‘The Tribune-Chatterati’- 12th.April.2010

The Rashtrapati Bhawan’s usually staid Ashoka Hall for a change was lit up by the glittering stars of Bollywood. Trooping in to receive their prestigious national awards they shone amongst the usual VVIP suspects always present at award function. There was the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and several politicians but the one who stole the show was no doubt Kareena Kapoor watching beau Saif get his and of course Rekha, the ever beautiful muse. Kareena was over the moon and clapping all the way wearing a saree and ethnic jewellery as her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan Pataudi walked up to the President to receive his award, speaking later he said endearingly that he would cease to be a naughty boy and instead “strive to be a more responsible citizen”. No doubt he hopes to get a higher award soon, something that Sant Chatwal who despite being feted at Praful Patel’s party, found few sincere well wishers now that his story has been besmirched. The ever young Rekha was the cynosure of all eyes as she elegantly received her award. The controversial awardee Chatwal for ‘obvious’ reasons did not get the same reception as the other awardees. This was a unique mix of glamour and politicians. It was very apparent that Chatwal was a misfit in this gathering. Given his track record one does not need to wonder why.