HIGH PRIESTESSES OF SOCIETY

With the passing away of Parmeshwar Godrej — the society party hostess supremo — tabloids are sighing that it is the end of a grand era. That it certainly is! Her parties were inimitable in scale and drama. From the guest list to the ambience to the flair and élan. Her panoramic formula for the ‘great grand party’ where her mirrored walls reflected multi-tiered crystal chandeliers and art by the masters, while she sashayed in her sensuous lame gowns and jumpsuits ensuring that everyone was having the time of their life.

It was Parmeshwar herself who transported the evening to a dreamlike experience with her persona — clad in suave and elegant couture. The afternoon soirees had the hostess — in her signature beret — orchestrating the party to a pictureperfect do of impeccable entertainment.

She certainly knew how to bring it all together. What everyone who has been her guest will never forget is her individual attention. I still remember her warmth and graciousness, and parties post Parmesh may not easily cross the bar set by her and even Sunita Pitamber, her arch rival. It is an era gone by.

Mumbai is a city that works hard and parties hard. As the financial and movie biz capital, it has its tycoons and mega Bollywood stars that make it the ‘party capital’ of India. I’ve been to some truly notable ones, and here are some people that make the most memorable list for me. Turn to page 2