Was this finally the year when Page 3 became nationally significant, with an entirely new gallery of rogues?
The Enduring Political Rogue: Amar Singh
He continued to live from party to party. From the first birthday of his twin daughters to a party for Lalit Suri, Amar Singh showed the world that when it comes to parties, the 3A troika is unbeatable. So where there’s Amar can Anil and Amitabh be far behind? Or for that matter, the 3,000 he always manages to invite, all his personal friends he’ll tell you!
The Enduring Industrialist-Confused Politician Rogue: Vijay Mallya
The Rajya Sabha has never had a larger depository of gold and glitter since Vijay Mallya walked into it. There were more parties thrown to welcome Vijay than there are in India’s political landscape. But then what the heck, he does after all offer free plane rides and free booze. With Vijay, Page 3 will now never be the same again!
The Fashion Rogue: Rohit Bal
Now this is one man that no Page 3 can do without. What I like about him is his honesty. He makes no bones about the fact that he enjoys life and is not once apologetic about it.
The Tired Authoress Rogue: Shobhaa De
From her annual Dussehra parties to the fact that she is India’s presiding literary deity, Shobhaa does not need Page 3 as much as Page 3 needs her. Which is just as well because she’ll be on Page 3 forever!
The Industrialist Rogue: Yash Birla
A sculpted body such as his would put Hrithik Roshan to shame but then what is the sky for if you can’t reach for it after working out? So while working may have been given the short shrift, working out has certainly not! And what a pity that the balance-sheets reflected that!
In all, 2002 was the year of unmitigated joy for the Page 3 set. More and more people embraced it with alacrity. So by the next year I just may have to beg the editor of this magazine for a double-spread. Till then, keep partying: you have great company now!