Bollywood stars to join HK's Diwali ball
The bright lights of Bollywood are set to shine in Tsim Sha Tsui next weekend when stars from the Indian film and entertainment industry hit town for one of this year's biggest Diwali balls.
Organised by the Progressive Indian Businessmen's Group, the 'All Iz Well' Diwali ball on October 31 promises a night of colour, dance and music for 500 guests, among them Indian Consul General Gaddam Dharmendra and community leader and business tycoon Hari Harilela, who will soon celebrate his 88th birthday. Topping a Bollywood contingent flying in specially for the celebration at the InterContinental Hotel in Kowloon will be actress Mahima Chaudhary and actor Jack Bhagnari as well as a troupe of dancers.
Diwali, the festival of lights, will begin on November 5 and continues until November 9. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and is an important part of Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It is known as Diwali in northern India and Deepavali in the south of the country.
Co-organiser Raju Sabnani, president of the Progressive Indian Businessmen's Group, said: 'Our ball chairman Ashok Karnani and the whole committee have put in a tremendous amount of work to make this happen. It promises to be a great evening.'
Hong Kong's Indian population stands at around 40,000.
Last Saturday the India Club and the India Association held their ball in the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Tsim Sha Tsui; and prior to that was the youngsters' party on September 17, attended by 200 young people and 300 adults.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce plans a community ball on November 4.
