Showing posts with label Isha Ambani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Isha Ambani. Show all posts

We rehearsed Shah Rukh Khan's performance on Jhoome Jo Pathaan 21 times at his house-Shiamak Davar

WE REHEARSED JHOOME
JO PATHAAN 21 TIMES:
SHIAMAK DAVAR
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 4, 2023)

Shiamak Davar choreographed all the dance performances for the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre gala. Ask about his favourite moment and the National Film Award-winning choreographer recalls the time “when Shah Rukh Khan (actor) appeared on stage”. He says, “We rehearsed his performance on Jhoome Jo Pathaan 21 times at his house. He was such a sweetheart. It took me a week to choreograph all the performances.”

Spilling the beans on what it was like to be there at the lavish affair, the 61-year-old says, “It was an intimate affair. My team, managers and assistants had put in a lot of hard work and I couldn’t believe how wonderful it (the performances) turned out. My dearest Nita and Mukesh (Ambani) were clapping and screaming, while Isha (Ambani; entrepreneur-daughter) and I sat on the steps and watched the whole show. Rekha ji (actor) was there, too. The energy in the room was wonderful and so positive.”

What was also special for him was working with his students Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt (actors) again.

“I also got to work with Shah Rukh after so many years. Alia was fabulous and Rashmika Mandanna (actor) was outstanding. Varun is my jaan, he is such a sweetheart. He learnt all the new steps and worked really hard. Ranveer Singh (actor) is so high-octane,” exclaims Davar.

WE REHEARSED JHOOME
JO PATHAAN 21 TIMES:
SHIAMAK DAVAR

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the new Chairperson of Jio MAMI

Priyanka Chopra Takes Over From Deepika Padukone As New MAMI Film Fest Chairperson

BOMBAY TIMES (August 18, 2021)

The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) recently unveiled its plans for the coming year and edition. The blueprint for the festival will feature new leadership and a new creative vision that is attuned to the radical changes the world has witnessed in the last two years. Taking over the reins as Chairperson is actor, producer and author Priyanka Chopra Jonas. She was nominated by MAMI’s Board of Trustees, which comprises Nita M Ambani (Co-Chairperson), Anupama Chopra (Festival Director), Ajay Bijli, Anand G Mahindra, Farhan Akhtar, Isha Ambani, Kabir Khan, Kaustubh Dhavse, Kiran Rao, Rana Daggubati, Riteish Deshmukh, Rohan Sippy, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vishal Bhardwaj and Zoya Akhtar. The board also welcomed two new members to its fold, filmmaker Anjali Menon and filmmaker and archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur.

“For us, building a unique cultural space and platform for cinema like the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival over six years has been immensely fulfilling. Now more than ever, we need to nurture the power of cinema and art to heal and help humanity move forward. I look forward to my dear friend Priyanka Chopra Jonas joining our team and leading the way for the festival to reach new heights. She is a multifaceted global artist and a force of nature, we are privileged to have her on board,” said Isha Ambani (Board of Trustees, MAMI).

“Continuing Jio MAMI’s strong tradition of female leadership, the indomitable Priyanka Chopra Jonas now joins as chairperson. She is a global icon. Her passion and vision will take MAMI to the next level,” said Anupama Chopra (Festival Director).

As a global icon and multi-hyphenate, Priyanka’s journey as an artiste has always demonstrated a deep connection and interest in diverse film cultures. Along with being an actor, producer and author, she has also been a staunch supporter of a wide range of social causes. She recently galvanised the international community to garner resources to support India’s Coronavirus emergency.

Priyanka’s unique perspective, international stature, artistic ethos and leadership will be instrumental to the festival’s new vision.

“I’m so proud to be taking on the role of Chairperson of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. I’m looking forward to working alongside powerhouse women such as Isha Ambani, Anupama Chopra, Smriti Kiran and the rest of the team, to take the festival to the next level. I’ve hit the road running… with ideas, thoughts and plans on reimagining the festival to find its rightful place in a world that has changed so much in such a short time. We’re all consuming film and entertainment very differently now and in the process, we’ve expanded the footprint of the cinema that we watch. I have always been a huge supporter and believer in films from across India and together, we hope to create a strong platform to showcase Indian cinema to the world,” said Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Chairperson).

The festival’s mission since its inception has been to bring together the Indian film industry, curate the best Indian and international cinema and bring them to the widest possible audience. But over the years it has also transformed into a year-round platform with international credibility that has set a new benchmark in the impact that a film festival in India can have. Its evolving scope along with the challenges raised by the pandemic has led to Jio MAMI 2.0.

