Mumbai, June 23 -- Who's hot?
The party scene is forever evolving and new faces replace the regulars every once in a while. Here are seven new social butterflies flitting around on the party circuit these days. Sophia Hayat
The Brit who is in India with plans to break into Bollywood, was partying from the moment she landed here a year ago. "I have always been a partyholic and loved a night out even in the UK. I'll be on the Mumbai party circuit for a long time," the wannabe star promises.
Pooja Misshra
Another aspiring actor, Pooja began socialising only after getting out of the Bigg Boss House. At times, she has even been accused of gate-crashing. She refutes the allegation saying, "That's a lie! I only go for parties I'm invited to by my producers."
Shruti Seth
Delhi Belly's success gave her the 'party animal' tag that she abhors. "I don't think I party much, I find it boring to dress up. I only try at times to get the party going and I'm often caught on camera. So the tag!" she reasons.
Parveen Dussanj
Within a short span of time, Kabir Bedi's girlfriend has become somebody from a nobody. Last year, she'd tag along with Kabir or his daughter Pooja. Now, she goes solo and in minutes, the flashbulbs start to explode. Says Parveen, "I prefer partying at home with friends but sometimes you have to go to social events hosted by these same friends."
Amy Billimoria
This small-time designer has grabbed the limelight in the last year and today, is a much-favoured guest and hostess. "I've been part of the fashion industry for 19 years and was a regular party hopper eight years ago. Then I stopped going out but now, I'm back and will be around for a long time," she asserts.
Aditya Raj Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor's son was a recluse until a year ago, but is spotted partying every week now, sometimes even twice a week. "I go to parties to meet producers," he maintains. "I've been a management consultant for 20 years and earlier mingled in corporate circles, but now I keep different company. I'm a third-generation film guy and know an unbelievable number of people," he points out.
Chandi Pereira
The Sri Lankan beauty appeared out of nowhere in 2011. She insists she only goes to parties to meet people rather than fix meetings. Hmmmm, good excuse!
Who's disappeared?
These party animals lit up the party pages not too long ago but looks like they have hung up their dancing shoes now. Here's a look at seven party regulars who seem to have disappeared from the scene.
Kishen Mulchandani
Partying since the '70s, Kishen was one of the biggest party animals in the country. "I don't go for parties now that Bollywood has taken over. What's the use? I don't even get featured on Page 3 since that is now crowded with all these star faces," he complains.
Monika Vazirelli
Once Kishen's party partner, she is rarely seen today. Like him, she reiterates, "I have grown up and grown out of parties. I prefer other things to parties these days."
Raju Daswani
Until a year ago, he was a regular at Sobo bashes with wife Esther but rues that such dos are rare now. "Today, the TV and film crowd are more happening for news publications. Even the janta is more interested in stars," he sighs.
Remu Zaveri
Two of the earliest partygoers, Remu and Naaz Zaveri were an oft-seen couple. "We haven't stopped going out. But these days we don't get featured in the tabloids so we seem to have disappeared," Remu says echoing Raju's words.
Sophie Chaudhry
The former VJ had turned into a full-time social butterfly last year but soon, vanished from sight. She says, "I've been travelling, doing shows and reading film scripts. Even earlier, I used to only go to parties thrown by friends."
Mouni Roy
The TV star and her boyfriend Gaurav Chopra were must-seens at film premieres and TV galas. But after they broke up, Mouni has become Miss Invisible. "I was in Europe and then got busy with my shows which were being filmed in Naigaon. There's no time to go out," she explains. "Once in a while though, I still go to events to support friends," she adds.
Vidya Malavade
After Chak De...India!, Vidya had made partying her full-time profession. However she has been missing from the scene for a year. "I used to party with people I knew like Vijay Mallya, Queenie Singh and Nisha Jamvwal," she says. "But of late, I've been travelling a lot and that leaves me with little time." Chuck de, party?
Published by HT Syndication with permission from Hindustan Times.