At 7.30pm the beat of African drums signalled the beginning of proceedings as guests were escorted to the entrance of the hotel where two of the 10 Incredible India-branded buses were inaugurated.
A 15-minute wait felt forever as one of the key officials, national foreign minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, was running late. When she finally arrived, I was stunned by her bad taste in shoes.
HOB KNOBBING: I spotted Kalpana Rangan, Indian socialite, with husband AS, in tow, both of whom share a love for Indian culture and high society. Rangan told me she was about to return to India, but not before she and her husband jetted to South America on holiday. Sony Television presenter Ushi Goshalia, who wore a turmeric-coloured sari bedecked with some very interesting jewellery, also caught my eye. Choreographer Jayesperi Moopen fluttered in with a wave, with guests clamouring for her acknowledgement. Clearly her work last year at the Shared Histories festival had earned her some kudos.
TALK SHOP: The thick Indian twang was present as security officials and businessmen were deep in conversation with their South African counterparts over impending business deals. Among the dense crowd of Indian nationals, I grabbed the attention of Rashid Ismail and Amit Doolab who were present with John Ridler and Wendy Goutier from Thompson's Holidays. One Stop Tours's Meena and Kay Dhanjee introduced me to their India counterpart, Nitesh Kakkar, with whom they were working on outbound trips for South African Indians to experience the splendour of India.
SUITED UP: Vikram Doraiswami, the new Indian consul general, who looked dashingly handsome in a classic suit, cut the ribbon to officially launch the busses. I spotted Terrence Kommal of Sutra magazine, standing nearby in a white dinner jacket pinned with medals, which reminded me of Michael Jackson's one.
SHORT TREK: We regrouped in the Maroela Ballroom for the rest of the formalities, where conversation flowed as freely as the red wine. The MC for the evening, Sureshnie Rider, commanded the room to attention. The Commonwealth Games baton, a techno-logical wonder (it's on a 71-country tour that ends in Delhi in October), which changes colour to the flag of it's host nation, was presented to Mashabane.
OOPS: Thereafter, Doraiswami offered his thanks to all for their attendance and support, particularly the minister, and asked guests to applaud her efforts. Unfortunately, the minister was scribbling some notes for a speech and didn't realise she was being acknowledged, so joined in. Doraiswami bears a slight resemblance to funny man Mr Bean, and one of the guest's comments - he wondered "when Mr Bean's teddy would pop out?" - had me nearly choking on my drink.
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: Mashabane began her speech with the statement: "I was in-vited to dinner to eat beautiful Indian curry - there's nothing better than a free meal! I know authentic Indian curry and love it!"
FINGER LICKING GOOD: I enjoyed the lamb curry but was disappointed by the butter chicken and tikka chicken. I was left gobsmacked (and my table mates tickled) when, in response to my request for a finger bowl, I was presented with a dish larger than a salad bowl.
OVERALL: After chatting to Doraiswami about plans for the year, I swanked out at about 10.30pm, having thoroughly enjoyed the night. Now to finalise my trip to India and re-adjust my swank diary! - NK
THE Avalon Cine Centre screening of Dulha Mil Gaya at Suncoast on Monday evening was the perfect opportunity to ease back into the social scene after a month-long hiatus. A veritable hive of social activity, whether on the beach where jelly fish played havoc with exposed flesh; at the Zone where comedians and dancers thrilled audiences; on the floor for a quick dice with Lady Luck or just "checking out the talent on the deck", the busy complex was certainly the place to be over the holidays. As always, hosts Moosa Moosa and his elegant wife, Mariam, welcomed friends, family and associates to their first movie screening of the year, featuring a performance by Bollywood badsha Shah- rukh Khan.
MOVIE BUFFS: Guests included grade nine friends Shaazmeen Tayob and Tasneem Khan, who were not relishing the thought of going back to school. The pair, who have an extra week, hit the books only this week. Lucky gals! Veena Rampatha, a remedial teacher and daughter of show promoter Pinky Mothie, said while she wasn't in the family business (the arts), she certainly appreciated the industry.
BOTTOMS UP: The three bottoms outside the cinema was a stark reminder of the group's final premiere for the year, Aamir Khan's hugely successful and brilliant film 3 Idiots. As AB Moosa explained in the run-up to Monday's so-so romantic comedy featuring Sushmita Sen and Fardeen Khan, 3 Idiots was breaking box-office records as the biggest-grossing film at $60-million. And no wonder - the film is a must-see.
BIG-SCREEN WONDERS: It seems there are several attractions lined-up, including Salman Khan's Veer, Shahrukh Khan's My Name is Khan and Teen Patti, starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Amitabh Bachchan.
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: AB Moosa when his comment, "enjoy the film, and I know you ladies are here only for Shahrukh Khan, which is only in the second half", caused embarrassed laughter. - YN
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