Adapting to a new paradigm, it will have an expanded timeline. Instead of a film festival that happens over a week, the festival is now going to pan out from October 2021 to March 2022. From October onward until January, under the Year Round Programme, apart from Dial M For Films, it will hold select digital screenings and masterclasses featuring talent from all over the world. The hybrid edition of the festival will take place in March depending on how the COVID-19 situation is in India. The tentative dates of the festival are March 11 to 15, 2022.

“The new course for the festival strengthens what we collectively feel should be our focus. Bolstering the creative think tank at the academy are three bright minds — Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anjali Menon and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur. I cannot wait for us to set sail,” said Smriti Kiran (Artistic Director).

Great crises are often followed by tectonic changes. While the festival will continue to stand for the celebration of great cinema and artists, there is no doubt that this is the beginning of a new chapter in its history. Jio MAMI 2.0 will have a new and focused palette. Each section and vertical has been assessed with the lens of what creates value in the current scenario and what doesn’t. This includes creating more awards and grants for Indian films and filmmakers and letting go of the International Competition section.

Over these six months (October 2021-March 2022), the festival will focus on conversations with some of the best talent in India and abroad. It will screen all the amazing Indian films that have not gotten an opportunity to be showcased because the festival did not take place last year. The digital verticals of Jio MAMI launched in 2020 to an incredible response like Dial M For Films, Storytellers Are Us: The Origin Story, Jio MAMI Industry Programme, Rashid Irani Young Critics Lab and the MAMI Year Round Programme Home Theatre will continue to create engaging programming for its national audience.

For more information, log onto www.mumbaifilmfestival.com

Deepika Padukone is the new MAMI chairperson


The actress was unanimously voted at a recent board meeting of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
MUMBAI MIRROR (January 30, 2019)

At a recently held board meeting of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star, Deepika Padukone was unanimously voted as the new chairperson of MAMI. Her notable evolution into a credible actor, her connect with the audience across the globe, especially with youth, and her incredible work to create awareness about mental health in the country played a crucial role in this decision. Deepika, who is now both an actor and a producer, has played an important role in propelling and changing the narrative around women in Indian films. The board hopes that under her leadership, the festival will continue to flourish and attract newer and younger audiences.

Former chairperson Kiran Rao has stepped down from the position to focus on a film project. The filmmaker, who has been instrumental in the new vision that the Academy has implemented, said, “It has been my privilege and pleasure to work as part of the core team of MAMI, and after four years as Chairperson of the Academy, I am delighted to welcome one of India’s most loved film stars, Deepika Padukone as the new Chairperson. Deepika has been a supporter of the festival and part of our Board of Trustees, and is a person whose ethos and work I greatly admire. I am sure that under her leadership the Academy will become stronger and more robust in serving the cinema community. I look forward to supporting her in this journey and wish her all the very best.”

Isha Ambani (right), Board of Trustees, MAMI, expressed her happiness, saying, “I am thrilled at Deepika’s appointment as Chairperson for Jio MAMI. Her stellar achievements speak for themselves and at Jio we’re confident that she will lend her brilliance to the Jio MAMI platform to continue taking the festival to newer heights.”

Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, said: “I want to thank both these amazing women for putting their might and muscle behind the festival. For the last four years, Kiran has worked with us in the trenches and provided every level of support. We are all delighted that Deepika is now leading the team. I’m an admirer of her work and I’m really looking forward to working with and learning from her.”

Ready to take on the challenge, Deepika added, “It’s an absolute honour and a huge responsibility. I believe in MAMI’s vision and we are committed towards creating a community that cinema lovers and creators of a filmpassionate nation like ours truly deserve.”

The 20th edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star wrapped up in November with a stellar line-up of films and filmmakers in attendance. It marked a new milestone in the history of the festival as evidenced by the kilometre-long queues of avid film lovers who turned out in record numbers to catch the most awaited films of the year and to hear cutting edge filmmakers like Darren Aronofsky, Sean Baker and Lucrecia Martel in conversation. Under the leadership team of Chairperson Kiran Rao, Festival Director Anupama Chopra, Creative Director Smriti Kiran and some of the best film professionals, thought leaders in India on its board, the Academy (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) has in the last four years grown from strength to strength and become the premier meeting ground and platform for the Indian film industry and audience. The board of trustees of MAMI comprises of Co-chair Nita M. Ambani, Deepika Padukone, Kiran Rao, Anupama Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Kabir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj, Kaustubh Dhavse, Riteish Deshmukh, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Vikramaditya Motwane, Isha Ambani, Ajay Bijli, Rohan Sippy, Rana Daggubati, Anand Mahindra and Manish Mundra.

