Mid Day

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Saturday night fashion

Day 2 of the fashion tour saw designers Asmita Marwah, Vikram Phadnis, Gavin Miguel and Ramona Narang enthrall the audience with sartorial splendour. Everything from sheath dresses by Asmita to elegant gowns by Gavin saw gasps and wide eyes in the audience and Vikram's heavily embroidered ethnic wear grabbed eyeballs mostly because of the showstopper he chose -- the dashing Fardeen Khan, who didn't take his glares off on the ramp. Guess he needs them! The other stunner for the evening was Lisa Haydon, who looked every bit the goddess she was supposed to look like in her slate grey gown with a thigh-high slit. The men sure were swooning! The after party also rocked with DJ Whosane in the house.

Star power: Fardeen Khan and Vikram Phadnis

Showstopper talks: Gavin Miguel with Lisa Haydon

Say cheers: Nealesh and Runa Dalal

Spin along : DJ Whosane

Romancing the ramp

The fashion tour over the weekend really rocked the city. Day 1 saw designers Rina Dhaka, Rakesh Agarwal, Rohit Gandhi Rahul Khanna and Anand Kabra take centre stage as the party folks that included Leena Singh, back in the groove for a while, Ram and Sheetal Chugh, Raj Shroff and Dia Bhandary and Rubi and Imtiaz, cheered on. The resort line presented by Rina found many admirers and Kabra's old world designs were truly representative of the Begam era in his hometown Hyderabad. But it was the designer duo of Rohit and Rahul that stole the show. The lovely Giselli Monteiro was the show stopper for the designer.

Bridal splendour: Laxmi Rana

Designs on you: Sanchita Ajjampur

Haute couture: Dia Bhandari and Vani Ganapathy

Black beauty: Swati and Manjul Gupta

Hold on: Imtiaz and Rubi pics/ ramesh hs

Brothers in arms: Rahul Khanna and Rohit Gandhi

So sombre: Raakesh Agarvwal

Black and white: Prasad Bidappa

New beginnings

The launch of a new four-star hotel in the city on Friday evening saw the city's A-listers make a beeline for this party. Host Sabrina Dutta was personally looking after every guest. City crooner Joshua Paulmer belted out numbers like Gimme Hope Joanna, Sicilia and You are my Sunshine from the bygone era. The Mediterranean mezze platters that were doing the rounds were much appreciated and the happy conversations and open dance floor kept the party going.

The black brigade: Sheebha and Jishy

Go grey: Pankaj and Aparna

Let's party: Sabrina and Sanjay pics/ Satish Badiger

Tow much: Tara and Praveen

Here and now: Pradeep and Gita

The dashing host: Vikas Sharma

Howdy: Ravi Oberoi

Saturday night fever

A city five star hosted a happening party on Saturday evening. The party happy people in town saw The Electroverts, a female DJ duo of Nina Shah and Malika Venkat, work their magic behind the turntables. There were also Prayag Mehta and Rishab Joshi from the Lost Stories, another DJ duo who played their signature progressive sounds mixed with uplifting melodies. Amongst the party crowd in attendance were Akshay and Zaid, Priti Chand, Molly, Sindhu, Rhea, Rakshata, Ujwal and Nadia.

Siren alert: DJ Nina

Cozying Up: Ujwal and Nadia

Groovin': Rishab Joshi
You and I: Akshay and Zaid Usma

Bling on: Molly, Sindhu, Rhea, Rakshitha and Anisha

The crowd lives it up

Groovin': Rishab Joshi

Saluting the young pistols

This evening in the Capital was dedicated to the youth across the nation for their contribution in making the country proud. Recently an infrastructure developing company announced the winners for the second edition of the "Young Indian Leaders Awards" to honour them for their contributions. Yuvraj Singh was given the special award for Outstanding Achievement for his terrific performance in the World Cup. We got you some pictures. Have a look. Pics/Shazid Chauhan

Black magic: Pooja Bedi

Tricolour triumph : Yuvraj Singh

White out : Zila Khany

Clap-chap : Jyotiraj Sindhiya

Bush-whacking

Thanks to Muntadhar al Zaidi's infamous tryst with US ex-president George Bush, creative geniuses around the globe have been busy milking the incident. Last time, the Iraqi journo was present in the Capital in person to promote Sandeep Kapoor's play The Last Salute, which revolves around him. This time when it was played out at Mandi House on Sunday, the people who flocked to watch it were the star cast of Murder 2 and other actors. Pics/ Shazid chauhan

Stairway to sucess: Emraan Hashmi

Giving rapunzel a complex: Sonel Singh

On a serious note: Sanjay Mishra

Murder he directed: Mohit Suri

Thanks for the call: Imran Zahid

One collar not enough: Sandeep Kapoor

Reading between the lines: Mahesh Bhatt with the cast of The Last Salute

When wedding bells ring

The city reception of NR Narayana Murthy's son saw bigwings from across industries walking in to bless the couple. It was a grand traditional affair and the couple greeted everybody with folded hands and smiles in revelry of the wedding celebrations.

