Imperial V hosted the gala, "When Legacy Wears Silk and Walks Through Glass."
This wasn't merely a celebration; it was a meticulously orchestrated display of power, a strategic ballet of influence where the past, present, and future of four dynasties intertwined.
It was the unveiling of legacy, where these families walked not just with the weight of prestige, but with veiled ambitions, carefully crafted narratives, and intricate power plays stitched into the very fabric of their couture.
Each arrival was more than a mere display of fashion or adherence to formality; it was a meticulously crafted performance, a statement whispered in the language of silk, jewels, and carefully cultivated presence.
The Oberoi Family, renowned for their elegance, redefined luxury travel. Their arrival, marked by the opening of ornate doors, captivated the elite.
Rajshree Oberoi (72) — The matriarch of the Oberoi Global empire entered first, commanding the room with quiet authority. Her gold Kanjeevaram silk sari, its intricate weave shimmering like liquid gold, and her emeralds, each a testament to generations of accumulated wealth and power, caught the light of the chandeliers.
Diplomats paused mid-conversation, their practiced smiles momentarily faltering. Investors instinctively turned, recognizing true power. "She still walks like she chairs the G20," whispered a UN ambassador, his crystal glass, etched with delicate floral patterns, paused halfway to his lips.
Arvind Oberoi (52) — Chairman, Oberoi Global Holdings — followed, a figure of quiet strength and control. His midnight blue bandhgala, impeccably tailored and devoid of ostentatious embellishment, spoke volumes about his understated power. He exuded an aura of calm authority, the kind that comes from years of navigating the complex world of global finance.
Devika Arora-Oberoi (48) — The driving force behind the Oberoi wellness ventures — floated beside him in ivory silk, the fabric whispering against her skin like a gentle breeze. Chakra-stone bangles, carefully chosen for their purported metaphysical properties, adorned her wrists, their subtle clinking a whisper of ancient traditions resonating from the Himalayas to the serene temples of Kyoto.
Aditya Oberoi (27) — Crown prince of Oberoi Global, the heir apparent — entered with the practiced ease of a man born to command. His Monaco-tailored tuxedo, a testament to his impeccable taste, was complemented by vintage cufflinks, each one a miniature work of art, a tangible link to the family's storied past.
Every movement was rehearsed, yet appeared effortless, a carefully choreographed performance designed to project an image of confident leadership.
"Still walking in? Never needed wheels, old friend," he quipped, his voice smooth as polished silver, the words carrying an undercurrent of playful rivalry.
Ishaan Oberoi (24) — The scent of Tuscan vineyards and the tranquility of Kerala wellness retreats seemed to linger in his wake. His Tuscan green suit, a subtle nod to his diverse business interests, projected an image of understated power, a quiet confidence that drew the attention of influencers eager to bask in his reflected glory.
Rhea Oberoi (23) — The dove-grey clad gallerist, her artistic sensibilities evident in every carefully chosen detail of her ensemble. The belt alone, a whisper of shimmering metal against the soft fabric, was rumored to be Cartier's unreleased concept piece, a testament to her connections and influence in the world of high fashion.
Her gaze lingered on the TK Gallery — and somewhere beyond, into the absent eyes of Ananya Madhvan, a silent acknowledgment of their ongoing rivalry, a competition that transcended even physical presence.
The music shifted, the tempo changing from the light, airy melodies that accompanied the Oberoi entrance to a slower, more deliberate rhythm, the strings of the orchestra resonating with a sense of gravitas.
Purushottam Singhania (75) — entered as if he never left the hallowed halls of Parliament, his presence filling the room with an aura of political power. His ivory bandhgala, simple yet commanding, required no adornment; everyone saw the invisible crown of influence that rested upon his head.
Pradeep Singhania (50) — followed like a thunderclap in burgundy, his presence demanding attention.
"TK's return means legacy revival," he murmured to a Jakarta-based investor, his voice low and resonant, the words carrying a weight of unspoken meaning. "But Singhanias? We never vanished."
Vasudha Singhania (48) — Every inch a queen, her bearing regal and commanding. Her gold-threaded Benarasi sari, a shimmering tapestry of tradition and opulence, spoke volumes about her status.
Suhani Singhania (24) — Clad in molten gold couture, she didn't walk — she cut through the air, her presence as sharp and defined as a laser beam.
"See you in Milan," she whispered to a Vogue editor, her eyes fixed ahead, her focus unwavering, her mind already on the next conquest in the world of high fashion.
Tanya Singhania (22) — Health-tech royalty, her presence radiating intelligence and innovation. Her teal ensemble, clean and precise as a scalpel, reflected her sharp mind and her focus on the cutting edge of medical technology.
She walked straight to the TK Health-Tech pavilion, her purpose clear, her trajectory unwavering requirement, not an optional add-on.
A hush swept through the room again.
The crowd held its breath.
The mahogany double doors opened slowly. The orchestra paused. The chandeliers twinkled brighter, as if saluting what followed.
Veer Upadhyay (26): He entered alone first. Matte-black Jodhpuri, no lapel shine, no embroidered excess.
His walk was neither swift nor slow — it was calculated stillness.
He acknowledged no cameras. After, the patriarch and matriarch had arrived.
Harshvardham Upadhyay, in an ivory sherwani with LSE cufflinks, held his posture with a gravitas that silenced speculation. His glance swept across the room — assessing, noting. But when he looked at Veer, there was an unmistakable flicker of approval.
Beside him, Meenakshi Harshvardhan -Upadhyay was resplendent in Kanjivaram silk with a zari border, her bangles whispering rhythm with every step. She greeted the TK artisans by name.
As the soft notes of the quartet transitioned into something bolder — strings laced with subtle percussion — a quiet ripple moved through the ballroom. Staff along the south corridor straightened.
The guests near the champagne tower paused mid-toast.
Neela Bua (50) and Arman Saran (55) — represented the family's passion for art and restoration.
Neela: Possesses a keen eye for detail, evident in her appreciation of the Mughal Emerald Necklace's intricate carvings. Her focus suggests an artistic inclination.
Arman: A renowned architect, demonstrating his skills by sketching renovation plans for the family's ancestral haveli. He envisions a blend of old-world charm and modern functionality in his designs.
Suhani (24) — in a Velvet architect's gown ,corrected a Jaipur model draft. Keen eye for detail, unwavering commitment to authenticity, confident, respectful, passionate.
Rachel (23) — Navy dress with jeweled cuffs, Observed the gathering, Analytical, sharp intellect, keen understanding of her surroundings.