The 21st edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star will take place from October 17-24, 2019. The Academy’s Year Round Programme, under which it hosts weekly screenings, conversations and workshops kicked off the year by screening M Night Shyamalan’s Glass and winner of the Golden Gateway award at the festival in 2018, Rima Das’ Bulbul Can Sing.


The MAMI board of trustees: Deepika with Kabir Khan, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Kiran Rao, Zoya Akhtar, Rohan Sippy, Preet Kiran, Vishal Bhardwaj, Anupama Chopra, Kaustubh Dhavse and Vikramaditya Motwane

Hazel Keech, Yuvraj Singh expecting their first child?


Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 14, 2018)

When Yuvraj Singh with mother Shabnam and wife Hazel Keech made appearance at the Isha Ambani-Anand Piramal wedding on Wednesday, it was evident that the couple had some good news to announce soon from the way his better half posed for the paparazzi with her hand protectively covering her stomach. Soon, guests at the bash were telling each other that the stork had been visiting the Singhs and Hazel was in the family way. Yes, Yuvi is on his way to becoming a daddy cool! The day was special for another reason. It marked the cricketer’s 37 th birthday. Hazel had wished her husband with a heartfelt Instagram post, describing him as the “most beautiful human being” who has selflessly stood by her side. “You have made my life complete and my wish for you every day, especially today on your birthday, is to feel the love that surrounds you, and feel how special and wonderful you are,” she asserted.

The couple tied the knot on November 30, 2016, in Chandigarh according to Sikh rituals, followed by a beach party in Goa attended by the entire Indian crickert team. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma had attended the bash and grabbed eyeballs when a video of them dancing together to the Bhangra beat of “Gurnaal Ishq Mitha” went viral.

On their second wedding anniversary, Hazel had posted a quirky picture of the couple dressed as Batman and Wonder Woman with the caption, “My partner in life and my partner in crime. These two years have taught us how to stick together through good times and bad and I’m so proud of us.”

All this, along with news of the baby, puts an end to the speculations that there’s trouble in paradise and the couple are on the verge of a split. Mirror reached out to Yuvraj with a congratulatory text, but the cricketer chose not to respond.

Isha Ambani wedding: When Beyoncé, Shah Rukh Khan and the to-be-wed couple stole hearts

Beyoncé, Shah Rukh Khan
Yukti Sharma (DNA; December 11, 2018)

Like After Hrs already told you, pop diva Beyoncé belted out Crazy In Love on Sunday night at Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal’s pre-wedding function in Udaipur, much to the delight of all the celebrity guests and her desi fans. This was her first-ever performance at a private event in India. The concert, which went on for two-and-a-half hours, saw the international icon change three outfits — a red dress with mirror work designed by Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, a short bejewelled swimsuit by Shivan & Narresh and an embellished golden bodysuit by Falguni & Shane Peacock. It was nothing short of wow!

Of course, this wasn’t the only highlight of the evening. One also had Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan introduce the entire Ambani clan to the numerous guests. As family members showered their blessings and gave their best wishes to the soon-to-be-married couple  — Isha and Anand — the groom himself seized the moment to express his feelings for his gorgeous bride. The to-be-weds later danced to a romantic number and when Anand lifted Isha, the guests cheered loudly. The after party began shortly after midnight and saw a performance by Punjabi artiste Sukh-E. Newlyweds Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were seen dancing together and were joined by Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Isha Ambani-Anand Piramal's sangeet: Beyoncé enthralls Mukesh Ambani-Nita Ambanis’ guests

All about Isha Ambani Anand Piramal Sangeet: Beyoncé enthralls Mukesh Ambani-Nita Ambanis’ guests
DNA (December 10, 2018)

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal’s pre-wedding celebrations took place in Udaipur over the weekend. Pop star and Grammy winner Beyoncé arrived in the City of Lakes yesterday afternoon. There was much buzz about the international icon’s performance for the soon-to-be newlyweds even before her arrival.

The Ambanis played the perfect hosts and pulled out all stops to ensure that their guests were looked after very well. Before the Single Ladies singer got on stage on Sunday night, the celebrations on Saturday evening were thoroughly enjoyed by the guests. White chandeliers, red roses and shimmery lights added to the charm of the Udaivilas Palace. A large statue of Lord Shrinathji was seen at the venue. The sangeet ceremony began with a maha-aarti of the deity.

