Ashok Hinduja celebrated his 70th birthday like many of us are celebrating a lockdown birthday -- with a Zoom party!
The surprise e-party was organised by his wife, Harsha and children, Ambika (who logged in from Dubai), Satya and Shom along with G.P. Hinduja. And although there was no birthday cake, musicians Rahat Fateh Ali Khan joined in from Lahore, Sonu Nigam from Dubai and Anup Jalota from Mumbai to perform songs composed especially for the birthday boy, who was at home in Mumbai with his family.
In his address to all, Hinduja expressed his astonishment at such a wonderful surprise and said that he was scheduling his meetings till one hour before the party as his family insisted in cancelling everything, adding that he was most touched and overwhelmed by his family's gesture.
Agencies
(Top to bottom) Sonu Nigam's soulful performance, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's rendition of songs, and Anup Jalota melodious voice makes the virtual birthday celebrations a success.
Around 2,000 people joined the party from America, Europe, India, the Middle East and Far East. There were Lords and Ladies, business leaders, senior bankers, government functionaries and close friends. The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari joined and wished AP a long and healthy life.
Hinduja also thanked the Hon'ble Governor, the spiritual leaders who had come in a Zoom call to bless him, and various dignitaries.
Naan Bombs & Dhoklas, Kashk-E-Bademjan & Baghali Polow At Carlton House, As Hindujas Light ...
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Lighting Up London
One of the most looked-forward to events on billionaire calendar, the Hindujas’ Diwali bash at their opulent London home was once again an affair to remember.
The power-packed event is an annual tradition, when the billionaire brothers throw open the doors of their mansion, celebrating the festival of lights with the UK elite.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Boris Johnson - the-then UK Foreign Secretary of the UK, have been among guests at the earlier editions of their Diwali bash.
This year, too, saw some of the biggest names in business celebrate with the Hinduja family, last week.
In Pic (clockwise from left): Ashok Hinduja, Lakshmi Mittal, Gopichand Hinduja, Ruchi Ghanshyam
Deck The Hallways
One of the richest families in the UK, the Hindujas are known to go all out when it comes to decking up their lavish home for the annual celebration.
Situated near Buckingham Palace in the heart of London's Westminster neighbourhood, their Carlton House Terrace mansion enjoys an envious setting, overlooking the St James Park.
Lit up for the occasion, the facade of the mansion featured a giant ‘Happy Diwali’ light display, along with laser projections of fireworks.
And as is tradition, guests were served a spread of vegetarian dishes. There were naan bombs, matar kachoris, dhokla and hara bhara kebabs as hors d’œuvres, followed by Persian mains like kashk-e-bademjan and baghali polow.
The Tycoons Exchange Words Of Wisdom
Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, among the guests at the do, was spotted in conversation with host Ashok Hinduja. The ArcelorMittal CEO’s elegant sartorial choice included a classic black suit with a trendy check shirt.
A Performance To Remember
Giving a traditional vibe to affair, devotional singer Anup Jalota kept guests enthralled with his soulful renditions of classic songs.
The 66-year-old, also known as ‘Bhajan Samraat’, opted for a gold kurta and dhoti for the party.
Meet The Hosts
The Hindujas’ played the ever-so gracious hosts, spending time with all their guests. Brothers Prakash and Ashok Hinduja both opted for bandhgalas for occasion. While Prakash Hinduja opted for a shade of grey, brother Ashok chose the classic black.
Ashok Hinduja also posed for shutterbugs with wife Harsha, who kept it traditional in a purple salwar-kameez with magenta threadwork.
Agencies
Agencies
