Grand grandeur
Considering Punjab is a modest sized state in India, it’s remarkable how it has spread its influence across the globe. I’ve always wondered about the vast diaspora of Punjabis in Canada, Manchester, Thailand and countless other corners of the world. Last week, as I traversed its charming towns from Amritsar to Ludhiana to Jalandhar, I discovered the secret behind Punjab’s profound impact on the world, on Indian culture and couture, and most notably, Bollywood! It’s the sheer ‘daleri’ (big heartedness), the legendary hospitality, and the larger-than-life persona of the Punjabis. We were privileged to attend the grand Vardhman Spinning Oswal Jain wedding hosted by my dear friends Suchita and Sachit Jain, where friends had flown in from every country and the Chief Minister of Punjab made a grand entry and stayed on.
Soirée to remember
After two days of joyous revelry, I was thrilled to experience Jalandhar for the first time through the eyes of close friend Rajesh Saggi, who hosted an intimate lunch for us. Later, we visited gentleman farmer Harminder Sangha’s sprawling mansion for tea and met his wonderful family – a scene straight out of a Bollywood film, complete with bhabhis, brothers, sisters, beejis, staff, golden retrievers, and grandkids. It could have been lifted from a Karan Johar film or, even more so, a Yash Chopra classic. The highlight was dinner with the vivacious couple Navtej and Ashu Sandhu. Though exhausted from traversing the Punjab countryside, I was instantly revived by their stimulating company, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and the magical rapport we formed. The piece de résistance was their spectacular dinner spread: quiche Lorraine, tossed goat cheese and avocado salad with cherry tomatoes, mutton stew, golden grilled fish, freshly baked pumpernickel bread– the list goes endlessly! An evening I’ll cherish until I return to celebrate again.
Starlit conversations
I must mention my delightful pit stop in Delhi for a close friend’s special birthday. A cherished memory I shared with all present, was meeting my wonderful husband at this very friend’s home years ago – something I mentioned while roasting him on the mic during celebrations. Sumant Sinha, founder of the pioneering ReNew Power and son of BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, along with his vibrant wife Vaishali, are so dear to us that we would have flown to England for this special night. Among the beautiful people present, it was wonderful to reconnect with Vikram Chandra, founder of Editorji Technologies and India Stories fame, and his wife Seema, food critic with her own culinary podcast. My favorite moments were late into the night when a few of us stayed back and shared fascinating conversations over fennel tea at a round table under the full moon on the terrace garden. Minister and good friend Piyush Goyal arrived just in time straight from a work trip to wish Sumant and joint us at this special ‘round table’!
This was my much-needed respite. While Bombay (or Mumbai) remains enigmatic and exciting, absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, doesn’t it? The city welcomed me back with such warmth and enthusiasm – which I’ll share with you soon (watch this space!) – that I felt rejuvenated enough for another soirée or two!
(Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com)