More musical festivities followed soon after. The entire Ambani family was seen on the stage this evening. While Nita and Mukesh Ambani performed a romantic track from the film Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Akash Ambani and fiancée Shloka Mehta shook a leg to the song Khabar Nahi from Dostana. Isha and Anand, who will tie the knot on December 12 at the Ambani residence in Mumbai, expressed their love through a performance on the number Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Nita along with her sons Akash and Anant danced on Mahi Ve from Kal Ho Naa Ho. Bollywood singer Arijit Singh sang numbers like Jiya Jaye Na followed by Kabhi Jo Badal Barse and more. The venue was bathed in blue lights for the private concert. Parineeti Chopra, too, crooned a few tracks for the guests.

Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, Karisma Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, Karan Johar, and many more marked their presence at the function dressed in beautiful traditional clothes. Ranbir Kapoor and buddy Aditya Roy Kapur flew to Udaipur together late on Saturday night. Besides Beyoncé, Sunday morning also saw the arrival of Rekha, dressed in traditional attire, at the Udaipur airport. She was accompanied by Disha Patani. Maniesh Paul and Sukhbir were also snapped here.

Beyonce, A R Rahman Shankar Mahadevan, Amit Trivedi to perform at Isha Ambani's wedding?

Pre-Wedding celebrations of Isha Ambani-Anand Piramal kickstart in Udaipur
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 8, 2018)

Beyonce KnowlesThe high-profile wedding of Isha Ambani — daughter of business tycoon Mukesh Ambani — and Anand Piramal, is around the corner.

Bollywood stars have reached Udaipur for the pre-wedding celebrations that include sangeet and mehendi. While it is known that Beyonce will be performing at the sangeet, a source reveals that acts by Shankar Mahadevan and Amit Trivedi are also on the cards.

Shankar Mahadevan"It will be two days of grand song and dance sequences. Beyonce's solo performance is the highlight. Singer-composers Amit Trivedi, Shankar Mahadevan and Parthiv Gohil have been roped in, too. They will belt out their hit numbers." The source adds that A R Rahman is likely to perform at the wedding reception on December 15.

Yesterday, the Ambanis kicked off the four-day-long Anna Seva in Udaipur that will see them feed three square meals to over 5,000 people. A specially curated exhibit that will showcase 108 traditional Indian crafts, has also been set up at the venue.

Amit Trivedi

DNA Exclusive: Here's all the inside dope from Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas Wedding

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas
(clockwise): Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas; On the guestlist: Mukesh Ambani and daughter Isha; Nita Ambani; Shloka Mehta and Akash Ambani

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 2, 2018)

After a whirlwind romance, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra are now man and wife. They had a Christian wedding yesterday afternoon. A source says, “Nick’s father, Paul Kevin Jonas Sr, officiated the ceremony, as per Christian norms. PC looked resplendent in a Ralph Lauren gown for the occasion and walked on a bed of flowers before saying ‘I do’. Nickyanka’s family members recreated their first date, in the latter half of the day.”

Keeping in sync with the theme of the nuptials, the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur was decked up in white. “While the sangeet and mehendi ceremonies were on, the organisers had called for over 50 kilos of white flowers for the Christian wedding. Their family and friends raised a toast to them after the groom kissed the bride in front of everyone amidst loud cheers. PC’s mom Madhu, brother Siddharth and cousin Parineeti had some wonderful things to say post the wedding. Nick’s parents and brothers also shared some secrets about the pop singer-songwriter that left everyone in splits.” The contingent then celebrated PC and Nick’s union with a cocktail dinner.

PC-Nick will tie the knot once again today afternoon in a traditional Hindu ceremony at the palace’s Baradari Lawns. While reports have suggested that Priyanka will sport a stylish red ensemble by designer duo Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla for her Hindu wedding ceremony, the presence of Sabyasachi Mukherjee at the nuptials has led to speculation that she may actually sport a traditional outfit designed by the latter. The white floral decorations will be replaced with colourful blooms that have been brought in from different parts of Jodhpur. The mandap will be around 40-feet high with the Mehrangarh Fort as the backdrop. The newly-married jodi will host a lavish party tonight for the guests and will fly to Delhi tomorrow for the first reception, which is scheduled on Tuesday evening.

A WELCOME KIT AND AN NDA
Security has been beefed up at the heritage hotel for Nick and PC’s shaadi. Nita, Isha, Anant and Mukesh Ambani along with Reshma Merchant (Anant’s friend) arrived in Jodhpur on Friday.

