Salina Govender and Ushi Goshalia at the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival Media Dinner

Last week Wednesday, the FNB Conference & Learning Centre in Sandton played host to the official launch of the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival headed by Jayespree Moopen, recently appointed Festival Director.

I arrived unfashionably early as I had to swank in almost perfect form although I had food poisoning. On arrival at the lobby I found out hat my name was not on the list which frustrated me but was kindly assisted by officials from Buz PR who arranged my tags immediately. Whilst waiting, I spotted Ashwin Trikamjee, in his signature attire of a suit. I swear the man has not put on a single kilo since I have known him. Before I managed to swank him he was ushered into into the auditorium.

On the far end of the lobby Moopen, who dressed to impress definitely got the thumbs up from me with her very contemporary Indian garb which had a distinct oriental feel. Guests sauntered into the lobby where some hovered around in hushed tones as if it was a funeral and others looked very tired as this was a weekday event clearly some had no time to even touch up their make up.

The lobby was mildly decked with advertorials from magazines to the media and FNB quite prominently.

I caught the attention of Lilly Moonsamy mom of Devan Moonsamy of LotusFM. She burst out in praise of her son and his achievements. I enquired as to her presence at the evening’s show and she iterated that as an Indian we must show support for our culture by being present at events of this nature. Moonsamy was bedecked with the typical Indian woman garb of a flowing sari with the must-have sovereign. A very pleasant and hospitable guest I would not mind having at my dinner table.

Evellin Naidoo of ML Productions synonymous with the Lord Ganesha theatrical that was hosted at the Johannesburg Civic was present. Very friendly and a wealth of information was regurgitated to me about the Indian Cultural happenings in Benoni/Boksburg. The ladies extended an invite to me to come and check out the vibe in Boksburg. Boksburg a place that gives me the same feeling as I have of Jai Ho.

Zing Masakui, wife of the Head of Chancery at the Indian Consulate looked stunning in her sari and when she spoke I could just listen for hours at her pleasant tone.

I was also engaged into a light conversation with the producer of So You Think you can Dance – the Indian version which is soon to be shot in South Africa. Was also offered the opportunity to be a judge in the selection process which I gracefully opted to not decline nor accept as my head took a dive with the food poisoning I had from earlier today.

I bumped into former Isidingo actress, Salina Govender who arrived fashionably early with friend Ushi Goshalia. At this hour both Salina and Ushi were bubbly and friendly.

Ushi looked very familiar to me and she filled in the gaps that we crossed paths at Sushila Raman’s night at Latinova where she was presenting for Sony Television.

Guests were seated into the auditorium for the late night media launch of which I swanked my way out of the event as I had a bad bout of food poisoning.

The media launch was presented thereafter a performance by Moopen’s dance students. I checked in with Ushi and Salina who could only describe the food as YUM which I missed out on!

Some of the highlights as indicated by Moopen was the Dance India Dance Competition hosted by ZeeTv and Eastern Mosaic will host the Bollywood Competition and Rangoli Competition and loads of fun for kids and entertainment by local dancers & musicians – bhangra by Lotus FM – jugglers/stiltwalkers/balloon sculptures.
Guests of note

Terrence Kommal of Sutra Magazine

Ashwin Trikamjee, Maha Sabha

Mr Masakui, Head of Chancery at the Indian Consulate in tow with lovely wife Zing
Salina Govender, former actress on Isidingo

Ushi Goshalia – New Wave Marketing Executive

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