The newly weds: Rohan and Lakshmi Pics/ Satish Badiger

In conversation: Foreign and External affairs Minister SM Krishna and
Prema Krishna

Leader talks: Karnataka Chief Minster BS Yeddyurappa

Sporty: Anil Kumble with his wife

Off the field: Rahul Dravid with his wife

Big wig: Wipro Founder Azim Premji with son Rishad

Black or white: Kris Gopal Krishnan, Co-Chairman, Infosys

Woman in power: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Biocon

In conversation: Foreign and External affairs Minister SM Krishna
and Prema Krishna

Multitudes of sin

Out there somewhere in a mall in south Delhi is a watering hole which is commiting the oldest sins in the the newests kinds of ways. Renamed after the second cardinal sin, the place was recently re-launched with much fanfare. The evening ended with German jazz and cabaret singer Karen Kohler crooning while the guests gorged on the food (didn't we tell you its about the second sin). Seems good old philosopher Plato was right when he said, 'pleasure is the bait of sin'. Pics/ Shazid Chauhan

Comfort zone: Simar Kohli

Jazzing things up: Karen Kohler

Not without my daughter: Shehnaz Hussain with Nilofer

Chubby cheeks, rosy lips: Emilie Stojanowski

Ground reality

When the camera wasn't focussing on the field, it was trained on these stars, capturing their minutest reactions

Aamir bleeds blue
The actor was at his theatrical best looking tense as India progressed through the match. An occasional wave ensured that the camera focussed on him

Zinta zindabad
The Indian flag was all you could see when the camera panned to Preity. And Nita Ambani must have lost her voice cheering for India

Vivek's take
The newlyweds Vivek and Priyanka seemed as into each other as they were in the match

Sonia, yet so far
The Congress President and her son were at the edge of their seats during the Indo-Pak clash. In fact, the highlight of the Cup was seeing a euphoric Mrs Gandhi - we never knew she was capable of showing so much exuberance

Changing roles

She's made a great subject in front of the camera, but now Jennifer Aniston is moving behind the camera to direct her first short film on breast cancer. CS lists out other women who have been there, done that:

Natalie Portman has signed a two-year deal with a production house to direct her first film based on the memoir A Tale of Love and Darkness

Drew Barrymore is directing her first film movie Whip It which stars the Juno actress, Ellen Page

Hema Malini's first film as a director was Dil Aashna Hai. She is now in the process of completing Tell Me Oh Khuda

As an actor Nandita Das is known for her performances in Earth and Fire. As a director, she made it big with Firaaq

Their Cup of tea...

The big day is finally here and celebrities are abandoning all work to catch the big battle between India and Pakistan. CS spoke to some celebs to find out what they expect from today's match:

Shah rukh Khan
Now that I own a cricket team myself, my interest in the sport has grown. I vote for Sachin (Tendulkar) as my favourite star. I think he is the best in the world. I wish he completes his much awaited century this time. I wish our team all the best and hope they get the Cup home this year.

Sameera Reddy
I love Zaheer Khan and Virat Kohli. Well, Zaks for his competitive streak and the manner in which he spearheads India's bowling attack. Virat Kohli is another cool player. He has talent, temperament as well as the looks to bowl maidens over (smiles). I hope we win this time round!

Sohail Khan
Obviously, I'm rooting for India as I'm a big Sachin fan. It's not just him as a player, but his personality on the whole is so impressive. I love the way he's handled his career; he's so grounded. All my friends are coming over for the finals, so I hope we end up winning today's match.

Three cheers

The children of ADAPT organised a musical extravaganza to wish the Indian cricket team the very best for the semis. Many celebs and cricket buffs joined the cause.

Juhi Babbar and Anup Soni

Sunita Rao catches up with Malini Chib, chairperson, ADAPT Rights Group

Usha Uthup and Shyam Benegal greet each other

A musical welcome for FICCI Frames 2011

When Gitanjali Lifestyle, India's leading jewellery and lifestyle retailer, decided to roll out the red carpet to welcome the delegates and other bigwigs at the opening night of FICCI Frames 2011, the choice was an obvious musical m �lange.

And who better to fire up the musical night than the music maestro Pankaj Udhas, who left the audience spellbound and humming to his popular ghazals.

Nicole Faria sizzles on stage

The excitement soared to new heights when he jammed with the well-known fusion group Rakesh and Friends, formed by Rakesh Chaurasia along with famous drummer Gino Banks, Satyajit on tabla and Shildon on bass.