Meanwhile, Akash Ambani and fiancée Shloka Mehta along with to-be brother-in-law Anand Piramal landed in the Blue City on Saturday. Each guest arriving at the venue has to show their invitation card to get access to the hotel . Our source added, “They were welcomed amidst the traditional dhol and shehnai with a Rajasthani folk dance performance (kalbelia) and a welcome drink (a glass of champagne), followed by a kit that the lovebirds had arranged. It included the entire itinerary along with a wedding brief for their guests to understand the ceremonies that they were getting ready to witness. The couple handed guests a box of treats (that included Indian spices and eatables) along with a guide that had detailed information about the city and more. As per the Indian custom, they have also gifted them silver coins with the images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. A wishing well has also been set up where the attendees can hang their greetings.” Nick and Priyanka’s initials (NP) have been installed at various places at the venue. None of the guests were aware about the functions before heading to Jodhpur as the hosts had maintained secrecy. To ensure that they don’t face any inconvenience in buying Indian attire at the last moment, pop-up stalls featuring the creations of Punit Balana and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla were set up.

Buzz is that Nickyanka have struck a huge deal with a leading magazine and sold the rights to their wedding pictures at a whopping $2.5 million (around Rs 18 crore), which is why they don’t want any images to be out on social media. We contacted make-up artist Mickey Contractor, who refused to share any information. “I’ve just reached the hotel. I can’t say anything. We have all signed an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement),” he said before disconnecting the call.

FUN AND GAMES DURING MEHENDI
Many family members arrived with the couple on Thursday, whereas their guests including friends and other relatives started coming in only on Friday afternoon. One of the invitees informed, “Madhu Chopra got emotional during the mehendi. Priyanka looked pretty in a pink-and-yellow lehenga for the ceremony. Mehendi Hai Rachne Wali (Zubeidaa, 2001) played in the background as she reached the venue. Nick made a dhamakedaar entry wearing a silver kurta, on Sukhbir’s popular Punjabi chartbuster Tare Gin Gin. Priyanka got an elaborate mehendi done on her hands and feet, and later, the family even asked Nick to find the couple’s initials in it, which he managed to do.”

Apart from the mehendi, the team had planned some fun games, too. “It was Chopra vs Jonas — a battle royal between the two families. Parineeti hosted the event and there were several games lined up including cricket,” adds our informer.

BAND, BAAJA, SANGEET
While the mehendi was held on Friday morning, the gang was ready to rock the sangeet in the evening. “The theme was black, gold and silver, so everyone turned up in their shiniest best. The functions kicked off with a group of Rajasthani dancers performing their traditional dance form for the guests. Post that, Nickyanka walked in together and were seated on a pedestal, like a king and queen. Along with Priyanka, Nick’s mother Denise Miller-Jonas, to-be sister-in-law Sophie Turner and the ladies from his immediate family, sported saris. Nick donned a bandhgala and the men from his side also opted for Indian wear.”

The evening featured several performances from both the families narrating the couple’s love story. “Nick had prepared an entire act on his beloved’s chartbuster tracks including Tune Maari Entriyaan and Gallan Goodiyan. PC took to the stage to groove to Desi Girl. Mommy Madhu and sister Parineeti also joined her later for another song. The Jonas’ too weren’t behind. The family put up a stunning act for the couple.”

A VARIETY OF FOOD ITEMS
The hosts have ensured that the guests get a taste of various cuisines during the ceremonies. “There was a mix of Indian, Rajasthani and Mughlai dishes at the table. There was Chinese and continental food, too. For the western wedding and dinner, chefs were flown down from Goa. There were several coastal delicacies on the platter, along with Indian and continental fare. While the dishes kept changing, one thing remained the same — the food was served in silverware,” our source tells us.


(clockwise): Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas; Umaid Bhawan Palace decked up for PC-Nick wedding; and The couple’s kits for their guests

Revealed: Details of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas's sangeet celebrations


Like most Indian weddings, the sangeet was full of Bollywood numbers, including many songs from Priyanka’s movies, and friendly banter between the groom and bride’s sides
Ismat Tahseen (BOMBAY TIMES; December 2, 2018)

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ wedding celebrations in Jodhpur started with mehendi and sangeet functions on Friday at Umaid Bhawan Palace. The sangeet ceremony was as filmi as you would expect. Priyanka wore a shimmery sari for the function and made an entry with her mom, Madhu Chopra, while dancing to her song Ram Chahe Leela Chahe. Her mother, too, danced with her for a while and then left the stage. It was then followed by the bride’s next performance on Desi Girl. She was joined by her cousin Parineeti Chopra as well as close friend Isha Ambani, along with the other bridesmaids. Together, they danced on another Priyanka song, Gallan Goodiyaan.

