WELCOMING THE FESTIVITIES THE HIGH FIVE

Bring on the shimmer, exotic treats and bountiful banter! HELLO! enters the world of five entrepreneurial women, for whom connection, comfort and celebration are the finest aspects of Diwali

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We are in Anand Bagh, a majestic private villa in Juhu, the Beverly Hills of Mumbai. Enter, and one is greeted by peals of laughter, the aroma of freshly brewed tea and a posse of pretty, young 'mompreneurs' doused in dazzling emeralds, diamonds and rubies, glamorous in hot festive couture.

Hostess Priyanka Khanna is known for her hospitality — both at home and at work. A Delhi girl by birth, she confesses to being accustomed to large family gatherings and luxe spaces. She also trained as an intern at her father's export house, before marrying into the family behind Khanna Hotels at 21.

“I’m delighted to host this cosy Diwali lunch!” she smiles, unabashedly. “I enjoy having real conversations with friends, who are all so busy otherwise.”

We’re frequently interrupted by her courteous staff passing delicate hors d’oeuvres like dimsum and sushi. We’re also ensconced in the warm interiors done by maestros Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.

“Whenever I host parties, I get immersed in the process: choosing the flowers, the menu, the décor, the diyas or even overseeing the grazing table...” she adds.

As the ladies take turns for a shot, we get to know what makes these festive months their favourite time of year.

PRIYANKA KHANNA

WHO

A luxury curator, Priyanka is married to Tushar Khanna, with whom she worked on the family-owned Taj Bekal in Kerala from scratch, overseeing its interiors, architectural planning and art. She’s director at the hotel and The Club in Andheri, Mumbai (also owned by the family), where she curates culinary and cultural experiences.

PASSION PROJECT