A huge jam outside Mumbai's Juhu Hotel signalled Zoom TVs invitation-only Holi party, on the hotel lawns. The Holi spirit was everywhere. As you walked in, two men stood ready to welcome you -- one to tattoo you, the other ready to paint your body. Next there was a palmist, and an astrologer using a parrot to tell your fortune. And this was just on your way into the party.
Entering the main lawn, your head was massaged with oil to prevent damage from the colours. The next tent was full of supplies -- various colours, water pistols, pichkaaris, all the weapons and ammunition you need for the day. The last tent was supplying traditional Holi drinks.
In the middle of the lawn there was a pond of water. Some stars were filling water from there. A more enthusiastic star just picked up his heroine and dumped her into the water. Everything goes, on Holi. Most of the people present were small screen celebrities, like Hussain and Tina (pictured). Most of them were reliving their childhood, while a few brought their children along.
Amid the flurry of colours and water balloons, some foreigners were playing a game they didn't understand. But the crowd was festive and the colours rained heavy, and so what if the myth was lost in translation. The DJ, perched high above the lawn, played lively music. The crowd however was more attuned to playing Holi, instead of actually dancing.
One side of the lawn held a well-stocked bar, for those who needed it. Most people seemed charged merely by the presence of the cameras. The security was constantly chasing people who were climbing over the walls to see the celebrities. Small groups of gatecrashers vainly tried to get in.
All in all, it was a pretty fun Holi.
Text: A Ganesh Nadar | Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar
