MUMBAI MIRROR (November 16, 2019)

Katy Perry touched down in Mumbai at around 3 am on Tuesday, November 12, and Jacqueline Fernandez, her designated tour guide, had told Mirror (November 13) that the American pop singer “wants to understand the culture and immerse herself in Bollywood films” on this visit. In keeping with her wishes, Karan Johar hosted a party at his residence to which he invited several of his industry friends and colleagues. And not surprisingly, the who’s who of Bollywood turned up for the do, from the Bachchans—Abhishek and Aishwarya—to his ‘students’, Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday, Aditya Seal from the reel life Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh, Vijay Deverakonda and Shahid Kapoor to real life Arjun (Kapoor) and his Madam M (Malaika Arora). Jacqueline was there and so was KJo’s bestie Kajol, who left home after saying “Cheese” for her fav photographer, son Yug. She and Gauri Khan found a lot to bond over. The party kicked off around 9 pm and Katy arrived within an hour and stayed a little past midnight. “Karan introduced some of his guests to her while some walked up themselves and posed for pics. She obliged everyone with a smile,” informed a guest, raving over the fresh pink flowers on the ceiling of the balcony.

The DJ played both international hits, many of them Katy’s songs, including “Hot ‘N’ Cold”, and a few Bollywood hits. But unlike other Bollywood parties that are all about dancing and drinking and continue into the early hours, this do was more muted and sophisticated, with most guests mingling with each other. ‘Fan girls’ Ananya and Shanaya Kapoor, got their ‘moment’ with Katy. Alia, who came with sister Shaheen Bhatt and Rohan Joshi, who were dating at one point, also had a lot to discuss with the pop star. It was a cross-cultural exchange between two women who admired each other’s work.

Also seen at the do were Man Mountain Bhallaladeva, Rana Daggubati, Kabir Singh’s lady love Kiara Advani, golden girls Sonakshi Sinha and Sonali Bendre, Aditya Roy Kapur and Aditi Rao Hydari. Anushka Sharma arrived minus husband Virat Kohli, who is back on the field, but another cricketer Hardik Pandya was there. Karisma was without her glam sis Kareena Kapoor who is away on a film shoot. Among the filmmakers, there was Dinesh Vijan with wife Pramita riding high on his latest success and KJo regulars Punit Malhotra and Shashank Khaitan. The party folded up early, around 3 am.

Not surprisingly, the food was one of the highlights. A multicuisine spread—mushrooms and foie gras to keema pao—and exotic desserts, there was something for everyone.