“The Taj at Apollo Bunder” book launch at The Pierre, New York

Last night The Pierre was abuzz with glitz & glam for The Taj at Apollo Bunder book launch. Taj friends Tory Burch, Michael Douglas, Adrien Brody all turned up for the event.

MICHAEL DOUGLAS

ADRIAN BRODY

Edith Korda

MICHAEL DOUGLAS MEET TERRY

The extraordinary story of an iconic hotel – The Taj of Apollo Bunder – book launch at The Pierre Hotel, New York, tonight! Celebrity readers included – Michael Douglas, Anand Girihardas, Tory Birch, Paul Theroux, Salman Rushdie, Adrien Brody, Suhel Seth.

Upon arrival we were met by delightful hostesses who assisted us in getting our table seating from the “Name Tree”.

TANYA JACKSON AND EDITH KORDA

Guests were welcomed by traditional Indian Sitar and Tabla players.

Flowers everywhere!

A tree full of traditional Indian bangles for guests to choose and adorn themselves

A loud gong ushered guests to the grand dining room for the start of a memorable evening.

The dinner tables were decorated with candles and pink orchids floating in golden urns to commemorate the Diwali celebration, commonly referred to as the “festival of lights” – one of India’s most important celebrations.

The grand place settings

 Beautiful orchids were everywhere

Distinguished Guests

TIRU IRANI AND EDITH KORDA

“The Taj at Apollo Bunder” book arrives on stage for its grand unveiling

Indian British novelist and essayist, Salman Rushdie speaking about the history of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai.

Opening remarks by Taj’s CEO Raymond Bickson at The Pierre’s book launch of Taj at Apollo Bunder

Suhel Seth reads Taj’s Finest Hour and how the Taj team puts their guests above all else, even themselves. In reference to 26/11 “We can be hurt but we can’t be knocked down.” The Taj represents the tenacity of the human spirit and will stand for another 100 years.

Suhel Seth requested guests to stand up and applaud the resilience of the Indian people and the tenacity in which they recouped after the attacks.

SUHEL SETH

TORY BURCH AND ADRIEN BRODY READING EXCERPTS FROM THE BOOK TAJ AT APOLLO BUNDER, RECOUNTING SOME OF THE ENTERTAINERS WHO HAVE STAYED AT THE TAJ

Michael Douglas joined the stage in reading from “The Taj at Apollo Bunder” book

A most pleasant experience to enjoy the TAJ HOTEL’S hospitality and to learn of the iconic Taj in India.

The Taj Hotels have their flagship hotels all over the world with The Pierre being their flagship hotel in New York and not to mention the Taj Hotel in Cape Town South Africa.

The evening was a tremendous success and a most wonderful time was had by all.  The guests enjoyed the remainder of the evening dancing and socializing the night away.

Celebrities at the end of the evening after the unveiling of “The Taj at Apollo Bunder”