Grand celebrations
There are moments in life when grandeur meets genuine triumph, and Gautam Singhania orchestrated just such an evening with a backdrop of the nautical splendor of a top floor at JK House. Gautam was celebrating Formula 2 driver Kush Maini's historic Monaco Grand Prix victory with us – a moment that will forever shimmer in Indian motorsport history. Surrounded by therapeutic blue aquariums where koi fish danced alongside glistening scarlet companions, we toasted the first-ever Formula 2 win by an Indian driver.
Singhania, with his own racing pedigree from the Ferrari Challenge circuits of Europe and his exquisite collection of vintage automobiles, has been more than a mentor to Maini – he's been the architect of dreams. The evening pulsed with pride, and seeing Nawaz radiate elegance in her resort ensemble while emanating that distinctive warmth i love her for, reminded me why certain souls simply illuminate the space they grace.
The Artistry of Lally & David Dhawan's Universe
From the racetrack to the silver screen, Mumbai's creative energy never ceases to enchant. David Dhawan, Indian cinemas comedy virtuoso, returned from a transformative forty-day filming odyssey through Glasgow and Edinburgh, his eyes sparkling with the promise of his next cinematic offering. At the intimate celebration of wife Lally's birthday, he shared details of his upcoming film – a tantalising tale of two women and one irresistible man.
Having treasured their friendship for over twenty-five years, I've witnessed Lally's extraordinary grace as the silent powerhouse behind her family's constellation of achievements. She's the invisible thread weaving through David's directorial brilliance, Varun's meteoric rise as Bollywood's loved hero, and Rohit's creative ventures like the memorable "Desi Boyz." Her own artistry as an interior designer – most notably transforming Manish Malhotra's residence into a masterpiece – speaks volumes about the talent that flows through this remarkable family.
During our recent fireside conversation for a social service foundation, I discovered a facet of Lally's philosophy that i conform to too. We explored how true accomplishment isn't always about propelling oneself into the spotlight, but about becoming the foundation upon which loved ones build their dreams. It's a belief that resonates deeply with my own life's rhythm – that sometimes our greatest victories come from lifting others to their highest potential.
The Poetry of Faith and Motherhood
Sometimes the most enchanting stories unfold quietly, away from the glare of spotlights and red carpets. At Lallys birthday I discovered a profoundly moving vignette about Anju Bhavnani, Ranveer Singh’s mother, that speaks to the timeless power of a mother’s devotion. In an act of pure faith and selflessness, she donated her precious hair to Tirupati, knowing they would be transformed into wigs for cancer patients – her offering to the divine while praying for the “dua” of a grandchild.
The universe, it seems, has an exquisite sense of poetry. When Deepika Padukone and Ranveer welcomed their daughter, they chose the name ‘Dua’ – a word that means blessing in Urdu – without any discussion with Anju about her supplication. The synchronicity is breathtaking, as if the cosmos itself had whispered the perfect name for a child born from answered prayers.
What strikes me most profoundly about Anju is her unwavering authenticity. Despite her son’s meteoric rise as an actor and the accompanying whirlwind of fame and fortune, she remains the same gentle, grounded soul I’ve always known. Her humility is a rare jewel in a world often intoxicated by celebrity – a reminder that true grace lies not in what we achieve, but in who we remain at our core.
In a world where authenticity often takes a backseat to spectacle, these intimate moments of genuine recognition and heartfelt connection continue to restore my faith in the beautiful complexity of human ambition and artistic expression.
Celebrating Excellence in the Digital Renaissance
The creative tapestry of our times found another brilliant expression at Anurag Batra's prestigious OTT platform awards. My dear friend and mentor, the wonderfully understated founder-publisher of Business World, has crafted these authentic celebrations into something truly extraordinary. The evening's distinguished jury, featuring luminaries like cinematographer Santosh Sivan and critic Rajeev Masand, producer Tanuj Garg reflected the gravitas these awards have earned in recognizing India's digital entertainment revolution.
The constellation of talent that graced the evening was breathtaking – Ritesh Deshmukh's charismatic presence, Divya Dutta's refined elegance, Kay Kay Menon's intensity, alongside Shreyas Talpade’s charm , each delivering acceptance speeches that were as memorable as their performances. Having the privilege to present awards to these remarkable artists felt like participating in a historic moment of Indian entertainment's evolution.
Even as Mumbai's early monsoon arrived with theatrical flair, complete with thunderous applause from the heavens, the spirit of celebration remained undaunted. These evenings remind me why I'm endlessly fascinated by the magic that unfolds when passionate souls gather to honor excellence, mentor emerging talent, and celebrate the extraordinary tapestry of achievement that defines our vibrant cultural landscape.
In a world where authenticity often takes a backseat to spectacle, these intimate moments of genuine recognition and heartfelt connection continue to restore my faith in the beautiful complexity of human ambition and artistic expression.
Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com
