The number of the day was Ho Gayee Balle Balle, that had Abbas break into an inspired bhangra even as he confessed that the Punjabi number is his current favourite. Organised by V.O.I.C.E, the event had youngsters renewing old friendships and more importantly, striking new ones.

Cut to Black Cadillac, where lots was happening, from an artist making impromptu portraits of the guests to a tug-of-war (War? Between friends? On Friendship Day?). Crystal Ball, too, had a do with youngsters pouring in and taking to the dance floor. The party began at 12 noon and was in full swing by evening. Prizes were being given away for everything - from the most number of friendship bands on a hand to the best dancing couple to simply being there! All in all, it seems that everyone was determined to have a ball as they party-hopped from one do to another and really let their hair down. Guess that's what friendship days are for.

Another one bites the dust
Rajat Barjatya is the modern youthful face of the conventional Rajshri film company, brimming with a thousand new business ideas. The 23-year-old soft-spoken and articulate young man, casually dressed in jeans and T-shirt, explains how he came to start Rajshri Music, which promises to make waves in non-film music. His first venture was Yeh Hai Prem, which he describes as a novel experiment never tried before. ``In other music albums, there is no continuity in the numbers. This 10-song saga has a common thread running through it,'' he states. ``And we stick to our traditional values. The songs are clean family entertainment. Our forte is to encourage new talent.''

The musical album has introduced Milind Ingle, and the actors and directors are freshers on the scene. Barjatya has been involved with the merchandising of Hum Aapke Hain Kaun under the baton of cousin Sooraj Barjatya, and computerising the unit. He has worked with Rajshri Productions since he was 16. ``At Rajshri, the culture is to start young,'' he says smiling.

Public Demand
It was a select crowd that had gathered at Tilak Smarak Mandir on the evening of August 2 to be part of the magic weaved by Gitanjali Rai, as she sang ghazals and songs from Hindi movies. This being her first public performance, the singer, a well-known performer at elite private gatherings, rendered 22 melodious numbers that went down well with music-lovers.

``Earlier, I used to avoid film numbers, despite the stream of requests I would get at every mehfil. One day, while going through the request notes, it struck me that they were all beautiful and popular songs, so why should I have any reservations. That's how this show came into being,'' reveals the singer. ``Also, I am a little particular about my audience, which is why I had not done any public performances till now. But I was thrilled to note that people who came for my performance were exactly the kind would have wished for - those who appreciate music and belong to a very respectable section of society.''

So whether it was the pathos-filled Hai O Rabba or the haunting Duniya Kare Sawaal, Gitanjali sure held the audience captive at the show that went on till well past midnight, ending with the all-time favourite, Dil Cheez Kya Hai. That's the ineluctable magic of music for you.

Ware's the party?
Ever since Aamir Khan asked Aati Kya Khandala?, everyone is tripping over their feet singing the corny number. Which led some smart event-managers to think up a theme party entitled, Aati Kya Khandala. Thums Up staged the bash in the way-off Reality Warehouse, near Ganga Retreat, Nagar Road, but the frisky young crowd zoomed in nevertheless to have a great time. Among the crowd were the winners of free stays at Khandala, awarded to the best dancing couple. DJs Kailash and Roy had everyone playing to their tune, English pop and bhangra rap being the favourites. Of course, Aati Kya Khandala brought the house down. Certainly a new sorta party, held in an huge warehouse.