'Hiding in plain sight' is a term used to describe the practice of camouflaging the true nature of a relationship by making it so ubiquitous that it becomes a 'blind spot' for prying eyes
George Clooney and Rande Gerber
'Hiding in plain sight' is a term used to describe the practice of camouflaging the true nature of a relationship by making it so ubiquitous that it becomes a 'blind spot' for prying eyes. George Clooney and his best friend and business partner Rande Gerber (husband of former supermodel Cindy Crawford), who he is allegedly in a relationship with, have often been described as such.
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The high-profile friendship between the two - they have bought holiday homes next to each other at Lake Como and, until recently, were the owners of a tequila brand that was recently sold to Diageo for a whopping $1 billion - is said to be a red herring to distract from the actual relationship.
Well, hiding in plain sight appears to be the modus operandi of this svelte socialite whose name has been linked over the decades with various older (and very rich and married) men. Currently single, she is now spotted regularly in the company of a leading industrialist known for his glad eye and flamboyant spending.
Only this time, sources swear that she has taken the precaution of befriending her alleged beau's wife, so that when they are spotted in each other's company together, there are no eyebrows raised. Hiding in plain sight. How convenient!
Attendees at Champions for Change
The love of a new bride
Their pictures are usually seen on the pages of social and design glossies, but this week both Mumbai's Ashiesh Shah and Delhi's Sanjay Kapur were seen rubbing shoulders with none less than PM Narendra Modi, as part of Champions for Change, an initiative aimed at bringing together young businessmen and professionals to share ideas on public good and policy, said to be the brainchild of NITI Aayog's Amitabh Kant.
Sanjay Kapur with PM Modi and Priya Sachdev
And, going by the enthusiasm it generated, it sure did work. "Here are the champions of change! My champion is here with our honourable PM," purred the polo-playing Kapur's fashionista wife, the vivacious Priya Sachdev, on social media about the achievements of her husband (and former spouse of actress Karisma Kapoor). "So proud of you and your achievements, success and growth! Excited for your new journey and responsibility...Jai Hind!" Ah, the love of new brides!
Modi on the Riviera
As expected, his banishment from India has hardly clipped the jet-setting Lalit Modi's wings. The IPL founder is currently engaged in establishing the ION foundation to support cancer research and treatment. Ever since his wife Minal's recovery after her treatment at the Lisbon-based Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Modi appears to be consumed by the cause.
Lalit Modi and Natalia Rotenberg. Pic/AFP
Last week saw him at the legendary Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, overlooking the beautiful Bay of Villefranche, 10 km from Nice and Monaco, where he dined as a guest of glamorous designer Natalia Rotenberg, a new trustee of his foundation, who he described as "the hostess with the most generous heart". Incidentally, Rotenberg, formerly from Moscow, had been in the headlines a few years ago, during her divorce proceedings with Arkady Rotenberg, known to be one of Russia's most influential billionaire oligarchs.
The Rothschild villa is beautifully located on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula and gives a rare glimpse into the lives and homes of the super-rich that generally guard their privacy jealously behind high fences on the French Riviera, according to popular belief. Just the place one would expect to find Modi, we say.
Dadi Janki, chief of Brahma Kumaris Pic/AFP
Still Abs Fab
For those kindred souls who are fans of the delightful British TV sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, which follows the zany life of the New Age and colourful PR guru Edina Monsoon (played by Jennifer Saunders) and her brittle blonde fashion editor BFF, Patsy Stone (played by Joanna Lumley), as they muddle their way through the world of high fashion PR and celebrity, it might not come as a surprise that Monsoon's character is said to be based on Lynne Franks, the equally flamboyant founder of one of England's most successful celebrity PR agencies in the seventies, well known for her adventurous fashion sense and devotion to spiritual and New Age trends.
Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley in a still from the 2016 remake of Abs Fab
As it turns out, satire has not prevented Franks from living the life that Saunders so brilliantly parodies: At 69, the PR doyenne shuttles between Bali and London, and is as much a subscriber to New Age spirituality and lifestyles as ever. This week saw her exulting in the company of Dadi Janki of the Brahma Kumaris, who she calls her 'teacher and inspiration'. The Brahma Kumari leader was in London and Franks seized the opportunity to meditate with her after a celebratory lunch for her mother's 93 birthday that day.
Lynn Franks
"The two most inspiring women in my life!" she said. "They have given me so much." Incidentally, if you haven't seen it yet, do watch Abs Fab, the movie based on the sitcom that released last year. Easily one of our favourites for unending larfs.
Jaggi Vasudev
Shaina's week
Shaina NC, the indefatigable BJP spokesperson, has sure had a delicious serving of meetings with iconic men this past week. The first was when she met Ratan Tata in Nagpur at the inauguration of the National Cancer Institute, where sources say that even in the presence of a slew of politicos and other dignitaries in attendance, the once and ever chairman of Tata was afforded a rockstar status by the assembled audience, which broke into spontaneous applause each time he spoke.
Shaina NC with Ratan Tata at the inauguration of the National Cancer Institute
A few days later, the high-profile politico hosted none other than groovy motorcycling spiritualist Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev over high tea at her bungalow on Napeansea Road, where the guru spoke about the importance of rivers as the nation's pathways to health. "Rivers are one of the most precious resources of our country," said her spokesperson about the meet, adding, "Shaina NC pledges her support to Sadhguru's Rally for Rivers and appeals to all to join in, to help save our rivers and ensure clean drinking water for generations to come."
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