Man with the golden mall

17 November 2015 - 08:44 By SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER

Aston Martin DB10, tick. Tom Ford white tuxedo, tick. Vodka martini shaken not stirred, tick. The cream of South African society, tick. That's what is on the plate for Durban billionaire businessman Vivian Reddy's lavish premiere evening of the latest James Bond offering Spectre at Durban's Gateway Theatre of Shopping tomorrow evening.The film will open on the local circuit on Friday next week.Reddy's obsession with the UK's most famous secret agent began after his older siblings nicknamed him "007", for spying on them and their love interests as a child."At 15 I watched my first James Bond movie, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. I was hooked and it was from there that I developed my love for casinos and cars," he said.So it came as no surprise that Reddy would attempt to re-create the sophistication, intrigue and glamour associated with Bond at an exclusive movie premiere night.Tomorrow's event is expected to be lavish.It will see 1000 guests, among them first lady Tobeka Zuma, soccer legend Marks Maponyane, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, former rugby star Butch James and veteran actress Leleti Khumalo take to the red carpet .The mall's massive parking lot will be transformed into a spectacular banquet room, complete with sushi bars, a display of supercars and Bond girls.Never one to do anything by half, Reddy has forked out a hefty R1.3-million to fund the event, according to a source.He has commissioned the chic Beluga restaurant to cater.Crooner Nathi Mankayi will perform the Bond theme song before a fashion show that will feature Reddy's wife's couture.Reddy will make his grand entrance in an Aston Martin DB10 similar to Bond's car in Spectre.For the night he will wear a Bond replica white tuxedo that was tailored in London.Three cinemas have been reserved for the exclusive screening."I want my guests to be entertained. It's going to be an amazing night," Reddy said...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.