Amid conversations on politics and rising AQI levels, Sufi Kathak dancer Manjari Chaturvedi celebrated yet another “40th birthday” with friends at the residence of author and former diplomat Bhaichand Patel. Known in Delhi’s P3 circles for his Valentine’s Day parties, Bhaichand Bhaichand was the host of the evening.Sharing details about her recurring celebration, Manjari told us, “I famously celebrate my 40th birthday every year, and every year all my friends come. So how many times have I celebrated my 40th, which 40th – nobody cares. And I intend to celebrate my 40th birthday for a couple more years, as long as I feel like it. If someone throws another number at me, I’m like, ‘What are you saying? I didn’t hear it.’ Also, my book was recently launched and some friends couldn’t attend, so this became another excuse for all of us to get together.”
Shyam Saran (on left)
Diljeet Titus (on right)
Ashwani Kumar
Rakhshanda Jalil
Diljeet Titus and Justice Najmi Waziri (L-R)
Sanjaya Baru
Pallam Raju, Aryama Sundaram and Yakub Mathew
We both came to Delhi around the same time: Bhaichand PatelAs she hosted her birthday at Bhaichand’s home, both spoke about the bond they share. “We both came to Delhi around the same time – 25 years ago. She came from Lucknow and I came from Bombay. We met at Neemrana Fort; she was performing and I was invited to the event. We have been friends ever since. This is her second birthday party here, and I must say – nothing like old friends,” says Bhaichand.Manjari added, “When I met Bhaichand, I had just come from Lucknow and didn’t know anyone in Delhi. His was the first Delhi party I was invited to. For someone coming from Lucknow, the friends I made in Delhi were because I started attending his dinners and parties. I was accepted into Delhi’s circle and became a part of it because of Bhaichand.”
