Business tycoons, corporate honchos and film stars make for glittering company.
And if cricket’s superstars also join them, then it can only be another Indian Premier League (IPL).
Yes, the fifth edition of IPL is round the corner and the season’s arrival began by the players’ auction with mega bucks flowing all around.
Siddartha Mallya, apparently was the youngest bidder. Besides moolah, the Mallya scion was flaunting his well-toned body too. “Yeah, I have been working out and I believe that you need to stay fit to be focussed,” Siddartha told Metrolife. He added, “I am looking forward to the IPL and this year we have bought some exceptional players.”
Siddartha first ate with the other auctioneers and later headed out to the Cubbon Pavillion with his team. He first helped himself to some hot sweet and sour chicken soup and later wielded the chopsticks to dig into Japanese food - Sushi being his favourite.
Nita Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians hung out with Shah Rukh Khan and Harbhajan Singh during the auction. Nita and Shah Rukh never stepped out during lunch but the others chose to wander in the lobby.
Preity Zinta was missing in action but Ness Wadia, owner of King XI Punjab, more than made up for her absence. He looked quite cheerful and when asked about his expectations from the new season, Ness said, “I am looking forward to lots of action, fun and drama. Whatever be the case, nothing can overpower cricket and the show will go on.”
Asked if the Sahara India Parivar pullout from IPL and BCCI was a concern, he said,, “People can do whatever they want but cricket reigns and nothing else matters.”
The man who stole the show at IPL auction was SRK. He checked into the ITC Royal Gardenia late Thursday afternoon and first headed out to meet his aunt who lives in the City. Sources at the hotel confirmed that a Flamingo suite, measuring 3,450 sq ft that is designed like an apartment and meant for a long stay, is exclusively reserved for SRK whenever he’s in the City. “There’s a live bar stocked with the best of Scotch and selection of Vodka, freshly brewed beer, exotic nuts and an exclusive chef to cater to the taste of the celebrity in question,” confirmed the source.
It is learnt that SRK helped himself to an array of Indian dishes such as murgh malai and murgh augaar, a combination of dalbukhara, paneer and dal tadka. He also ordered whips of apple and blueberry. He chose for his dessert a chocolate and hazelnut spread.
For soft beverage, he stuck to Diet Coke. He also ordered a bottle of champagne and Bouvet-Ladubay. “The Scotches and Vodka stocked for him remained untouched,” said the source and added, “SRK’s suite has a pillow with SRK written on it. He was given a photo of himself and wife Gauri, with the ‘Return of the Badshah’ printed on it besides a lot of other goodies.”
Nita chose to check into the Oberoi. It is learnt that the presidential suite she had asked for wasn’t available at the ITC Royal Gardenia.
IPL chairman and BCCI member Rajeev Shukla who remained calm despite the Sahara episode said, “The BCCI rules cannot be turned and twisted to suit individual tastes. We will operate only within the given framework. Whatever happens, the show will go on.”
Media, both electronic and print, waited for a good 45 minutes after the auction was over, for SRK to address the press but alas he walked out with Nita without saying a word.
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