It's been quite a season for Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, now a regular on the English racing circuit. Not only was the presence of the Chairman of the Serum Institute prominently observed at the Epsom Derby and the Royal Ascot this year, but also he did the honours at the unveiling of the statue of King Charles II on the latter’s 350th anniversary
It's been quite a season for Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, now a regular on the English racing circuit. Not only was the presence of the Chairman of the Serum Institute prominently observed at the Epsom Derby and the Royal Ascot this year, but also he did the honours at the unveiling of the statue of King Charles II on the latter's 350th anniversary.
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As racing circles know, King Charles was the founder of the famed Newmarket racing centre, known worldwide as the hub of international racing. Dr Poonawalla's contribution, along with that of others in the international racing fraternity had been responsible for a rather handsome effigy of the colourful King, who came to be known as the 'Merry Monarch.'
Cyrus Poonawala (right) at the unveiling of the statue of King Charles II
As for Poonawalla's flag bearer Gordon Lord Byron, a racing source informs, "He made a belated entry in the winner's enclosure recently and is expected to run the big sprint races this season." Which, if our knowledge of racing jargon still holds good, translates into: 'He was a late bloomer but now that he's on a winning spree there's big things expected of him.'
Have Party, Will Selfie
A delicious serving of some of the city's most delectable women had gathered on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate interior decorator, best selling cookbook writer, glamorous wife, earth mother and doting grandma Zarine Khan's birthday.
Zarine Khan with friends at her birthday lunch
Hosted by her close friends Bina Aziz, Kanika Singh and Sangeeta Singh who had requested all to keep it a surprise, the afternoon witnessed a swathe of women turn the inner chambers of the Royal China in to a cross between a dorm frat night and a ladies lunch, with much laughter, good cheer and taking of selfies. What do you get when you have a roomful of long limbed, long tressed, exquisitely coiffed and dressed ladies of a certain age?
You get selfies, of course. Many, many of them. The birthday girl, resplendent and glowing in a cream ensemble, posed for a selfie with her daughters Simonne Arora and Farah Khan. Then, she posed for a selfie with Kiron Juneja, sister-in-law Mariam Khan, niece Aban Nanavati and hostess Bina Aziz. Next, someone took a selfie of the three hostesses with the birthday girl and this was followed by a selfie featuring Poonam Dhillon, Nisha JamVal, the birthday girl and her daughter-in-law Malaika Khan.
Then, JamVal and Dhillon posed for a selfie of their own and the three hostesses took one again, this time without the birthday girl, then they took another, this time with Zeba Kohli and Neelu Merchant, then there was one with Neelu, Bina and the birthday girl, and another with an expanded group which featured Aarti Surendranath and Laila Khan Furniturewallah.
Then Kunika Sangeeta and Nisha decided to pose for a separate one, followed by a long shot in which more or less half the table appeared. From then on until the starters and soups were done, the selfie activity slackened, only to resume in earnest with Sundari Khan and Bubbles Behl, Sapna Mukerjee and Lally Dhawan joining in until lunch was over.
So that's what happens when you put a group of 30 or more, beautiful, poised, successful and happy women, most of them friends for over decades together. Lots of laughing, and eating and talking and posing and pouting and yes, selfies. Albums full of them!
The Lalit in London
Word comes in that the plans to launch the Lalit Hotel London are almost complete. This venture will see the Lalit Suri Hospitality group, which currently operates 13 hotels across India, foray oversees for the first time.
The group is currently headed by Lalit Suri's enterprising wife Jyotsna (she was one of the only women included in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to the UK a few years ago) and son Keshav Suri, who purchased the prime property located next to London's tower bridge at a Christie's auction a few years ago.
The propertywas previously home to the St. Olave Grammar School and since has been fully restored and converted into a Lalit-branded luxury hotel. "Keshav is currently in London personally overseeing the project," says a source, adding, "The signage is up and with only the final touches remaining, the hotel should be ready to open this summer."
Lalit Suri, who passed away in 2006 in London, was a well-travelled man who had spent time in London and counted amongst his friends the likes of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi. The hotel is being seen as a tribute to his legacy.
Clash of Civilisations?
Oh dear. The fur appears to be flying in the women's wing of this venerable old city institution. The glamorous, outgoing president is said to have somewhat polarized the association with a few ill-advised ventures that saw hackles being raised in the staid environment, resulting in what is said to be a clipping of feathers amongst her supporters after her exit.
"The power centre has shifted," said an insider. "The old guard appears to be back in the saddle. But the rocking of the boat has had piquant consequences," we were informed. To welcome its incoming president, a lady of great sagacity and balance, the members thought it best to organize a soiree to demonstrate their enthusiasm at her appointment.
The get together, held at a SoBo eatery, was going swimmingly well with twee ice breakers such as rounds of 'how well do you know her', underway parties, when a few over enthusiastic ladies got carried away and a few inappropriate remarks were overheard. Needless to say, the guest of honour was not in the least amused, but is said to have retained her legendary poise.
"It's going to be tough to regain kilter after last year" said the source. "Almost a clash of civilizations."
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