There's something magical about new beginnings - that anticipation of possibilities, that surge of hope as we step into another year.
Looking back at 2024, my biggest revelation has been to invest in meaningful relationships and let go of superficial connections that drain energy! Sounds harsh? Well, it's even more ruthless to squander precious time on relationships that don't nurture your soul or have a future. Life is about growing, learning and building bonds that transcend time - not about collecting social triumphs, isn't it?
I welcomed 2025 exactly as I wished - with my beloved partner KRS Jamwal and our dear friends Pankaj and Vinny Mehra at their Alibaug haven. We spent the weekend sharing stories, laughing over memories, and creating new ones over delectable treats and cuisines including clay oven pizzas, my favorite kadhi chawal and exquisite favorite dishes from our beloved Jammu and Punjab accompanied by favorite childhood tales shared to great laughter and nostalgia!
These languorous sessions were also peppered with indulgences in magnificent barbecue evenings and brunches at some of the most stunning mansions in Mumbai's 'Hamptons' aka Alibaug at the homes of dear friends who’ve made Alibaug their go to retreat from Mumbai.
Joy Kapoor's Floral Fiesta
The doyen of the food business Joy Kapoor is the wizard behind Copper Chimney and Cream Centre! And yet this restaurant mogul is endearing for his disarming humility and warmth. His multi-level Alibaug home is a testament to understated elegance - verdant lawns stretch into thickets and hills, magnificent landscaping designed by his super creative wife Neelu Kapur that takes your breath away. As red and silver paper lantern stars twinkled in the trees, I was transported back to childhood memories of fairy tales and enchanted gardens.
The feast had live stations dishing out delectable hors d'oeuvres, while main course was at a grand banquet table adorned with carved fruit and vegetable salads along with gourmet delights, all artfully arranged amidst stunning flower arrangements and sculptural installations. My favorite was the lobster brioche and lemon butter salmon! Pure magic!
Reena's 'Casual' Brunch
When Reena Wadhwa said "casual" brunch, she meant Mumbai-casual - that effortlessly chic amalgam of whites and beiges, paired carefully with crossbody designer bags, French peak caps and those must-have statement sunglasses and designer trainers! It's a studied casualness that's uniquely Bombay, and I've grown to love it. The afternoon unfolded in Ashok and her garden's meditative calm, seamlessly flowing into a twilight tea that nobody wanted to end.
New Year's Eve at Falguni's
Trust woman achiever Falguni Nayar - founder of super successful Nykaa to host the perfect New Year's Eve finale at her sprawling Konkan-meets-contemporary holiday home! The spread was comfort food at its finest - Punjabi kaali daal, chicken curry, and paneer makhani. Corporate world's banking lot mingled with Alibaug regulars as anticipation built toward midnight. Watching my favorite Deepak and Smita Parekh sportingly saunter to the dance floor before the clock struck twelve was endearing!
Everyone present at the midnight gong hugged and wished each other for the new year amidst whistling and Musical New Year tracks from a live band and crooner!
Underneath all the revelry was the depth of love and comfort that comes from the few close familial bonds one has with one’s partner and those two or three closest friends you can call your own for life - knowing that they get you! There can be no better way to spend the last week of the year than with those who have grown up with the same value systems and bonds of familial love we cherish. For me rambunctious parties may be the fare in Mumbai's whirl through the year- but this time of the year is meant for that special familiar feeling of apnapan!
At the transition of the clock I saw flashes of the year gone by and felt a surge of gratitude for its lessons, triumphs, and even challenges. Every step, whether steady or stumbling, shapes our journey
Looking ahead, 2025 beckons with infinite possibilities. Let’s embrace fresh horizons, forge deeper connections, and chase bigger dreams. The canvas is blank, waiting for new stories to unfold.
As 2025 starts, I’m filled with quiet optimism for what lies ahead. May 2025 bring peace to a world ridden with strife, growth, and the courage to chase what sets our souls on fire
To New Beginnings then!
(Write to Nisha at nishjamwal@gmail.com)