Some of the guests who arrived at Jodhpur on Friday to be a part of the wedding were Arpita Khan, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Nick Jonas’ younger brother Frankie Jonas and Mukesh Ambani with his family. The Ambanis were the last guests to arrive (at around 10 pm) and sources say they were in the city for just a couple of hours to be a part of the sangeet.

PEACOCK-THEMED DECOR
As per sources, the decor of the sangeet was based on the peacock theme, with shades of black and gold. From the reception till the sangeet venue, Kalbeliya dancers and attendants dressed up in traditional Rajasthani attire, holding flambeaus welcomed the guests.

The mehendi took place at 12.30 in the afternoon on the same day, in a smaller garden area. In keeping with the theme of the sangeet, the tables were set with dark linen that matched the shimmery table centerpieces. The garden area was also decorated with beautiful emerald green and blue faux peacock feathers and was lit up with golden lights. Informs a source, “Once everyone was ready, they settled down and the evening kick-started with a performance by a Punjabi band. Interestingly, they first played some rousing English music. Then, Anusha Dandekar and a friend from Nick’s side took over the mic as hosts for the evening.” The sangeet ceremony was choreographed by Ganesh Hegde. Singer Manasi Scott was also one of the performers.

A LITTLE NOK-JHONK
Like in most Indian weddings, PeeCee-Nick’s sangeet also saw its share of leg-pulling and nok-jhonk between the two sides, and that set the mood for what lay ahead. Adds the source, “The entire evening was like a competition between the girl and boy’s side. They were pulling each other’s leg and asking questions like, “Hey, I can pronounce your name, can you pronounce mine?” and “Can you do this Bollywood thumka?”

Post this, Priyanka’s girl gang — Parineeti, Quantico co-star Yasmine Al Masri and others — enacted her entire life story, how Priyanka started her career, her and Nick’s love story and how he proposed to her. Parineeti played her cousin in the skit. Even the mothers of the couple played a huge part to make the evening extra special. Says the source, “There was a lovely slideshow featuring childhood pictures of Nick and Priyanka. Nick and Priyanka’s mothers shared their heartfelt thoughts on what their children meant to them. They spoke about how they both were, as kids, their growing up years and how lucky they were to be their parents. It was an emotional moment for everyone.” Jaipur-based designer Punit Balana did the mehendi and sangeet outfits of the baraatis, while Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla reportedly designed the clothes of the baraatis for the wedding.

DHAMAAL ON THE DANCE FLOOR
After the emotional high, the music got everyone grooving. “They first played romantic soundtracks from Beauty And The Beast and Titanic. There were special performances by senior members from Priyanka’s side. The moment Galla Goodiyaan started playing, the couple pulled in the rest of their family members to dance to the track,” said the source. Later, there was a flower shower and a display of fireworks. Guests then went on to enjoy a lavish buffet served in antique silverware.

— With inputs from Neha Choudhary and Divya Kaushik

Images: Family time for Priyanka-Parineeti Chopra, Anil and Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut

Family time
MUMBAI MIRROR (November 7, 2018)

Kangana Ranaut, who is in Manali to celebrate Diwali with family, vintage wine and music, spent Monday outdoors for some sun and snow with her parents, sister Rangoli and her nephew.

Anil and Sunita Kapoor, meanwhile, are in London with daughter Sonam and son-in-law Anand Ahuja, while younger daughter Rhea has joined in with rumoured boyfriend Karan Boolani. On Monday, the happy bunch dropped by a theatre at the West End to catch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s widely acclaimed musical, Hamilton. “The plan is to fan this spark into a flame,” Rhea captioned the image of the family outing.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra was recently joined by actress-cousin Parineeti Chopra and friend Isha Ambani in Amsterdam, where her bachelorette had commenced on Sunday. While the bride-to-be chose a Georges Chakra dress for the occasion – “Featherweight of the world,” she said about her outfit – her gang, which also included sister-in-law-to-be Sophie Turner and besties Srishti Behl-Arya, Natasha Pal, was colour-coordinated in red.

After the party, groom-to-be Nick Jonas left a comment on a picture of PeeCee and Pari shared by the latter. “Wow she is so beautiful. Any chance you could introduce me?” Parineeti shot back, “She is very hard to get! But I can try for you, if you agree to pay the 5 million dollar shoe hiding fee!”

Images: The Chopra and Jonas families let their hair down at Priyanka and Nick’s engagement bash



Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 20, 2018)

The revelry at Priyanka Chopra’s Juhu residence continued late into Saturday, the day she officially got engaged to American singer-songwriter Nick Jonas. After the couple’s Punjabi-style roka ceremony and Ganesh puja, it was time for their families and friends to let their hair down at a bash arranged to raise a toast to the newly engaged duo.

