Manisha's corporate connection

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day
Friday, April 28, 2006
Manisha Koirala's latest "good friend" is Tariq Premji, the younger son of IT mogul Azim Premji, of Wipro.

The actress, who has just won an award in Nepal and is currently in Pakistan with Akbar Khan for the screening of Taj Mahal, shares a close friendship with Tariq, who is 25 - nearly a decade younger than the 34-year-old Koirala.

'She's dating Tariq'

Says a source close to the actress, "Manisha has known Tariq for many years. She is dating him, but right now, wants to keep it under wraps. Prior to Manisha, Tariq was dating Farah Mehta (daughter of Rita and Karl Mehta).

She was always fond of Tariq, but at that time, he was involved with Farah, while she was dating Cecil Anthony, so they both stayed strictly friends.

In Bangalore circles, Tariq is known as a good guy, without any airs or attitude. Whenever he comes to Mumbai, he makes it a point to meet Manisha and spend time with her. Whenever he is in the city, they go out for the evening."

Said a spokesperson from Wipro's Bangalore office, "We can't comment on this. Tariq Premji doesn't sit at this office." Manisha, too, was unavailable for comment, but Prashant Chaudhary, her current boyfriend, denies the Tariq rumour.

Manisha Koirala with Prashant Chaudhary (left) at Suchitra Krishnamoorthy's painting exhibition last year "As far as I know, Manisha and Tariq are very good friends, but not dating each other. I think they are close family friends and have known each other for seven years. There is nothing more to their relationship than friendship."

Prashant's party

About his current relationship with the actress, Prashant says, "Manisha and I are extremely close and good friends.

Last Sunday, I had a brunch party for Manisha and her friends at Taxi (Cuffe Parade). I had personally invited the guests."

Tariq: A rundown

Tariq Premji is not part of the family business. Wipro Ltd Chairman Azim Premji's second son is involved with the Azim Premji Foundation, spearheaded by his mother. The foundation runs on Premji's personal funding and aims to improve education standards at state-funded schools.

The Premjis are private people, and lead quiet lives. Although Azim Premji ranks second on the global Indian rich-list, his older son, Rishad, had a very low-key wedding recently.

There was no lavish reception, loud function, or famous names on the guest list. Rishad married childhood sweetheart Aditi in a civil ceremony last year.

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