Sreeraam, the winner of Indian Idol Season-5, followed suit and got the people swaying to the rhythm of hit Bollywood songs.

The evening was hosted by the beautiful Miss Earth 2010 Nicole Faria. The audience got a glimpse of Pankaj Udhas' upcoming DVD of a concert which was held at the Gateway of India celebrating 50 years of Maharashtra's formation.

Sreeraam sings to Bollywood tunes

Pankaj Udhas poses with Gilles Moutounet, VP-International Business, Gitanjali Group

Yash Chopra enjoys the evening

Playful time

Paritosh Painter's new play I Am The Best pulled in a lot of actors at its preview. Delnaz Paul, Shibani Kashyap, Aman Verma, Negaar Khan, Deepshika, Resham Tipnis, Sanober, and others were spotted.

The newly weds: Juhi Babbar and Anup Soni

Red is my colour: Rupali Ganguly

Ruslaan Mumtaz stands tall

Darshan Jariwala's all set for the preview

Fun@Home

Aftab Shivdasani organised a fun get-together for his friends from the fraternity. Laughter ruled in Aftab's small, but cosy home. Good food and filmy gupshup were the highlights.

Aftab Shivdasani bonds with Om Puri and his family

Comic men: Johnny Lever and Razzaq Khan

Gulshan Grover walks in with a smile

Music, dance and Bollywood

Think music and dance, think Bollywood! This success formula of the Indian film industry got a new avatar, with the launch of Bollywood Live, the first ever multi-city Bollywood Dance Music Festival, presented by Percept with Gitanjali Lifestyle as the associate sponsor.

An enthralled audience sat spellbound as Bollywood DJs including DJ Suketu, DJ Akhtar, DJ Hiren and DJ Lil'B unfolded an evening of pure magic.

There was never a dull moment as they came together to entertain the crowd with their latest compositions and remixes of popular Bollywood tracks.

Click here for Bollywood Dance Music Festival slideshow

Sensational dances and new technology laser pyrotechnics, SFX, LED and graphics definitely raised the experience to a different level.

Gitanjali Lifestyle's association with Bollywood Live takes forward the jewellery major's close bonds with the film world. Its jewellery and watch brands have always had Bollywood stars like Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan and Neil Nitin Mukesh, as their face. Besides, Gitanjali Lifestyle has also been closely associated with many other events of the film industry.

The latest presentation, Bollywood Live, was a rocking one with the best of Bollywood music being presented live by some of India's biggest.

If you thought the night was dedicated to only music lovers, think again. The organisers also set up a Bollywood Bazaar that displayed Bollywood merchandise, sets, a Bollywood gaming zone and a whole host of interactive fun activities to make sure all fans took home a little bit of Bollywood with them.

On the fashion turf

A spectacular fashion show presented by Gitanjali Lifestyle held the audience at Turf Club spellbound.
Taking centrestage at the awards night was an exclusive mix of fashion, music and Bollywood at the Vikram Phadnis show presented by Gitanjali Lifestyle.

The unique and creative designs of the ace designer's opulent collections were well complemented by some stunning jewellery collections from the Nizam brand.

Click here for Gitanjali Lifestyle Slideshow

Just when you thought the evening couldn't get more beautiful, in walked Mugdha Godse in a stunning Vikram creation.

The excitement reached fever pitch when Nirvfunk, performed for the first time for Vikram's show. The grand Gitanjali show was a perfect complement to the prestigious event at which the five Turf Clubs of India come together to felicitate and honour champions with Turf Awards.

In addition to the fashion show, the presentation was also interspersed with other sequences of song, dance and comedy. The evening couldn't have been more glittering.

Turning one

The anniversary party of a music site was a loud and crowded affair. With bands playing live music, the guests couldn't stop themselves from grooving. Free-flowing drinks and yummy starters ensured that the guests stayed partied till the wee hours.

Divya Dutta is all smiles

Reshma and Sulaiman Merchant drop in late

Rohit Roy sings a new tune

Adnan Sami doing what he does best

One minute with Anu Malik
I am a die-hard romantic at heart. Very soon I will be coming out with a romantic album with a tadka. So all you guys out there, look out for me.

Sound check

The album launch of TaDhaa by Taufiq Qureshi brought together many music gurus. Big brother Zakir Hussain flew down from Bangladesh to support Taufiq. The latter wowed the guests with a spectacular performance with music band Mumbai Stamp.

Zakir Hussain catches up with Hariharan

Salim Merchant looks on

Brother act: Sajid and Wajid

Anuradha Paudwal is seen after a long time

One minute with Renuka Shahane
The lady who was seen playing anchor after ages told CS, "Taufiq and I go a long way. We went to the same college and then he ended up getting married to my best friend Geetika. I couldn't refuse Taufiq when he asked me to host the show.