A source close to the actress shares, “PeeCee and her mother Madhu personally looked into all the arrangements, with the help of a ceremony planner. Nick’s mother was wearing Indian outfits for both the functions, which were chosen by Priyanka. She made it a point to see that her parents-in-law and Nick were comfortable at home, in the presence of her family and fraternity friends.”

At the party, Priyanka’s guest list included people she’s known to be close to. Filmmakers like Sidharth Roy Kapur, Ronnie Screwvala, Sidharth Anand, Vishal Bhardwaj and Sanjay Leela Bhansali attended the bash and wished the couple on their big day. Parineeti Chopra, who delivered an emotional speech at the roka, and PeeCee’s younger brother Sidharth attended to the guests.

Alia Bhatt, Arpita Khan Sharma, Aayush Sharma, Shrishti Behl Arya, Anusha Dandekar and Isha Ambani were seen hanging around with Nick and Priyanka. Chef Chinu Vaze, known to given Indian delicacies a foreign twist, was in-charge of the kitchen, supervised by PeeCee’s brother.

DJ Khushi Soni, who played at Pharrell Williams and Ranveer Singh’s Holi bash earlier this year, was in charge of the music at this party, too. The playlist included Nick and PeeCee’s chartbusters among other dance hits. “The mood at the party was very relaxed and casual. Everyone was dancing and making merry. Nick was busy taking videos with his ladylove while they were on the dance floor with her friends, all of whom have already warmed up to him,” says a guest who attended the bash.

While a wedding date is yet to be finalised, preparations for the big day have already kicked in. At the time of going to press, Nick and his parents were in India and were expected to head back to the USA.


Mukesh and Nita Ambani with their daughter Isha


Denise Jonas and Madhu Chopra




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DJ Khushi, NIck Jonas and Priyanka Chopra
DJ Khushi, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' engagement after-party DJ Khushi and friends on what happened in the year's biggest engagement
Mohar Basu and Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; August 20, 2018)

It was a heart-warming morning that cinephiles woke up to in the weekend-gone-by, as pictures of Priyanka Chopra's roka ceremony filled their social media news feeds on Saturday.

Clad in a yellow Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla suit, Bollywood's coveted actor sealed her relationship with American musician Nick Jonas in an intimate ceremony. And while it was only family in attendance to witness the celebration, the real party commenced at night at PC's Juhu home.

Having hired DJ Khushi for her big night, the actor, we learn, looked happy as she danced the night away. The DJ tells mid-day, "I was conscious about giving her celebrated track, Desi Girl, a miss, because I didn't want PC and Nick to become exhibits at their own party. I wanted them to have a good time."

On the play list were songs like Ban Ja Tu Meri Rani and Bom-Diggy. To appease the music sensibilities of the American, a fair share of Western tracks, particularly those of Cardi B and Drake, also got the guests dancing. "Nick Jonas's spirit is more Indian than American. He let his lady lead the way throughout the celebrations. The duo's sense of music is similar."

A 15-kilo cake from Tier Nom Patisserie was ordered to serve the 30-odd guests. A source who attended the celebration says, "Everybody wants to know when they'll get married. It would be soon, but given her schedule, and Nick's tours, it will take effort to arrive on a date. It will be after she wraps up The Sky Is Pink, for which she starts filming next week."

While some suggested a year-end date is being considered for her wedding, other stated that they would tie the knot on Jonas's birthday on September 16. A few in the know also said the couple is eyeing an international location to exchange vows. Yesterday, the actor — along with mother Madhu Chopra, and Jonas's parents Denise Miller-Jonas and Kevin Jonas Sr — was spotted at Andheri's St Catherine Orphan Home. It is heard they made a sizeable donation.

Chopra with the Jonas' at the Andheri orphanage

Mushtaq Shiekh, Alia Bhatt and Arpita Khan Sharma at the engagement party on Saturday evening
Mushtaq Shiekh, Alia Bhatt and Arpita Khan Sharma at the engagement party on Saturday evening

Here's what transpired at Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' engagement bash
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra with Kevin Jonas Sr. and Madhu Chopra. Pic/Instagram, Yogen Shah

Bollywood beauties looked their stunning bash at bash thrown by Isha Ambani for Natalia Vodianova


Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 25, 2017)

When Mukesh and Nita Ambani's daughter Isha hosted a party at her SoBo residence for her Russian friend, supermodel, philanthropist and occasional actress Natalia Vodianova, Bollywood rallied behind the heiress to show her friend a good time. The 35-year-old star of the evening, who goes by the nickname 'Supernova', is in Mumbai for a four-day empowerment programme and charity gala and has spent some time in the Maximum City interacting with special needs children and playing garba with orphan girls at an NGO.

