Amritas throws Birthday bash for Usman

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Friday, June 09, 2006

If Paris Hilton can throw a lavish party at Las Vegas when her boyfriend turned 21, can Amrita Arora be far behind? The actress is throwing a birthday party for her boyfriend, Usman Afzal, who turns 28 today.

She flew to London a week ahead to spend some quality time with her man, and plan for the big party. We caught Amrita in a whirl yesterday, preparing for her cricketer-beau's bash.

Amu is taking all this very seriously, she's up and about at 8 am! "What to do, yaar? I am doing everything - from the organising the food to taking care of invites, and everything that goes into a party," Amrita groans, good-naturedly.

"I want this birthday party to be very special for Usman. I had spoken to an agent regarding the booking of the exclusive lounge-bar Nobu and they have still to get back to me to confirm the reservation. They serve Japanese and Chinese cuisine and their sushi is simply yummy. I love sushi!"

The special invitees

Says Amu, "It will be an informal get-together of about 25 people with the dress code come-as-you-please. Only family and friends are invited." Best friend Kareena Kapoor will be there, along with boyfriend Shahid Kapur. "I have also invited Salman and Sohail, who will come depending on the time their flight lands in the night."

That's not all. "A lot of Malli's (sister Malaika Arora) friends are either holidaying or working in London and I will have to invite them, too. From Usman's family, his sisters and brother and close friends will come."

But about his parents? "Since Nobu is a club, it would be a bit awkward for Usman's parnts to join us there. But I have met them this time and they are very sweet people."

Usman's b'day gift

"Everything is so chaotic right now," sighs Amrita, and adds wistfully, "I haven't had the time to buy Usman his gift. But I have decided what to buy him. Usman loves gizmos and he is crazy about football. He has all the Playstation games. I will give him a Playstation 3 which has the latest World Cup Soccer game on it."

Amrita wants to wear something special on Usman's special day and has been window shopping for that perfect dress. But she hasn't found what she is looking for.

"Since red is the colour in fashion in London, I might go for a bold red dress or a little black number. This is the first time I am so unprepared and I am looking like a jhalli. Though I have a couple of dresses, I bought with me I will buy something new for the party."

Not just cricket

On this London trip, Amrita has managed to make it all about Usman. "I accompanied him to his matches in Leister and Worster."

Also she went for the opening of the Lazizah chain of restaurants that opened in Nottingham and Birmingham," says Amu, before signing off. The actress will return to Mumbai the day following Usman's birthday.