Nisha’s Mumbai: Nisha JamVwal Writes About Queens, Kindred Spirits And Quiet Celebrations

When women unite

When women come together in support of each other, they create magic. There is a statistic which shows how women make the worst bosses for women—because they can be the harshest critics of their own. While men have their ‘bro code’ and support each other, even as alibis, why does competitiveness and envy enter the friendship of women? This Women bonding was emphasised by curator.

Dr. Supriya Amber at the opening night of ‘Mystique of Seven: 3rd Edition of Seven Sisters Series’ where I was honored as chief guest. At the iconic Jehangir Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda, seven notable women artists from across India displayed their extraordinary works calling themselves the ‘seven sisters’ . Karishma Wadhwa, Neha Goswami Pattnayak, Harshada Kerkar, Aparna Anil, Gurmeet Goldie and Sonu Agarwal joined Supriya Amber, displaying their powerful works that translated into a charged exhibition where the excitement was palpable at the grand hall. We spontaneously held a panel discussion on art and women

artists with the transformative power of collaboration with the artists and aloe the art critic Johny ML.

Royal grace

A recent event I attended—while undeniably grand—had the host playing celebrity and ignoring most of her non celeb guests. In sharp contrast to that event was a delectable celebratory afternoon hosted by my sister-in-law at Soho House.

She is the lovely Maharani of Bhavnagar, Samyukta Kumari Gohil, who hosted a delightful birthday celebration for her granddaughter — the little pink bundle of joy nicknamed Rosy. (Don’t ask me her royal name because it’s a tongue-twister as usual!) Samyukta’s breeding and tehzeeb were evident from a mile away as she personally attended to each guest’s comfort. But then, what does the old adage say? Money cannot buy class, can it? The lunch gathered many maharanis including those of Kutch and Ajaigarh, as well as school friends, family friends and, of course, numerous aunts dressed in floral chiffons looking royal, summery and pink.

Very understated in comparison to the over-the-top Netflix show The Royals where the Maharani is oh so in-the-face overdressed in garish Jadau jewelry and loud thick silks. Stylists of The Royals please note- real royalty never needs to SHOUT money! True class whispers and is underplayed and understood! The little birthday girl Rosy, just one year old, stole the show as she managed to cut her cake with great alacrity and delight. What is it they’re saying about aptitudes coming to children much younger these days?

Spiritual connections

Something so charmingly reminiscent of home and india about a grand thali lunch, isn’t it? My ISKCON sisters from the Krishna Consciousness fold gathered for a convivial celebratory feast at the old-time thali restaurant Thackers to celebrate my never ending birthday. We ate up a storm at this charming eatery perched at Chowpatty Beach. The waiters had quite a time managing all 27 of us — and my father was absolutely chuffed being the only handsome man amidst 26 pretty women!

Birthday celebrations

Fellow Taurean Binu Boolani celebrated her birthday with much fanfare at old favourite Goan restaurant O’Pedro. Her film director son Karan Boolani and dynamic film producer daughter-in-law Rhea Kapoor were there looking out for their beloved mom Binu , but my favorite was the sprightly Kookie Boolani also a manager at Soho house who lit up the place with her special sparkle. Bon vivant Vinod Advani stayed until the end, as did I, and we drove back downtown discussing unknown secrets about the old charming Bombay before it was stormed by the nouveau riche Mumbai brigade showing off and out doing each other!

What I’ve realised in the last month over long conversations is that two Bombaywallas who know all the secrets of Bombay’s old-timers are Prahlad Kakkar and Vinod Advani! But I’m definitely not telling.

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