India prepares for Arjun Rampal's F1 after-parties

Lavish settings, aerial acts, multicuisine platter, free-flowing drinks, livewire music and, of course, international pop star Lady Gaga...actor-businessman Arjun Rampal who will host the F1 after-parties promises to show the world that India knows how to party hard.

"It's going to be an incredible setting. It has to be the best of everything because we got to show the world how we party," Arjun said. The 38-year-old is the co-owner of one of the capital's upmarket, chic lounge bars, Lap, which has been given the mandate for organising the after-parties.

"They (the parties have) got to be super glamorous," says Arjun, who believes in "working hard and partying harder".

The F1 after-parties, to be held as part of the Airtel Grand Prix of India, will take place at a special, 20,000 sq ft construction at the Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida from Oct 28 to 30.  India's first Formula One event will be held in the Buddh International Circuit Oct 30.

"The best of people are creating the sets, we will have high energy acts, the best of people doing laser work, well-known international DJs, pop icon Lady Gaga," said Arjun.

"We have got world-class technicians, designers and set designers in India. I can challenge anyone to offer the kind of service and atmosphere we will offer at the after-parties in the budgets that we had. Not that we had a low budget, but at the cost that we worked, it was challenging.

"This is also a window for us to tell the world that we have the best and they can start using our technicians and manpower for their large-scale events," he added.

International DJ Roger Sanchez will perform on day one, Edward Maya the second day and Tom Navy on day three. The cherry on top will be Gaga's finale performance, the ticket for which costs Rs40,000.

There will also be the Indian element. Arjun and his partner, restaurateur AD Singh, "didn't want to lose flavour India".

"We wanted to keep India alive in the whole set. So we have created small windows where there will be elements of Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Khajuraho figurines, etc," said Arjun.

The Indianness will also be seen in the food menu.

"There will be no dal makhni and naan...but, yes, a lot of Indian finger snacks like tikkas, kathi rolls and kebabs. The parties will begin at around 10:30pm. So nobody wants to eat a full-fledged meal. But we will have a blend of multinational cuisine, including shawarmas and stuff.

"All you have to do is to pay for a ticket, and the arrangements will be worth every penny spent," he added.

There will also be star company from Bollywood.

"A lot of people from the film industry are expected to come for the parties. Most of my friends want to come...but let's see how they fix it in their busy schedules. However, I can't give out any names at this point. Lap has its own privacy policy...wait until the party begins," said Arjun.

And for those who miss out on the live performance, Arjun has tied up with UTV Stars to broadcast it later.

(Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)