Talk of the Town

Looks like politics has made its way to Bhaijaan’s dinner table. Salman Khan recently hosted BJYM national treasurer PM Sai Prasad and his wife at home. Sai Prasad came away impressed by Salman’s “warmth and simplicity” — but it was the cosy photographs from the evening that really got tongues wagging. No red carpets. No filmi entourage. Just Salman, dinner and a rather interesting guest list.

Now that’s what you call a private dinner with public curiosity.

The Zerodha billionaire brothers, Nikhil and Nitin Kamat, seem to have their eyes firmly set on Hyderabad. After investing in Sreedhar Reddy’s CtrlS, the brothers have now put their money into Viceroy Hotels. With a change in management and Anirudh Reddy at the helm, the hotel’s turnaround has been remarkable. The property has been given a smart makeover, the food is reportedly very good, and the spa and gym are said to be nothing short of world-class.

Now everyone wants to know who is advising the Kamat brothers about the lucrative businesses in Hyderabad?

Senior IPS officer Akun Sabharwal has reportedly become fluent in Mandarin, say those close to him. The language skills came courtesy of his stint as Inspector General, North West Frontier, ITBP, which recently came to an end. Sabharwal was posted in Ladakh, where, sources say, he was part of the Indian delegation, along with Army officials, at regular meetings with their Chinese counterparts on India-China border issues. To put across his points more clearly and build a rapport, Akun is learnt to have started learning Mandarin.

Over time, his command of the language is believed to have improved significantly. His Ladakh chapter is now over, but Mandarin could well remain one of the more unusual skills picked up during his time at the border. Akun returned to Telangana after nearly seven years on central deputation. The 2001-batch IPS officer is now awaiting posting, with orders expected shortly.

Enlightenment comes at a price. The urban, online monk and motivational speaker Gaur Gopal Das who is most sought after by ladies groups mostly like FLO and Good Deeds Club Chennai, to mention a few — to give talks, apparently charges a bomb for a two-hour session.

Gaur was in the city last week where he offered “gyaan” on the many aspects of life, to the participants at the 65th annual general meeting of the Federation of Paper Traders’ Association (FPTA) held in a star hotel in the city. While the participants heaped praises on Gaur for his enlightening talk, which many described as very enriching, it is learnt Gaur charged over Rs 18 lakh for that session, which roughly went on for two hours.

For a man who spent the last 30 years as a practicing monk, devoted to understanding and decoding life, illuminating lives with words of wisdom is surely a thriving business.

Who was spotted visiting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and taking his blessings? Preeti Malla Reddy. This lady is everywhere, doing all the right things to be in the spotlight.

What made Nita Ambani come to Jubliee Hills recently? No launch. No public event. No cameras waiting. Just a discreet arrival, with security. One guess is she came to check on how the Reliance store Swadesh is doing here. And what better than a surprise visit to get the actual facts.

When was a wellness spa in Vikarabad raided for drugs? Recently. Cops are unable to get over this — the place is advertised as a health/wellness spa, and this is what happens too!

Where are Kamini Saraf, Ajita Reddy, Neera Agarwal and their friends holidaying? In Belgium.

Why is actor Prabhas spotted often with Tripti nowadays? It’s a strategy by Sandeep Reddy Vanga as they are the lead pair in his film Spirit and he wants the buzz to be alive about his actors. Once the movie is done, Prabhas will be back to his lonely den! So guys, do not read much into this.

He’s the billionaire son of Divi Labs chairman, so it’s no surprise that he marked his milestone birthday in Italy with a close circle of friends, celebrating in style with a series of lavish, classy parties. However, the guest list was interesting, and what’s being talked about is why some of our city’s popular socialites who are part of that cozy group, were not invited!

Jr NTR, his wife Lakshmi Pranathi, who we hear were anyways on holiday in Italy, joined Kiran’s party. Pictures with him in the frame will naturally go viral!

The ladies who looked gorgeous in all 3 days of this celebration were the Bopanna sisters — Seema and Sushma —, Shalini Bhupal, Priti Reddy, Swati of GreenKo, Sruti Reddy and Neelima Divi.

A Prostitution racket involving foreign women busted at Gachibowli hotel recently, has becoming a talking point among the top business circles in Hyderabad. The reason? One among those detained by the police turned out to be a member of a prominent Agarwal family. Six more well known businessmen were were caught here too.

Padel is getting a rather glamorous upgrade. Akhil Akkineni, Saina Nehwal, Mohammed Azharuddin and Naina Jaiswal are among the names adding celebrity and sporting sparkle to the fast-growing padel scene, with the Indian Premier Padel League looking to take the sport to a bigger, more premium stage. Celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs and social regulars are all finding their way onto the courts. The new status symbol? A racket, the right doubles partner and an even better guest list.

Saina Nehwal with Srikanth Reddy Sathi, founder and owner of White Horse Padel Club