Celebs all set to add bling to Navratri nights

The countdown to Navratri has begun and garba enthusiasts are bracing up to put their best step forward for this ninenight-long dance and music revelry. While one can't get enough of the garba fervor, festival organizers try their best to create starry moments to grab more eyeballs and footfalls. Every year there is a veritable deluge of celebrities coming to Navratri events all over the state, be it for their film promotions, daily soaps or simply to enjoy the biggest dance festival or even make some big bucks by 'fleeting appearances' at the garba venues.

And this celeb phenomenon seems to be getting bigger with every passing year. Just as Navratri approaches, telecons, round table discussions, smart negotiations begin with the event organizers convincing TV channels, celebrity managers, PR and publicity firms to bring in some much needed starry shimmer.

And though one might have to shell out some extra bucks to get a glimpse of a star, there are enough well-heeled fans who have no qualms about loosening their purse strings for a glimpse of their favourite. Probe organizers about how much do they shell out for a celebrity visit, and they are wary of divulging the exact fees. Nikesh Modi, a celebrity co-ordinator says, "Movie stars never charge for the visits as it is part of their film promotions." Manoj Chaudhry, who handles event management for a popular Navratri group shares, "Sponsors take care of travel and hospitality of the stars while the film PR looks at possible venues the stars can visit." When it comes to telly stars however, the organizers have to pay a hefty sum because the small screen stars seldom make 'free' appearances at garba venues.

Avni Soni, a celeb coordinator and local film producer shares, "This year a lot of TV stars are making appearances at the garba venues. They charge a hefty amount for stage appearances depending on their popularity. Drashti Dhami charges 4.5 lakh while Siddharth Shukla makes an entry for 5 lakh and couples like Jennifer Winget and Karan Singh Grover charge anything between 4 lakh to 4.5 lakh, Avika Gor comes to an event for 2 lakh and Tina Dutta and Deepika Samson charge between 1 lakh and 1.5 lakh. Sometimes a package of nine celeb for 9 nights could cost between 9 lakh and 10 lakh and the amount remains negotiable."

Some garba organisers however, prefer to rope in garba singers so that the essence of the festivity remains intact instead of opting for starry appearances.

But most organisers feel that getting a star is a smart marketing move to keep the crowd and advertisers happy as the event gets a lot of hype. So, are your gearing up to be part of a stars t u d d e d Navratri celebration?

I am puzzled, Do stars need to promote their marriage?

tfs.