Malavika’s Mumbaistan: FIFA fever

It’s not a coincidence that the words ‘FIFA’ and ‘Fever’ alliterate. Across the globe, excitement is at an all-time high to herald the advent of the tournament held every four years, which was kicked off last night in Moscow. In India, it’s that season when the who’s who of Indian business, Bollywood, sports and politics make their way on private or commercial aircraft for the World Cup. This time, it’s no different, with the likes of Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, and even politicians like Praful Patel and Rahul Gandhi, expected to attend some of the matches. And, word comes in that yesterday, cricketer Rohit Sharma and his wife were spotted at the opening party in Moscow! With so much glamour, on and off the field, it’s no coincidence that it’s known as the beautiful game either!

WTS WTM

What They Say —

“He’s not that well known in Pakistan either. In fact, someone from the publishing world even asked ‘Who Imran Khan — that tennis player from Pakistan?’ when they heard I was writing the book.”

— TV presenter and author Reham Khan on a primetime news show this week, on her soon-to-be-published book about tAhe cricketer-politician she had once been married to.

What They Mean —

“And, if that isn’t the all-time, epic, former wife takedown, I don’t know what is! Truly, hell hath no fury as a woman scorned.”

MODERN DICTIONARY

Exercise (noun): Physical activity that improves your heart and lung power, as in yoga, working out, gymnastics, sport, games, PE (physical education), PT (physical training), aerobics, jogging, running, circuit training, aquarobics, calisthenics, isometrics, eurhythmics, keep-fit, dancercise, bodybuilding (Eg: It’s really wonderful to see him perform his daily exercise, but what’s with the peacocks calling in the background and those leotards?)

Exercise (verb): To use, employ, make use of, utilise, avail oneself of, put to use; practice, apply, bring to bear, bring into play, implement, exert, wield. (Eg: He must learn to exercise some restraint when it comes to self-publicity and the building of a personality cult; or: he must exercise his power to deliver on his promises).

CELEBRATIONS GALORE

Anand Piramal and Isha Ambani.

Ever since real estate entrepreneur and scion of the Piramal family, Anand Piramal, went down on one knee and proposed to Isha Ambani, the young couple has been making headlines. And now, word comes in that the Piramal family will be in attendance this week in California for Isha’s imminent graduation from the MBA programme at Stanford University, where the convocation address will be delivered by alum Carlos Brito, CEO, Global Brewer. Isha, who holds an undergraduate degree from Ivy League Yale University, is said to have inherited her mother Nita Ambani’s passion for philanthropy and social development. A source informs us that the wedding date has been fixed for December 12 this year. “The wedding will be on the twelfth at the Ambani residence, with the reception held the next evening at the Jio Gardens at BKC,” says the source, adding, “As for the pre-wedding celebrations, they’re all being held in Udaipur!”