Rained away
Rashmi Uday Singh's new Food Guide has hit the stands but this time there was no grand party to announce its arrival. All thanks to the unpredictable rain that has been plaguing the city. Rashmi had planned an open-air do at the Radio Club, like last year, but had to cancel it, thanks to the monsoons which show no signs of abating. But refusing to say die, Rashmi is now planning a bigger and better do -- spread over three days -- next month.The book, by the way, is priced at Rs 100 and is available in two parts. One for dining out and one for eating in. We promise you that it is well worth the money. Anyway, the rains hit not only Rashmi's book party but also Sonali Raheja-Arora's fashion show. The owner of the lifestyle store Tresorie, on Linking Road -- where you can buy a whole range of designer clothes -- Sonali was planing to hold her fashion event at Raheja House. But again, thanks to the showers, it was a non-event.Masala mix
One party that did take place was RamonaNarang-Garware's birthday bash. While her birthday was on Monday, she held a gala celebration on Saturday. And it was an affair to remember. She and her husband, Jaideep, as well as her brother Rohit (Timmy) and his very attractive wife Mohini played host to all their friends. And it was party that rocked till the early hours of the morning. There was a complete mix of the city's who's who. From the world of glamour there was Sangeeta Chopra and Tarun Raghavan, Ritu Shivpuri, Puru Raj Kumar and Marc Robinson. From the world of business there was Queenie and Raja Dhody and Neeta and Vivek Dempo. Fashion was represented by Delhi's style guru Suneet Verma, who seemed to having a rocking time on the dance foor. Ramona, by the way, will have her hands full soon and partying till the wee hours might become a thing of the past. She is joining her father's business and plans to revamp the Croissants etc chain.
Delhi designs
While on Delhi designers, it seems that Mumbai is a bit like a magnet for thecapital's couturiers. After Verma, two more Delhi designers are planning to come to the city. Rohit Bal will be in Mumbai to hold a fashion show -- a must on his business calendar. He opened his own store, about a year ago, and has become quite favourite with the city's beautiful people. To make sure that he does not lose his standing, Bal comes to Mumbai with a fashion event. Another Rohit, who makes H20 shirts, will be here too. Gandhi's shirts are quite a hit in the capital, as was the fashion show he held there last week. Presently, his clothes are only available at Allure. Rohit is almost as well-known as his shirts and the tag of party animal ensures that he will launch his shirts with a bang.
Time teller
Piaget, the international watch company, held a special exhibition at the Taj this weekend. On display were a unique collection of high jewellery watches, which included a watch that cost a whopping Rs three crore. These unique time pieces are bound to be collector's items. And on duty thewhole weekend was Piaget's spokesperson Rhea Pillai Dutt, who looked stunning in a black trouser suit. Keeping her company were close friends Queenie Dhody and Haseena Jethmalani.
Unkind cut
One person who is not happy with Mumbai is Riyad Wadia. The film-maker went off to New York in order to broaden his work horizons only to find out that people now think he has become a garment exporter. Says Riyad, "I've received tonnes of calls from friends and well wishers asking me about my successful new business as the garment manufacturing tycoon of New York! It seems someone ran an article about the celebrity exodus from Bombay to firang lands and mentioned that Riyad Wadia, of Bomgay fame, is currently holed up in NYC and is a successful manager of his garment business!! I am horrified to hear about my new career ... and it shocks me to learn that my new feature film is now a piece of cloth instead of a masterpiece on celluloid."
And finally...
Remember Anu Agarwal, the duskymodel-turned-film actress, who disappeared after a rather high-profile lifestyle. Well, the Aashiqui girl is back and up to her old risque ways. She can she spotted all around town, in various night clubs. She can also be seen at every party -- with or without an invitation, making a public spectacle of herself. It is a shame that this gorgeous model who seemed to have a bright future, is now reduced to being a party crasher.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.