17 most memorable parties

Parties are like people. Either you like them or you don’t. And, besides the place and placements, it’s the people who make or break a party – be they the hosts or the guests.
Here’s a listing of 17 of the most memorable parties, as far as one can remember. And these are in no particular order with the last one mentioned probably on the top of the list.
1Paris Hilton party hosted by Queenie Singh. A great time was had by all, even though the heiress arrived after the midnight hour, but then you can’t blame the poor (rich) girl for she had a tight schedule.
2Calendar launch hosted by Dr Vijay Mallya on board Indian Princess. People rambled and gamboled around the luxury yacht and helped themselves to beer, wine and the choicest spirits. Of course, there was food, too, to balance your diet.
3Shopping exhibition orchestrated by Sharmilla Khanna. This annual soiree, presented by Mana Shetty in memory of her late mother Vipula Kadri in aid of Save the Children Foundation has women who shop till they drop all for a good cause.
4Fashion Week grand finale party hosted by Anil Chopra. Models, designers, fashion industry folk and others rubbed shoulders and other parts of the anatomy in this spree till three in the morning.
5Christmas Eve hosted by Alyque Padamsee. Sharon Prabhakar sang Christmas carols, with a little help from Ernie Flannagan on the keyboard and that motley lot of carolers including Cyrus Broacha and Kunal Vijaykar. It was time for bhelpuri, beer and other spirits on the terrace of the building called Christmas Eve.
6New menu launch hosted by AD Singh at his restaurant. AD and wife Sabina Singh invite a few (actually, it runs into almost a hundred) of their close friends to try out the new seasonal menu from the chef.
7Re-launch of Rahul Akerkar and partner’s restaurant. Stairway to heaven, that’s what it seemed, as you climbed up the wooden stairs to the first level that housed the bar. Wooden warmth and cocktail camaraderie greeted you with the hosts making sure you have a drink in hand and a bite for good measure.
8 Tenth anniversary of Natasha and Nikhil Chib’s restaurant. How time flies! That’s what everyone was saying as they sauntered into this restaurant that popularised the Burmese dish of khowsuey.
9Anniversary party of Deepa and Suhas Awchat’s restaurant. This restaurateur couple sure knows how to keep up their friendship. And, needless to say, a good time was had by all.
10Kishin Mulchandani’s birthday. This one-time party perennial (of late, he has been a total recluse) sure knows how to throw a rocking party. He made sure it was an affair to remember.
11Art brunch at a SoBo five star hotel. You were sure to hear all the old favourites and more. There were drinks but special mention must be made of the very artistic food stations to satisfy all palates.
12Autumn/winter collection of a fashion brand. Casual chic and winter wear looks were on view while the bar was buzzing at this event orchestrated by Kartik Jobanputra.
13Brunch hosted by Simran Lal and Beenu Bawa. It was that kind of an affair with wines and cocktails that leaves you shaken and stirred as you soak in the splendour of the Deccan. A Sufi dancer added to the impact.
14Chhaya Momaya’s party for Varuna Jani. This was a high tea affair where guests feasted their eyes on the golden girls sashaying across the white ramp as they showed off those bangles.
15Swiss calendar launch. The drama unfolded as designer Narendra Kumar and Jean Philippe Benoit of an international airline unveiled the calendar featuring the lovely Lisa Haydon.
16Launch of Farrokh Khambatta’s restaurant. NCPA got a new food destination with this launch that rocked with live music, drinks and dinner to die for.
17Bombay Times party at the Taj. This was one hip, hop and happening party with almost the entire hotel turned into one, big party zone. The buzz was pronounced and the movers and shakers were moving and shaking their way through the merry mix of guests on the move from one party zone to the other. And everyone wanted the party to last all night long. Marcellus Baptista