At the bash, the guest of honour made a special mention of the “talented, fun and graceful“ Shraddha Kapoor (who stood out in her Manish Malhotra sheer mini-meets-oversized white shirt outfit) and felt that her selfie partner of the evening, Malaika Arora, “looked like a million bucks“, especially when she briefly let go of the cape of her off-shoulder sheer top for a picture. Joining the duo for another selfie was supermodel-author Padma Lakshmi, making it, in Natalia's words, the “picture-perfect Bombay sandwich“.

The evening, for which special invites (dress code: super stylish) and a lavish menu of Maharashtrian, Gujarati and Rajashani delicacies had been prepared weeks in advance by Isha and Nita, kicked off at 8pm and wrapped up a little after midnight. The ballroom was lit up in gold lights, with celebrities gliding on and off the dance floor to music. Natalia shook a leg with almost everyone, mostly to foot-tapping Hindi numbers.

Bollywood's bachelor brigade of Aditya Roy Kapur, Arjun Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra arrived together and chatted up the Russian stunner but it was fashion designer Sandeep Khosla who was at the centre of Natalia's evening. “He kept trying to make me do shots and I did fall to his charm a few times. Sandeep Khosla, not only one of the best Indian designers, but also such a funny guy and a great dancer,“ she shared after the bash.

Judwaa actors Varun Dhawan and Jacqueline Fernandez arrived straight from a Navratri event and while Jackie stayed put in her floral Anushree Reddy lehenga, Varun switched from a white kurta-pyjama to a semi-casual suit en route to the Ambani's. “He uses my car as a vanity van while going from one function to another,“ the actress remarked. Once inside, the duo caught up with the original Judwaa heroine, Karisma Kapoor, who had arrived with sister Kareena. The sisters also chatted with Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra and Neha Dhupia.

Also present were actors Hrithik Roshan and Armaan Jain, Shahid Kapoor's wife Mira Rajput, socialite Natasha with industrialist husband, Adar Poonawala, singer Kanika Kapoor, designer Anamika Khanna, filmmaker Punit Malhotra and Sridevi's daughters, Jhanvi and Khushi Kapoor.

Sir Ian Mckellen says it with cinema and champagne in Mumbai


Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 25, 2016)

A day before his conversation with Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Ian Mckellen, Aamir Khan and wife Kiran Rao hosted a dinner for him at their Bandra residence on Sunday, May 22. The British actor popular for his role of Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies arrived at 8 pm with lots of questions for the Indian actor. Aamir had his own questions too but insisted that Sir Ian answer them during their interaction the following evening. The one-hour-15-minute session extended by an hour necessitating an urgent 'loo' break for Aanir who otherwise was the epitome of the curious and informed cinema buff in the presence of a master craftsman.



Ditto, Kangana Ranaut, Sonam Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Riteish Deshmukh and Imran Khan who were happy to be in the audience and just listen to the two talk. For world traveller Kangana the opening of the MAMI Film Club was a way to culturally connect with her city and she was at the NCPA for three hours from 6.15 pm. Also present was Anupama Chopra with filmmaker husband Vinod Chopra who announced the opening of the film club, Neerja director Ram Madhvani, Udaan director Vikamaditya Motwane, Kabir Khan whose wife Mini Mathur was the emcee for the evening. They laughed as Aamir admitted that he had made a lot of mistakes in his first 7-8 films and hoped everyone had forgotten their names and that after an emotional scene he feels like he has run a marathon. And they heard Sir Ian say that he was in awe of Aamir's TV show Satyamev Jayate and the worst way to discover Shakespeare was to read him as he doesn't belong in a classroom. Queen director Vikas Bahl missed the talk but caught up with the legend at the Ambani residence where Nita and daughter Isha hosted a dinner for Sir Ian and select guests.

The Brit thespian complimented Nita on her dress, making her blush, before going on to confide that this was his first visit to Mumbai and he was dazzled. Sonam and he discussed books while Rajkummar and Riteish were in seventh heaven in the presence of X-Men's Magneto.

The menu was strictly vegetarian. The guest of honour too is a herbivore and only eats fish. There was a mix of Indian and western dishes and he savoured both the dhoklas and the pasta. But it was the dessert section that Kiran guided him through, from pastries to kulfi, that really interested him. And the champagne with which everyone raised a toast to the man who made Macbeth a household name.