Mumbai, Jan 18: It was a grand celebration as "Hotel Taj Mahal", the old lady of Apollo Bunder, was ushered into her 100th year amidst a classy display of vintage cars,
popping champagne bottles, and show of art and music, topped by fireworks illuminating the Mumbai skyline.
It was memorable event for the Tatas who marked Taj's
century by inviting more than 1,400 special guests, the "who's
who" of the country, at a glittering party here last night.
Tata group's non-executive chairman Ratan Tata and Indian
Hotels Company Ltd managing director K Krishna Kumar stood at
the entrance welcoming the guests -- from Ambanis to the
Maharana of Udaipur, from film stars to bureaucrats and
cricketers.
There were a few surprises: former Tata confidant and now
rival Hotelier Ajit Kerkar walked in to be part of the
celebration of the "Taj", a brand that he nurtured for decades
as chairman and managing director of IHCL.
The swimming pool was converted into a multi-layered
stand to accommodate the guests for a multimedia show giving
an insight into the hotel's history.
In a written message to the Tatas, Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee described the occasion as a milestone for not
only the Taj group but also hotel and hospitality business in
India.
"It is an important footprint in India's journey as a
modern and self-confident nation", he said.
Bureau Report
