yesterday, DJ Aqueel told us, "We are hoping to have around 30-35 guests. There will be the usual card playing and drinking sessions. Family and friends will be involved. It should be fun," With the Khan family itself consisting of celebs like Hrithik Roshan, Zayed Khan and Fardeen Khan, it was a grand affair allright!

s_shubha@dnaindia.net