Roving Eye 8212; Party animals

The Ghetto, on the other hand, needed help to draw in a star crowd. Meghna Reddy was there with Ed Sharples wearing a gauzy shirt 8212; that conveniently got wet and became even more clingy and transparent. Saif Ali Khan was also there sans Amrita Singh, as was Bittoo Mamick. And so was Tara8217; Navneet Nishan. She is fatter in real life than reel life, if that is possible, and was kept company by a very spaced-out Mark Phillip. We now know why they stay together though: Strong man Phillip must be the only male in the country who can lift Nishan. Anyway, they were blissfully unaware of the crowds around them as they were busy snogging all evening. Who says marriage kills romance?

Dancing singer

Shiamek Davar is trying his hand again at another music video. After the debacle of his first English music album Survive, this time Shiamek is going Hindi. And wonder of wonders, his video is being choreographed by none other than Saroj Khan. Even though his jazz ballet has been hugely appreciated in Dil To Pagal Hai, obviously Shiamek is not convinced that his high kicks can kickstart his career as a singer. A Polygram production, the music video is being directed by Kunal Kohli 8212; the Channel V winner of the best music video award for Mera Laung Gawacha. Wife Ravina Kohli, one-time anchor of India Business Week on Star Plus, is the executive producer in this joint venture.

Food fad

The Golden Dragon at the Taj has come out with a special lunch menu to draw in business bigwigs who eat out frequently. And judging by the people who were seen there last week, it has been a complete sell out. Arvind Dubash was there sans Tanya you can always tell when Arvind8217;s at the Taj as his Mercedes SL is parked right outside the hotel. Sanjay Lalbhai, who was down from Ahmedabad, was also seen. The two prettiest corporate faces 8212; Anna Bradmeyer of Beautiful Boulevard and Rhea Pillai of Chopard and Piaget 8212; were there but not together. The bad boy of Indian architecture, Hafeez Contractor, was seen indulging his penchant for Chinese food and Asha Bhosle, glowing in the glory of all the awards she has received lately, made a low-profile appearance. Also spotted was Swati Piramal 8212; the woman who believes in healthy eating.

The menu is in the form of set meals priced between Rs 325 to Rs 725 and it goes without saying that both the food and the service are simply amazing.

Birla bash

If you are a Birla-groupie, then the place to be was the Oberoi on Tuesday night. Kumaramangalam and wife Neerja, hosted a party for the entire family at the Rooftop. And many of their relatives flew down from Calcutta and Delhi for the get-together. Also present were the Bombay Birla8217;s, including Birla daughter Asha Mota who as always was dressed immaculately, but then she is a well-known dress designer herself.

Grapevine

The Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived to Mumbai and to celebrate this the Oberoi8217;s Brasserie is having a special food festival. Among the delicacies on offer are pates, terrines and galantines. The arrival of this wine is a big event in Europe as it is the first release of the year and the best way to judge how good the crop will be. Incidentally, this is the only red wine that is served chilled. Two years ago, the wine hit the shelves of Europe just a few days before Lady Diana gave her interview to BBC8217;s Panorama 8212; that actually helped sales, as most people curled up with a bottle of wine to watch that show. This year, the Oberoi brought the wine in a traditionally French way 8212; on a basket attached to a bicycle.

And finally8230;

Persis Khambatta was spotted at the Nalanda book store at the Taj, checking out her book. Dressed in a heavy salwar kameez, Persis said she was happy with the way the book was moving. Priced at Rs 1,500, we wonder who will buy the book 8212; other than the former Miss Indias.